The amount of paint damage to my hood scoop is embarrassing so I'm going to pop off all the vents and paint them black. I'm planning on using plasti dip, so for others that have done the same thing, do I need to clean the existing paint (what's left of it) and sand the surfaces down? Or can I simply apply the plasti dip coats and be done with it? Also, will something like plasti dip apply too thick to the grating of the fender vents?

Alternatively, is there something else that would would hold up better to the type of exposure that the hood vents get?

 

I am tuned in on this one as I have to do the same thing.

 

Gravel Guard is pretty robobust 4x4s usually use it to protect there wheel wells and bottoms of there doors. Most automotive stores carry it.

http://www.emzone.ca/Auto-gravel-guard.html

 

It looks like Gravel Guard goes on clear...? If that's the case, I can't use it since it will just guard the awful paint damage to the scoop. =P

 

I did the vents and scoop... Just clean well with soapy water and rise dry and spray with Plasti Dip

 

Any photos Boosted? I've been considering doing that on my WW.

 

Right over the existing paint, then? Awesome.

And if you could post pics, that would be nice.

 

Please post up some pics! I want do the same thing but don't know what it will look like

 

If I can manage to get some time this week, I'll be plasti dipping mine. At the very least, I'll post some pics up then. Hopefully someone will oblige us before then, though!

 

Plasti dip is like liquid vinyl. If you think normal vinyl will stick, then it would be fine! Not sure how well it will hold up over the two exhaust cents though as its pretty high heat and cooling all the time.

 

The website cites temperature ranges of -30°F to 200°F so it should be fine for the hood vents.

 

I have done mine 3 times since I got it back in August '10. The MR Touring comes color keyed and were white and the first time I did it, used engine black spray paint (1000F durable one) but the second and third time I just used plasti dip.

I would suggest you to sand them down real well before you apply anything to it for better results and do about 4-6 coats and sand them with thinner sand paper each time. You want the surface to be as flat and "clean" as possible before each coat. Use a hair dryer in the lowest settings if you do not have the sun to dry it all. I always did it when it was 80F+ so drying never was a problem (except did it when it was 50 out the first time around lol). If you are to use a hair dryer, make sure you let it sit there like 30 mins so it somewhat drys up.

Fairly easy job, if you have relatively big hands and arms getting through the fender liner to get to the fender vents and/or dropping the screws after you take them out might be a PITA but if you have a ratchet and a magnetic rod you will be just fine. Oh and get yourself a small LED light to make your life easier.