posted 01-03-2001 09:50 AM                  

Understand the Southeast D-C rep wants to know who is experiencing this problem. There may be a possibility of replacing the bumpers with new black bumpers.

Please let us hear from you so we can get this problem fixed by D-C under warranty. The more of a problem, (many bumpers involved), the faster and easier it will get fixed for us.

posted 01-03-2001 10:26 AM                  

Will try for that as a secondary fix. Would like factory parts, not factory paint, as my first option.

Wondering how many other gray bumopers are fading and blotches appearing.

posted 01-03-2001 03:19 PM                  

I emailed and phoned D-C today for some help.
No replies yet, but want to see if they will replace bumpers under warranty.

Talking to two different prowler techs today...they said they have seen numerous cases of this problem, and something should be done. They told me to contact the D-C zone manager.

Hard to find one to come to the phone...so calling upon my D-C contacts.

Would like to have a nice car stay nice looking...so asking for help in new bumpers.

posted 01-03-2001 03:39 PM                  

I remember someone saying that they took their car to the dealer for warranty replacement and the dealer refused saying that they must have splashed something on them. We all know this is not the case and DC should release some sort of tech bulletin on this to better inform the dealers of this irritating eyesore.

Dan at one time suggested Wenol all Purpose Metal Polish. I tried it and it did not work for me.

Please let us know what you find out!

posted 01-03-2001 04:17 PM                  

Thanks for the input.
Yes, I have tried a few things to see if the blotches would disappear. Afraid that I would make the situation worse, I have abandoned trying to clean up the bumpers.

I want this inferior bumper replaced, and I want black bumpers for I do not want to have this problem again with gray bumpers.

I am rather crazy about my prowler...always garaged kept and washed when dusty or driven.
There is no way, my "auto car wash" should have any negative effect on the plastic bumpers to this degree.

I have found 6 Kat owners with this same problem today, and with the prowler techs saying it is a numerous problem, we should get some D-C attention here.

I am asking anyone for help in this bumper issue for all of us. Aren't there some D-C employees on this site regularly?

posted 01-03-2001 04:25 PM                  

Did not realize the Wenol polish did not work for you on your bumper water stains. Did you use the red box or blue box? Did you call the Wenol people to get some hints on how to use their product to remove the water stains?

You must have a more severe case of the blotches.

For not too severe water stains it does do a very good job.

posted 01-03-2001 11:46 PM                  

Therefore, you get my vote....where's the petition to sign.....MIKE and POA site owner friends.....let's add this as the question of the week for the main page. Also, let's do one to see what the current market value is? Maybe one on inventory of dealers....

best regards - (trying never to be) Mellow

posted 01-04-2001 08:24 AM                  

After spending near $50K on a toy, I find it unacceptable to have discoloration and fading on a car that is only driven on weekends and always garage kept.

I am pushing for black bumpers now...have no desire for gray replacements to do this again.

Appreciate you all telling your prowler techs of your problems so we can get D-C to address this problem to help us all.

posted 01-04-2001 10:11 AM                  

I just spoke with D-C and they called my Orlando MFG Rep (Zone Mgr) and he will replace the gray bumpers with gray bumpers under warranty.

Until D-C comes out with some bulletin saying ok to swap out the gray bumpers for black bumpers...it cannot be done under warranty...because they are different part numbers now, so take the new gray bumpers.

Good news....get the bumpers changed out for gray bumpers under warranty, then your bumpers will be at dealership for warranty shipback to D-C. They will see how widespread the problem has developed.

Still in process to get the black bumpers approved to be used for warranty changeout....this is where you must let your prowler tech now of your desire for black. They record your request and the zone mgr will be notified of the black requests.

If they receive many complaints/requests then the zone mgr will have some evidence to help get the black bumpers used for replacements....this is a long process, so tell your prolwer techs now, and get the ball rolling.

Bottom line.....can get gray for gray at this time, at least Kat will look better until we can get the black bumper issue changed.

posted 01-04-2001 06:38 PM                  

But my 2 cents

These bumpers are painted with PAINT with some flattener in it. It is not as durable as gloss paint.

If mine did have spots and needed to be painted/replaced I would go for high gloss black or body color over the factory semi gloss grey/black

I am planning on painting my gray rear bumpers GLOSS BLACK.

IN MY OPINION THIS IS THE BEST AND ONLY SOLUTION TO THE HARD TO CLEAN PLASTIC BUMPERS

If mine are spotted I will post and you can add my name to the list. But I would still have them painted before installing even if they are replaced.

posted 01-05-2001 08:17 AM                  

What paint do you recommend?
Any brand better than others?

I saw Laddie's red bumpers...looked good to me...what did you use Laddie?

posted 01-09-2001 09:07 AM                  

Was there about 1 minute, and I just pointed out the 4 black blotches. The service manager ordered up 2 new front bumpers immediately

P/N QF44TS3AB
P/N QF45TS3AB

They will call and install ASAP....NO HASSLE!!

Anyone else near the Orlando, FL area needing gray bumper replacement, call Carmax at 407-855-0066 ask for (Service Mgr) Rich Boyd.

Good Luck!!