Restoring black on targa top and spoiler | FerrariChat

Restoring black on targa top and spoiler

Discussion in '308/328' started by wildrnesxperienc, Jan 12, 2023.

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  1. wildrnesxperienc

    Apr 9, 2022
    193
    Los Angeles, CA
    What’s the consensus on the best product for this nowadays? I used 303 Aerospace protectant but it’s not as black as I want it. Thanks in advance.
     
  2. s219

    s219 Formula Junior

    Aug 26, 2021
    486
    I believe that is gelcoat, so look at products for fiberglass boats. Is it hazed or faded? If so, a light compound then a wax would do the trick. Test a small area first to be sure.
     
  3. Alex308qv

    Alex308qv Formula Junior

    Jul 1, 2016
    405
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    Alex
    A prior owner took a buffing wheel to mine (not a good idea) so I had it and the airfoil painted black by an autobody shop. Came out looking normal ("correct") which is to say not glossy. I'll give it a wipe with Armor All now and then.
     
  4. Rosey

    Rosey F1 Rookie

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  5. waymar

    waymar Formula 3

    Sep 2, 2008
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  6. Sigmacars

    Sigmacars Formula 3
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    Jul 19, 2006
    1,220
    Are the not Vinyl I never seen a gelcoat targa top or spoiler what car you thinking of I am talking about a 308/328
     
  7. peterp

    peterp F1 Veteran

    Aug 31, 2002
    6,691
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    "Forever Black" is the stuff to use. It is a black dye for automotive surfaces -- it goes no super thin so that you can't tell anything has been added. It's very different from paint, in a good way (e.g. it doesn't leave a thick coating, can't crack, and much easier to apply than paint (just wipe it on)). Use the cleaner first to remove every bit of the 303 before applying the dye. Apply the dye following the directions. Reapply 303 after a day or two to add depth to the color and provide UV protection. Be sure to wipe off 303 after you apply it, it's a polymer not a coating, so 303 only cures/works properly if you wipe it off after applying.

    https://www.amazon.com/Forever-Bumper-Improved-Formula-Larger/dp/B00FAYLPZK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=TQDNOC4KX26U&keywords=forever+black&qid=1673627615&sprefix=forever+black+,aps,105&sr=8-1#customerReviews

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  8. wildrnesxperienc

    Apr 9, 2022
    193
    Los Angeles, CA
    Thanks all. Is it vinyl or is it embossed fiberglass? The top and the spoiler.
     
  9. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
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    Its not vinyl. Its hard and can be sanded smooth. I suspect it is a gelcoat type of product that is textured.
     
  10. s219

    s219 Formula Junior

    Aug 26, 2021
    486

    Definitely not vinyl. Both parts are molded out of fiberglass and appear to have a gelcoat finish, which is applied to the mold prior to the glass layup.
     
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  11. wildrnesxperienc

    Apr 9, 2022
    193
    Los Angeles, CA
    I ordered the Forever Black. I assume I should blue tape off the areas around the spoiler before I do it. Seems like it should work as suggested by peterp above.
     
  12. ginoBBi512

    ginoBBi512 F1 Rookie
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    Oct 9, 2016
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    Back to black is what I use on my 328

    Big G
     
  13. peterp

    peterp F1 Veteran

    Aug 31, 2002
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    Yes, exactly, mask it off as you would paint. It’s a lot easier to apply than paint because you just wipe it on, but mask off any areas you don’t want to be dyed.
     
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  14. wildrnesxperienc

    Apr 9, 2022
    193
    Los Angeles, CA
    Blue 3M painter tape okay for that?
     
  15. wildrnesxperienc

    Apr 9, 2022
    193
    Los Angeles, CA
    Anybody ever taken the spoiler off the car to do it?
     
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  16. Sigmacars

    Sigmacars Formula 3
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    Jul 19, 2006
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  17. wildrnesxperienc

    Apr 9, 2022
    193
    Los Angeles, CA
    Nope don’t think so. I’ll check in a bit
     
  18. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
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    moysiuan likes this.
  19. wildrnesxperienc

    Apr 9, 2022
    193
    Los Angeles, CA
    What do you use? Also bought the Forever Black which I will use if this doesn’t work out.
     
  20. wildrnesxperienc

    Apr 9, 2022
    193
    Los Angeles, CA
    It’s not sticky really but if you put your hand in it it will leave marks. I wiped it some more with a microfiber cloth.
     
  21. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
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    I think it was Maguiars Ultimate. Better but not like it blows me away.
     
  22. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
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    Feb 24, 2006
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    Disregard the black circle but I wanted to show you ever since I bought my car 17 years ago, My targa top and the spoiler always has been shiny even went driving under hard rain a few times and tons of car wash and the shine always stays the same, any idea what’s on my targa top?

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  23. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
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    Probably painted gloss black.
     
  24. s219

    s219 Formula Junior

    Aug 26, 2021
    486
    I'd be hesitant to use any of the "back to black" products on fiberglass with gelcoat, since they are really made for plastic. Once you contaminate gelcoat with a product like that, it will prevent fiberglass-specific products/materials from ever working. This happens a lot on boats, where someone will get similar products (silicone is the worst) on the gelcoat and then you're screwed if you ever need to do a fiberglass repair or gelcoat restoration because nothing will stick. I'd stay with compounds and waxes only on gelcoat. Or just paint over it. There are some marine "topside" paints that stick really well to gelcoat and hold up well over time.
     

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