Faded Wheel Arches

I tried a search but couldn't find anything specific, there is so much in here!

My 53 plate TD5 has faded wheel arches. On the top edge they are almost grey and feel slightly rough. What's the best way to get them back to black?

Also, I sometimes get water dripping from my drivers sun-visor. My drive is on a slope and I suspect it could be related to the sun-roof issues I've seen in here? Can anyone advise please?

Thanks in advance.

Hi Nipper,

I recently purchased a 2003 TD5 from a local LR Dealer, when I looked at the car it too had faded arches, I spoke with the salesman about it and he said he would get them sprayed with a plastic coating, not sure exactly what this is but may be worth giving your local dealer or bodyshop a call.

With regard to the leak, could be from either sunroof, although mine was leaking from the windscreen at the top of the drivers side causing the roof lining to become wet between the A and B pillar above the Drivers side window. Dealer took over a week to sort it out, luckily they covered the cost.

Hope this helps.
Wayne

Try Autoglym bumper treatment (cannot remember the exact name) it works well on the Disco 2 wheel arches.

On the sunroof, I have to fix the leak on mine in the next few weeks, will post photos and details if you want to fix it DIY.

Mantamad said:

Try Autoglym bumper treatment (cannot remember the exact name) it works well on the Disco 2 wheel arches.

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Would agree, a gel-based trim shine that you rub on with a sponge would be good as you can layer it up.

For keeping on top of it once you've got a good level surface back, it's worth trying Tesco's own bumper and trim shine spray (aerosol) ... It's about a third of the price of the 'proper' back to black and seems to work great. It smells really nice too! Makes cleaning the car a pleasure.

If you try and put a spray on too thick it just runs and goes tacky so start off with a cream or gel first.

Thanks everyone!
The arches are really quite 'rough' where they are faded. I did think about taking them off in order to sort it properly but probably not worth the hassle.

I used to have a rubber bumber MGB and black shoe polish was the best for keeping them shiney by building up layers!

Gel coat initially sounds like the best option.

I was going to ask if anyone had photos of their DIY roof fix. It's really annoying to get dripped on!

cheers.

Sun roof, I have the same problem but only when parked on a curb two on two off and only after loads of rain.

Wheel arches i used a tyre shine gel, not only look great but water runs straight off it

Re: Leaky sunroof

My 2000 TD5 sunroof has leaked since I got the damn thing in Feb. I park on my drive which is on a slope and after reversing off and driving away after rain,the water dribbles through the interior light and the sunroof control switches down onto the Cd player, the climate control panel and the passenger!! My main concern was the distraction to the driver who inevitably tried to stem the flow. I had replaced the seal and checked the sunroof drains for blockage to no avail. HOWEVER....after reading other threads on this site I had the bottle to seal around the outer plastic trim to roof with silicone sealant.....voila! One dry Disco.....one happy owner! (eventually) Hope this helps

Sounds stupid but -PEANUT BUTTER, really brings plastics back to black

darth510 said:

Sounds stupid but -PEANUT BUTTER, really brings plastics back to black

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How on earth did that get discovered|?

I had a calibra a few years back and someone on the cally forum told me, worked a treat too!

Has to be smooth peanut butter.

has to be 'Autoglym Bumper Care' (not bumper treatment) - £5.99 from Halfords

the wheel arches on my 2001 Td5 were badley pitted and faded - I tried all sorts of polishes/sprays but none really worked then someone recommended autoglym and after 3 coats they were back to new.

no need to rub hard - just apply with sponge & polish when dry.

Peanut butter is ok but it takes ages to pick off all the crunchy bits after application!!!!!

linseed oil is the best way of doing it, check out the gaylander forum for approval, they all seem to use it