XM-Xantia Brightwork in moldings & bumpers

[Saraphee]

It seems that almost all XM's & Xantias have a Chrome or SS trim built into the side mouldings and bumpers.
The ones on mine are covered with what seems to be a transparent vinyl wrap, this had become cracked, split and damaged over the years.

Was this intended to be a permanent layer of protection or should it have been removed at delivery. If it's a permanent thing can it be repaired or, as it's unsightly, can it be removed, it seems to be stuck solid to the metal beneath.
If it should be removed how can this be done some 24 years on?

I came across this YouTube video which suggests the trim is easy to take off - but was concerned to note that they do not show that it's easy to put the ss replacement they are offering for sale back on again.


Has anyone any helpful advice?

[Stickyfinger]

I think adhesive tape or adhesive via a caulk gun is required for the stainless steel trim.

Have you tried the clean and polish method on the originals ?
Before/after

[xantia_v6]

The plastic covering cannot be removed from the aluminium strip.

In the UK and other countries where salt is used on the roads, the usual problem is that salt gets into the end f the strip and corrodes the aluminium, which cannot be repaired other than by replacement. In warmer climates, the usual problem is that the plastic covering loses its transparency. This can sometimes be fixed by careful polishing.

The stainless steel replacements are only available for the door trims, not the bumpers.

For the XM, new original bumper trims were available until about a year ago, and they occasionally come up for sale. In France, good second hand items can be found.

[Stickyfinger]

The plastic CAN be removed.....VERY fine polish (not TCut/Chrome polish) and a 3x coating of WATER based lacquer to protect it....lots of wax once cured.

IF the silver has started to corrode and penetrated past to the base then its has blown.

IF it is just the plastic coating that has become dull, DO NOT remove it, try a coat (after cleaning) of water based lacquer over that first,..WATER Based.

[xantia_v6]

The plastic CAN be removed.....

I believe that Saraphee was asking if the plastic coating can be removed from the aluminium foil, which is not possible (in any useful sense).

[Saraphee]

Yes, That was exactly the question I was asking!
Emboldened by the advice received I dug a strip off one of the door trims and now understand.

I then tried to take the strip out from the front bumper but stopped pretty quickly as this does not seem to be attached by the same system - so my follow up question is -
Is bright work on the front and rear bumper fixed by the same method and if not can it be removed and refitted without removing the bumpers?

Another thought, as it will be difficult and expensive to get replacements to Thailand I'm thinking of painting the vinyl bright red - as on my Volcane. Is this likely to give a satisfactory finish. bearing in mind that the vinyl has breaks and cracks through to the aluminium foil?
Never mind the aesthetics, it's only an idea as I dislike the 'cracked' appearance!

[xantia_v6]

The bumper strips are fastened by tangs that go through button holes in the bumper. Removal is tricky but possible with the bumper off the car, probably with the aid of a little heat.

I need to swap the strip on the rear bumper of my XM from a spare bumper, but I keep finding something more urgent to do.

[Stickyfinger]

Based on my experience I disagree with the part about "removal", I did.
This was on areas that needed it as water had got under it....VERY VERY fine paint polish and a 3x top coat (water based)

Note: IF possible do not remove the plastic coating, polish/clean the "plastic" then top that with 2x clear coat (water based)....the shine will return.

DO NOT try removing the bumper strips, they WILL be brittle as they have lived in a hot country. Only remove them from inside the bumper.......which you need to remove to gain access.

[white exec]

You could consider spray painting the dull chrome strips (in situ) - there are a few 'chrome' aerosols around (like DupliColor). I tested one of these on a piece of plastic some while ago, and it looked promising. This was the result of just one coat...

A clear lacquer coat could be added for protection.

[Saraphee]

The important messages I'm taking from these helpful hints is that it is possible to seal the vinyl and then paint over. As the car is silver and the front bumper needs repair and respray the major question now is just go over them all in silver - or mask up and go red to match the Volcane - OH! Decisions, decisions.................