JAB

The cross-bars on my 1999 RX have lost most of their black paint, revealing an aluminum-colored tube. Any experience or suggestions as to what to use to repaint to match the original?

cotis

I peeled off the remainder of the flaking paint and repainted using gloss black spray paint. Good old Rustoleum Exterior enamel. You can also get automotive versions that are similar from a local Autozone, Pep Boys, O'Reilly's, etc. Mine turned out really well, I also painted the plastic cowl cover in front of the windshield. Obviously I removed it first.

JAB

Cotis: Thanks. So gloss black is a better match than a flat black?

cotis

I would choose Satin, Gloss, then Flat in that order. I used Satin and it turned out really well. Picture is of my car's best day, after 2 days of cleaning, waxing and detailing last year . The car currently has mud all over it and packed in the wheels from driving off-road while hunting!

salimshah

What about the door pillars and black trim around the glass (sides). Mask and paint or removed them to paint.

Salim

JAB

Cotis: Did you recondition those wheels, or simply take good care of them? If the former, what you do?

JAB

What is the best way to remove the remaining black paint from the cross bars before I paint them? Whats left won't peel off, as suggested by one poster.

salimshah

When it comes to paint, if something has bonded well, you can simply paint over it. The problem is when surface is not smooth, then the new paint will not be smooth.

Salim

cotis

I haven't had to paint them yet. They are still original and in good shape on my vehicle.

cotis

Wheels are still original. I have owned this car since 1999. I keep them cleaned (occassionally!) but have never done anything special to them. They have some minor scratches around the lugs from the heavy hands that put new tires on every few years. The tires are large enough that I have never had any curb rash on the rims.

hayafalcon

JAB, Hi, I have had very good results with Duplicolor Bumper Coating. (Purple can, black cap). Available at Target, Walmart, etc. It is actually a lacquer based paint that goes on evenly and dries really fast. Use several thin coats. I have used this stuff on just about everything, wheels, bumpers, windshield wiper arms, and any black trim including plastic. Dries to a flexible satin finish. Good luck, Haya.....

JAB

Falcon: Thanks but I have already bought the Rustoleum. Hope it works.