Hi guys and girls, the title says it all really. How do I go about removing the rubbing strips, front & rear valances and door handles from my 2002 Polo 9N 2dr?

They are textured black plastic, and I want to prep and spray them reflex silver to match the bodywork.

Are the rubbing strips glued on or affixed with screws/clips? Would it be easier to mask up the car and prep & spray them while they are on?

Do I need to take the entire doors apart to get the handles out, if so could you offer some pointers? Or is there a workaround?

And how do I go about removing the black plastic valances/lower bumper on the front and rear? Or would it be easier to do it while they are attached to the car?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

The paintwork on the car is not the best, it is very slightly different shades and textures in places thanks to various prangs & repairs (previous owners) so the paintwork doesn't have to be immaculate, it just needs to blend in.

Edited 25 October, 201312 yr by acme15

Hey bud, I'm unsure on what holds the side strips on, but I wouldn't advise painted them on, only if you really can't get them off!

The door handles should pop out quite easy, if you open the door there should be a little bung just on the inside near the handle, take that out and there's normaly a screw (Allen or Torx) undo that to release the small part of the handle, the actule handle shouldn't be hard to figure out.

As for bumpers, you'll need to whip them off (quite strait forward on these) and then you can split the bottom half away.

Unsure of your painted skills?

When your painting, start with 1 side strip, that way if it goes balls up, there easy to work on.

Also, always store the side strips on a flat surface.

Pic updates in the future please! I like little DIY jobs like this! Reflex silver is easy couler to work with so aim high

Edited 25 October, 201312 yr by SuperMario

Cheers mate :)

I forgot to mention i'm doing the upper mirror shells as well.

The side strips are attached with adhesive, but also have locating holes. No clips as such. As for removing bumper strips as said above its best to remove the bumper and get in from the back. You'll need a couple of flatheads and maybe a spare set of hands as it's a bit of a faff getting the first few clips out but once these are out the rest comes relatively easily (that applies to both the valances and strips :) as for the wing mirrors get a butter knife or something similar and insert it between the join line where the two pieces meet and just pry/twist and they should come off.

Thanks mate, very helpful!

Will post pics of what it looks like when done.

Any advice regarding the spraying method? I have seen various methods, but I was planning on smoothing the plastic, applying plastic/rubber primer, spraying a couple of coats of silver, and then applying clear lacquer. I have never sprayed car parts before. Closest I have got is spraying parts of PC cases which doesn't require so much care and attention.

No worries. Well I did mine and honestly a regret not taking them to my local body shop because for the time and money it cost me in paint he could have gotten a much better finish than I could. But if you fancy giving it a blast yourself. You can sand the texture off first but beware this does take a long time especially if you actually want it smooth. Then a good plastic primer followed by your colour and then a lacquer should do and will look great if you've actually got the

strips fully smooth. If I was going tondo it again however I'd take it to my local body shop like I

said, he would have just used high build primer on the texture, then colour and then lacquer. Or if

you want a flawless finish go to be and buy new

side strips and bumper strips. These can be bought in two different types. Smooth primered or satin black textured. Best advice if you still fancy doing it would be take your time and spend ages sanding the texture off. Don't be tempted to think ahhh that will do haha

Theres counless 'how to' threads regarding diy painting, have a browse, but id use a high build after sanding to loose the mottle.

Also if theve been 'back to blacked' over the years, get a scotch brite and soap and get agressive! Then a good degrease. Before you touch any paint.

Thanks again. I could certainly consider taking the bits to a body shop. I know the pricing will vary greatly depending on the shop, and I can't expect you to know exactly, but as I have literally no idea how much having things sprayed in a bodyshop costs could you give me a ball park estimate for the two side strips, the bumper strips, lower bumpers, wing mirror shells and door handles?

Edited 26 October, 201312 yr by acme15

As you said it differs everywhere. A guy near me would probably charge around 150 I think. His work is pretty good though so if say 150 would be a decent price

Cheers. Would that be after I've rubbed them down myself or....?

id say before you rub them down. price differs a lot depending on quality and also where you live. best way is to pop into a few local body shops and ask them about it. tell them what you want doing and how much that would cost. then ask if you rubbed them down or whatever could that save you some money, but most guys I've asked prefer to do the prep themselves as its a pretty important part so if you get it wrong they dont want you to come back and blame them if that makes sense

Hello again, bumping my own old thread. Shock horror!

I was wondering if you have any pics of your car after the DIY spraying?

? Am I missing something, I want pics of your DIY spraying!

I haven't done it yet haha. Was hoping to see some pics of DIY spraying so I can see how good/bad it looks compared to the 9N's that came pre colour coded..

I have finally fitted a half decent stereo though, I have my eye on some beautiful candy black & chrome BBS RX2's, and I've been looking at coilies for the past little while.

Edited 24 January, 201412 yr by acme15