Well . . . after talking with the paint shop manager today, I've decided to take the plunge and have my '95 Dakota with 105,000 miles repainted. The paint shop recommended that I have it media blasted to get down to bare metal. I will probably replace the rear bumper and put in a new windshield. My problem is one that I see often on this forum: fender flares. I have three that are in good condition except they are faded, the fourth one has a slash in it. I may have found a replacement for the slashed one on eBay. Does anyone know of a way to bring the faded ones back to black? Can they be painted.

Thanks for any suggestions.

I would assume some type of non oil rubber shine like for tires will freshen them up. Maybe some type of clear coat.

There is actually a really nice product I found when I was detailing Harleys for bringing back flat, and plastic black colours. I'm assuming you have the Plastic black fender flares by the way.

S100 Engine Bright its not necessarily meant for plastic in the description but it works pretty good. It comes in a small aerosol can and how I did it with plastic was I either sprayed it onto a micro fibre cloth and rubbed it on or gave it a few sprays along the plastic and then worked it into it. You have to work it into it so that it has a lasting effect though. The more fading you got the more it'll probably take although it can't save everything. Btw don't get it on glossy paints its a pain to get off. And if you get it on any flat paints be prepared to do the entire thing with it cause it'll have the same effect on flat colours. You should be able to get S100 Engine bright through any Harley dealership, some parts companies carry it to I'd suggest the company I used to order it from but I doubt Parts Canada could get stuff to you in North Carolina lol.

Edit: The Mopar product MasterShield Paint Sealant also has the same effects although it is not a spray so it would be much easier to work with. I know this because its what we use on the Plastic fenderflares/bumpers on my mom's 2010 Jeep Rubicon. This will also probably be much easier to get ahold of!

Use Mothers "Back to Black" Works awesome.

Thanks to all of you for your suggestions - I'll probably give both a try to see which works best on my flares. Regarding the slashed flare: the set I found on eBay.com has one with rivet holes in it, go figure lol. Looks like I can get the set for around $50-$60 and merge that set with my old ones to make a good set. Again, thanks!

I'd try cleaning up one you're trashing and spray it with some Krylon Fusion and see how it turns out.

Good idea - Thanks.

Does anyone know if the flares are installed with an adhesive, or only screws?

Need to do this on my flares, the plastic part on the bumper and my mirrors. watching to see how it turns out. how much does a paintjob usually cost?

x2 on the mothers

Screws only.