Proud New Owner & How to apply bumper protector

[qeff]

My wife and I are finally the proud new owners of a MY05 Ash Gold XC70! We collected it on Monday. It drives like a dream. And our two Labradors are quite happy at the back - with windows all around for them to peer out of.

I also bought a 'rear bumper protector' in case the dogs scratch up the bumper while getting in and out. The trouble is, the car was delivered with the plastic cladding and bumpers coated with something like ArmorAll and it feels 'oily' to the touch. The protector comes with double sided tape at the back. I know it won't stick coz of the oil and I'd have to wash/clean off the ArmorAll.

I was thinking of using some medical alcohol swap or using dish-washing detergent to prep the bumper but I'm worried it may tarnish or stain the plastic. Has anyone any experience in getting the bumper to its 'squeaky clean' state without damaging anything?

Any advice or tip will be appreciated.

-Kevin Lee-
2005 Ash Gold XC70
2002 Toyota RAV4

[birddog]

Citrus-based grease solvents will wash the Armor-all off. Then I would clean with the alchohol. I can't imagine it would damage the plastic, but perhaps you should try in an inconspicuous area first.
I have wanted this accessory for some time now but was wondering how it looked on the car. PLEASE post some pictures after it is installed. We all would lke to see some pics of the new MY05 anyway.

Thanks!! :)

[qeff]

Thanks, birddog. I wonder if windex contains amonia and if it'll affect the bumper too. I'll try over the weekend.

Yeah, I'll gladly take some pics and post them. Gotta figure out how to post pics though.

[qeff]

I finally got round to installing the protector. The instructions said to use 30% wiper wash and 70% water mixture to prep the plastic bumper. I'd neglected to see if the box contained instructions earlier.

Here's how it looks... and pics of our pride and joy:

http://images.ofoto.com/photos928/1/63/80/86/45/0/45868063107_0_ALB.jpg

http://images.ofoto.com/photos928/1/63/1/54/72/0/72540163107_0_ALB.jpg

http://images.ofoto.com/photos928/1/63/80/63/25/0/25638063107_0_ALB.jpg