Author Topic: Minor paint discovery - Brilliantrot (Read 14753 times)

Old2002Driver · « **on:** May 17, 2009, 06:30:34 PM »

Just bought a brilliantrot 91 318is. You've been helpful with my other posts. My car took the usual left front impact which split the front bumper cover along the top groove for the trim. While I search for a new one and other bits, I've been epoxying and filling the damaged one (torn in center and on left side). Will keep as a spare or pass to a track or race owner.

Was in a well-stocked hardware store today and noticed that Rustoleum has several shades of bright red. Took a chance on a spray can of "Sunrise Red". It's raining here in Atlanta and can't do a bright sun comparison, but the initial trial on a portion of the bumper indicates a close match. Since plastic doesn't finish like metal, this may be a reasonable match for fading or repaired bumpers. Just thought I'd pass it along.

carlos318is · « **Reply #1 on:** May 18, 2009, 04:41:22 PM »

My brilliantrot paint has started to fade so what I have used in the past is 2000 wet&dry and a fooking good polisher :cool: takes ages to do but well worth it

DesktopDave · « **Reply #2 on:** May 18, 2009, 05:20:54 PM »

I might have to give that a try...my front bumper is cracked just where you mentioned. What epoxy did you use?

Old2002Driver · « **Reply #3 on:** May 18, 2009, 08:43:16 PM »

I used what I usually keep on hand, JB Weld. It is stronger than the plastic material. I filled and covered the crack from behind and then used a small amount of Bondo to smooth the outside. I initially considered the piece a throwaway, but it's very decent now.

dbgrubbs · « **Reply #4 on:** May 19, 2009, 06:23:42 AM »

Wow! Another 318is brilliantrot owner in the Atlanta area!:)

'91 318is
'87 Alfa Romeo Milano Platinum
'87 Alfa Romeo Milano Platinum
'93 Honda NSR250SP
'02 Kawasaki KLR250

Old2002Driver · « **Reply #5 on:** May 19, 2009, 07:33:25 AM »

And a connoisseur of fine motorcycles and Italian cars, as well, I see! I also have:

BMW F650GS
Suzuki SV650
Yamaha XT225
Kawasaki W650 (in progress)

dbgrubbs · « **Reply #6 on:** May 19, 2009, 07:52:24 AM »

I like your list. I've considered all of yours at some point or another.

Old2002Driver · « **Reply #7 on:** June 06, 2009, 10:38:14 PM »

Actually used my Rustoleum Sunrise Red as a temporary color coat for a small repaired spot on body. As it turns out, it is a VERY close match to Brilliantrot. It'll do until I do a full repaint.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #8 on:** June 07, 2009, 09:46:18 AM »

I'll be trying the expoxy/plastic/Sunrise Red fix soon. It can't make it look worse, so I'll give it a try. Do you have any ideas for the black valence paint? I was going to use some semi gloss Rustoleum, but if you have a better suggestion I'm certainly willing to give it a try.

dbgrubbs:
How does the e30 318i stack up with the Alfa Milano? They're pretty similar cars in layout and weight...what's your opinion?

How many brilliantrot cars must they have made?!?!

Update: So I tried the JB Weld, seems to work well.
The good:
JB Weld oozing through the cracks & curing right now.
The bad:
I broke a few of those damn little tabs on the bumper trim trying to remove it, and then I got stung touching up the rust on the front valence. My honeybees have strong opinions about me keeping up with the rust...or maybe I plant too many flowers?

We'd have more e30's if the salt wasn't so harsh. I should post some pics...you'd be amazed at the damage it does. An unfortunate consequence of living in PA.

2761377 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 08, 2009, 10:47:32 AM »

re-check your paint sticker, boys- the color is spelled BRILLANTROT. only one 'i'. small point, but if you're going to use german spelling, might as well get it right. or if you cannot live without the extra 'i', call it brilliant red.

hth

robert w.

Old2002Driver · « **Reply #10 on:** June 08, 2009, 06:37:51 PM »

(1) Sorry about the spelling error. Better brush up on my German 8 )

(2) DesktopDave: I also broke a few tabs removing my trim. If it needs more securing, I may use small sheet metal screws or pop rivets with heads painted black. Of course, mine is not a "restoration".

DesktopDave · « **Reply #11 on:** June 08, 2009, 08:18:21 PM »

I'll be sure never to spell brilantrot in the same mistaken way again.

I'll also try to avoid pop rivets, maybe with some small screws from the back. They did put about 400% too many tabs in there, the remaining 20 or so should be able to hold that 9 oz. bumper trim onto the cover...as soon as I find some Sunrise Red I'll finish up the bumper and front quarter.

BraveUlysses · « **Reply #12 on:** June 18, 2009, 12:18:10 PM »

Bought a can of this and tried it on a broken fog blockoff plate...amazingly close color match from a spray can!

Good find OP!

DesktopDave · « **Reply #13 on:** June 18, 2009, 01:11:00 PM »

I had some trouble finding that color in stock...maybe all the e30 owners in Pittsburgh beat me to it? Anyway, I tried DupliColor Flame Red. Not too bad either, just a few shades too dark. Far better match than black primer though.

BraveUlysses · « **Reply #14 on:** June 18, 2009, 01:12:58 PM »

I found it at Lowe's.