Does anyone know which colour the insert is on a 1990 Tempest Grey Rubbing strip?

I’m not sure if it’s Red or Claret.

Could be either; depends on the headline body colour.

It’s RYQ, a pale metallic blue.

I think red is the most likely complement to that blue.

Thanks.

Claret is most likely. They used Targa red on the high performance models such as 2L and 2L turbos. The two colours look very different. Targa red is a true red colour, the Claret is quite a deep colour (think red wine / burgundy).

Johnny 216GSi wrote: ↑Sat Jun 25, 2022 10:28 am Claret is most likely. They used Targa red on the high performance models such as 2L and 2L turbos. The two colours look very different. Targa red is a true red colour, the Claret is quite a deep colour (think red wine / burgundy).

I did wonder. Unless I’ve missed something, I can’t find any claret replacements.

I’m not sure how easy they are to remove from the rubbing strips/bumpers, but I have considered polishing them with a machine. When the Tomcat was the Show Car at NEC 3 years ago, the RCOC polishing team machine polished the black bumper inserts and they still look good. Thanks Stacey, Add, Kevin and Richard!

Hey

I replaced mine which were chrome with either genuine inserts where I could get them and then vinyl from an online seller on ebay

Been on for 3 years now no issues

Topcat Tomcat wrote: ↑Sat Jun 25, 2022 10:46 am

Johnny 216GSi wrote: ↑Sat Jun 25, 2022 10:28 am Claret is most likely. They used Targa red on the high performance models such as 2L and 2L turbos. The two colours look very different. Targa red is a true red colour, the Claret is quite a deep colour (think red wine / burgundy).

I did wonder. Unless I’ve missed something, I can’t find any claret replacements.

I’m not sure how easy they are to remove from the rubbing strips/bumpers, but I have considered polishing them with a machine. When the Tomcat was the Show Car at NEC 3 years ago, the RCOC polishing team machine polished the black bumper inserts and they still look good. Thanks Stacey, Add, Kevin and Richard!

No, they're quite rare. Removing them from the front and rear bumpers is very difficult. They actually have tabs which are pushed through slits in the bumper moulding. You'll either mangle or crack the strip or the bumper unless you're very skilled and take a lot of time over it. Back away if you think you're going to do damage.

They should respond to a cutting compound - you can try toothpaste (believe it or not) or Auto Glym super resin polish, etc. The surfaces may become nice and smooth and you'll be able to get rid of contaminants, but they may have faded after 30 years in sunlight.

If they're not as vivid a colour as you'd like them to be, have a look for vinyl body wrap in a claret colour and buy a long, thinnish piece. It'll need careful cutting so that it covers the outer faces and the edges disappear where the strip meets the bumper material, but it can be done. Vinyl wrap will last at least 5 years before starting to peel.

You could also consider 800-grit sanding/keying, adhesion promoter spray, plastic primer and a claret base coat with lacquer over the top. Again, careful masking will be needed but you can probably get a paint finish that's pretty much permanent.

Thanks for that. I’ll be taking the bumpers and rubbing strips off the car before the respray, so it my be easier to tackle it then at a comfortable working height!