I just got an 06 Areo Blue Roadster, had less than 10k when I got it. (not any more). Anyway the black strip that the top sits on when it's up has some weather damage on it. The last owner must not have kept the car garaged! I am not sure if it is sun damage or what. I tried some Black Magic on it, and it has improved, but another member mentioned that there was a product that would fix this. I searched for it on the forum and cannot find it.

Any Suggestions?

 

Scott I need to replace mine...so if you get any further info, let me know please...mine was bad from the factory...too scared to take to a dealer...they may make it worse...going to have to find the material and do it myself...let me know if you find a part # or someone to replace it...fix it...

 

Don't blame it on the previous owner. I have not seen a roadster that didn't have the same issue. I use Meguiar's Trim Detailer. It's the most effective product I've found to darken it up even.

 

Shouldn't this be covered by warranty?

 

FP,

I spoke to my usually agreeable dealer/service writer and was told these come under "Environmental Conditions" exclusion. If it has wrinkles-OK, but just fading? NO.

 

\

Great, mine has a wrinkle.

 

FYI......I had my strip replaced as soon as i purchased the vehicle and 1 year later it in exactly the same shape. weathered looking. My car is garage stored so i have a sneaking hunch that it doesnt make any difference. If anybody finds a cleaner thou that works i would be most interested.

 

I had my trim replaced last year under warranty, fading and wrinkles.

I have small wrinkles once again, but I'll wait till my last visit
before the warranty ends in November. I haven't found a dealer
yet that knows what quality workmanship or service is.

 

I dont think that there is such a place "quality dealerships" that is. Well maybe but the problem is that we drive a rare car. If we took it too the Mercedes dealerships i think that we would all be pleasantly surprised that they would actually know something about the vehicle.

 

Turtle wax Ice Paste will keep strip looking new. tape strip can be replaced at a cost of approximately $140.
Snikerz

 

Anyone know how to make them wrinkle?

 

No wrinkles, but if it fades again in a year that is a manuf. defect and at $140 a pop? ouch! I saw similar fading on the 2 LeBarons that I had, There was a black stip that encircled the car, that's there I learned about the black magic.

I just assumed that it was weather damage on mine because under the top, and inside there is no damage, only on the part that is outside when the top is up.

Great dealer in Fredericksburg, VA. They rebuilt the top on my Sebring, and it worked better than new, always charge less than the quote. Quoted me $20 to plug a tire, and only chaged $15.80. I know all of the mechanics on a first-name basis, and they have never failed to make things right for me.

http://www.brittcpj.com

 

I use Turtle Wax Ice Polish (the liquid)...once a week and it actually keeps the strip looking good.

 

Yeah, but does it restore it? Been wanting to try that stuff anyway, gotta finish the brand new can of Mcgwiar's before I start using it on the body though.

 

From my experience, it doesn't "restore" it to new, but does make a pretty big improvement in appearance. But no, it isn't a permanent solution. And I wouldn't recommend the ice polish on the whole car. I actually only use it on the strip.

 

Mine was wrinkled all to heck and I had it replaced this past month. I thought it was covered by the TSB, but now the dealer has sent me a bill for $239. The TSB reads that if there are five wrinkles or less the dealer is to smooth it out and reglue, but if it's more than that, it's not covered... what the heck!!!

Anyone got any advice? It really irks me to pay this bill.

 

Don't the the Ice polish on the car why not? I am using the Mcgwiar's polish with a 10" orbital, gets a nice job, but it's not that glassy look. I was going to try the ICE untill you said that - any suggestions?

 

Myself and others on the forum have had bad luck with the ICE polish because it streaks and is a bit hard to remove sometimes...My personal preference is Meguiars Professional Mirror Glaze followed by a coat of Meguiars Professional Yellow Wax. I apply both of them with my orbital as well. When applying the glaze, be sure to do one panel at a time and remove it before it dries. The glaze will add that deep gloss you're looking for.

 

What is the TSB #? That sounds backwards to me.

 

I use Original ArmorAll. Redo it if needed at wash time.
http://www.armorall.com/products/all/protectants.php
Looks likes its just a simple strip of nylon tape.