Have a "new" 2005 roadster, one of the volume reduction cars. Must have been sitting in the sun awhile. The trim at the base of the windshield and around the rear edge of the roof is grey. Used Back to black and some plastic/vinyl shin with a little improvment but short life span. Any hints from those in the know would be appreciated.

 

I use Meguiar's "Exterior Trim Detailer" to bring the trim back to life, and then use Sonus "Total Eclipse" for further protection and restoration of the trim.

Again, there are many products on the market today that will restore and protect plastics, and I'm sure other car detailers/enthusiasts will provide their recommendations.

XFH

 

I like Adam's In And Out Spray, works great and long life span.
If you decide to buy it dont forget we get a 10% discount, just put in the word Crossfire in the coupon.

http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-58-in-out-spray.aspx

 

I use the Meguiar's Exterior Trim Detailer as well (can make a mess if it gets on your paint).
Once I'm out of it though, I'm going to try the Adam's trim product.

 

Try spraying the Meguiar's on a microfiber rag or detailing pad first, then use the rag or pad to wipe it on; It really is terrific stuff!

I can honestly say that I never tried spraying the Meguiar's directly on the trim, but I can imagine it would make quite a mess!

However, I haven't tried any of the Adam's products to date, so I cannot give you an honest opinion which may/may not be better.

XFH

 

My "new" 2005 roadster has the same issue at the bottom of the rear window panel. I'm sorry you have the same problem but glad you asked the same question. I will be trying what others suggest.

 

That is what I do. However, if it gets on your paint, from the rag, it is hard to get off.

 

You can spray Adams right on the trim, no need to worry about getting it on the paint. cleans right off.
I spray it on before I wax.

 

Funny... I haven't seemed to notice this problem. This may be due to me being on my second bottle of wine (when I finally get to the trim) hick...

Let me know how you like the Adams products!

XFH

 

I've previously had great success with Forever Black on a BMW, and the BMW folks swear by it - it is a dye not a cleaner: foreverblack.com.

I have the same problem with the trim below the windshield fading but have yet to try Forever Black on it... was going to see if the dealer will replace first, since they've been really helpful with my other trim issues.

Of course, I also have a sneaking suspicion that Forever Black is the same stuff in the dye you use for shoe edges, but that's just me.

I bought it from a BMW parts site but I know Autogeek sells it as well as other places (Griot's even has their own version too).

If my dealer won't cover the faded trim I'll post results, but it may be a couple of weeks.

 

Peanut Butter

Put a little dap on a paper towel, rub it onto the area on the black plastic trim with the white wax stains.
Then wipe it off with a soft towel. The oil in the peanut butter takes out the wax stains and if you get some
on the metal body parts, it rubs off much easier than Back to Black or Armorall.

I posted this pic on a Jeep Liberty forum today on the same subject...

 

Peanut butter does work well to remove wax from trim, peanut oil even works as well and is less mess.

The problem here is faded black trim which the only solution that lasts a while is to recolor the trim.

Here is a pretty good test on mini cooper trim:

Mini Cooper trim test

I also restored a Land Rover Discovery's fender trim which was basically white - Forever Black is pretty good, but I still think some shoe dye would work as well (probably the same thing just packaged differently). *edit* subsequent searching shows some have tried Kiwi shoe dye but it tends to not last as long.

 

I use Turtle wax Ice liquid Polish on these same areas and it looks like new. If you get it on the paint, it looks good too!

 

Thanks for the link!!!

 

Thanks for the helpful test.

One of the parts I'm talking about is the black trim on the roadster where the top hits the metal behind the seats. I don't think it's vinyl. It appears to be a rough tape. The 1/2 that stays exposed to the elements is faded.
I wonder if the black vinyl products will help it?

 

mothers makes a product for the black trim. use it on the strip on the back of the rag let it dry buff it looks like new.

 

Check-out GR-40 from topoftheline.com. I only hear excellent reviews about this product.

 

Adam's In and Out spray does a great job too... I read about it on the forum, tried it, and am really impressed with the results.

We get a discount on Adam's stuff as well...