In front of the side windows, behind the wing mirrors, on each side of my car are plastic panels, maybe 4-6" wide, that are textured slightly. After many waxings of the car, those small panels have acquired a haze, film -- likely wax -- that makes them look unclean.

What cleaning product can be used on plastic to remove wax? I dont want to damage these things, but I would sure like them to look like new plastic instead of black plastic with a grey film.

Any suggestions? Thanks...

 

I had the same problem. Try the Zaino products method, it worked beautifully for me on 3 vehicles. Check their web site. Basically its a wash with original Dawn dishwashing liquid to strip the wax off (don't be worried by those who say its bad for your finish-it strips the wax but won't harm any auto finish using it once or twice). I used Zaino Z2 on the black plastic- several coats will keep it black a long time. By the way, if you decide to "Zaino" your entire car you can find 100% American-made cotton towels at LAZaino, a Zaino distributor in Los Angeles. For some reason Zaino themselves don't carry the towels. They made a world of difference and won't scratch your finish like all the microfiber towels and the foreign made 100% cotton towels do. I have detailed cars fanatically since 1957 and have never seen anything come close to giving the look that Zaino does.

 

Someone here gave me some great advice. If you use the soap sold to wash your microfiber towels directly on the trim, let sit on it for a few minutes and rinse it off you will be amazed how well it removes the old wax.

 

Thanks for the suggestions... I'll look those products up.

 

Meguiar's #39 Heavy Duty Vinyl Cleaner

Best stuff on the market.

 

Mike will this work on the top cowl where the wipers are to make it look clean and bring out the color like when it was new.

 

Yes, it does a great job of cleaning the plastic cowl cover. Don't be stingy with it though, and make good use of some microfiber applicators or those yellow foam applicator pads Meguiar's sells.

I bought my 2005 Limited Roadster new just last July and the cowl cover, windshield header and other rubber trim was just a horrid mess. #39 did a great job on all of it, but since it's a cleaner only you'll want to use a dressing of some sort as a follow up. Whether you prefer 303, Meguiar's #40 or something else is up to you, but definitely put something on it.

If you're thinking will this help on the roadster deck lid tape - no. So far I have found NOTHING that will even out the appearance of the tape strip, especially since mine sat around for two years before I bought it. What have I tried:

Meguiar's M39
Meguiar's M40
Meguiar's All Purpose Cleaner
Black Wow from showcardetailing.com
Back to Black
303
50/50 water/alcohol mix
Simple Green
Orange Blast

I can minimze the two tone look for a while, but the texture even feels different between the exposed half and the half under the roof.

 

Thanks for the information!