Gh0st

iTrader: (3)

I have a 2002 Camaro that while the paint is in surprisingly good shape for its age, the rubber trim on the outside body has signs of damage from the sun(hard, spots on it, etc)

Is there a product or method to fixing this?

RickyMartinZ28

iTrader: (5)

Some Meguiar's M40 wouldn't hurt... You can usually find it at Oriellys Auto Parts... Soak it down good a few times until it won't absorb anymore...

SteelCityYaga

I Wet Sanded the windshield weather stripping - you can use this process for all of the weather stripping. I would not suggest sanding the plastic cowl cover.

First tape off the Weather Stripping:


What it looked like:


I started with a low grit (I believe 500) to get off most of the spots and etc.


After that I then Wet-Sand with 2000 to get it smooth then apply a dressing a couple of times, pull the tape off and here's the final product:


It was easy to do one to two hours to do the windshield.

ZaneO

DEEP clean and then consistently apply a quality water-based dressing. I use Zaino Z16.

hlaalu

iTrader: (3)

i use whatever "tire shine" i have around and rub it in with a rag. works pretty decent.

Gh0st

iTrader: (3)

Cool, I appreciate the info.

pir7tr

iTrader: (23)

303 aerospace protectant is good after cleaning/treating it. It will help from further sun damage.

DaddySS

Weatherstrip should get a good soaking with silicone at leat twice a year. Get the silicone liquid and put it on with a small brush, paste and put it in with a stiff small brush, or if all you can find is a spray - spray it into the cap and then brush it on. Let it soak in and the wipe off the excess, your watherstrip will stay soft for years. After it dries, 303 or water based UV protectant will help prevent sun damage.

Rednaxela

I always used armor-all or any interior rubber/vinyl product on the outer rubber pieces of my car - Good idea about the tire shine I will use that next time.

99huggerorangeZ

iTrader: (2)

+1 for meguires mirror glaze vinyl/rubber cleaner and conditioner
http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/produc...?T1=MEG+RUB+16

i also use mothers back to black

RickyMartinZ28

iTrader: (5)

Not so sure about wetsanding the trim... but using a compound can help restore as well...

SteelCityYaga

It all depends on what trim. The windshield trim is a very dense rubber and wetsanding will only take off a small bit of material, usually the imperfections, pits and that bacteria like spots on it.

I wouldn't wetsand the T-Top Trim, the plastic cowl cover or the window trim that is next to the door - but the trim around the windshield and rear window is thick enough that the wetsanding won't hurt them.

Just use a quality trim dressing like, 303 aerospace protectant, Jax Wax Super Blue Dressing or even Z-16. The rubber that was wetsanded will soak up the dressing like a sponge so four or five coats can be applied.

brianswimmer23

all i use is Meguiars rubber/vinyl cleaner conditioner. keeps all of my seals puffy and soft!!

9911UZ28

iTrader: (4)

I use Wizards Black Renew.

ls1ya

iTrader: (2)

actually used a leather furniture cleaner and protectant and worked wonders for sun protection

LT4vert

iTrader: (3)

I clean all rubber trim with Meguires all-in-one and protect with einszett gummi pflege . Whatever you do use , make sure a) it has a uv protectant and b) it is water based , not silicone based . Silicone base products are the early death of rubber , vinyl and interior plastics . Read your ingredients

TireSm0ke

iTrader: (1)

Best product I have ever used on plastic or rubber trim pieces is VRT made by Adams Polish.

ggreg89

iTrader: (2)

Tire Shine works Fine with Mine all the Time wiping the Grime thought I'd Rhyme

Bird Man

iTrader: (1)

I have used this on my 02 Bird since I got it and my stuff looks like new---great product.

slow

iTrader: (7)

dielectric grease like the owners manual reccomends every 3-6 months.

When I sold my 98 ws6, the trim looked better than the trim on my 2006 GTO

Ryan