Plastic Rubber
Plastic Rubber The trim on my f body could use some restoration. Is back to black worth it? The wiper blade arms are also faded some. Any piece or trim exterior on the vehicle e/xterior should be touched and refreshed. What all have you guys done for this/\
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,651
Likes: 2,577
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
I've never been impressed with Back to Black. It's very temporary.
I've seen some better products posted before, especially for use on the type of plastic used for the wiper cowl panel, but I don't recall the name. Perhaps someone else can provide this.
The wiper arms specifically would need to be repainted though. They are not plastic, unless you're just referring to the plastic cover that goes over the mounting nut at the base. But the rest of the arm is metal and the paint tends to fade because folks rarely think to keep it waxed.
I always use 303 Aerospace to protect the various vinyl/plastic/rubber trim components across the entire car. It does a great job of protecting/maintaining pieces that are already in good condition (application should be done anywhere from once per year to once per month, depending on exposure/conditions), but it won't do much to restore pieces that are already sun damaged/heavily faded. I don't know if that product I mentioned above for the wiper cowl panel will work to restore the more flexible surfaces (such as the T-top trim, etc.) because I've never used it but, again, perhaps someone else can provide more info.
I've seen some better products posted before, especially for use on the type of plastic used for the wiper cowl panel, but I don't recall the name. Perhaps someone else can provide this.
The wiper arms specifically would need to be repainted though. They are not plastic, unless you're just referring to the plastic cover that goes over the mounting nut at the base. But the rest of the arm is metal and the paint tends to fade because folks rarely think to keep it waxed.
I always use 303 Aerospace to protect the various vinyl/plastic/rubber trim components across the entire car. It does a great job of protecting/maintaining pieces that are already in good condition (application should be done anywhere from once per year to once per month, depending on exposure/conditions), but it won't do much to restore pieces that are already sun damaged/heavily faded. I don't know if that product I mentioned above for the wiper cowl panel will work to restore the more flexible surfaces (such as the T-top trim, etc.) because I've never used it but, again, perhaps someone else can provide more info.
Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 65
Likes: 4
For protection not restoration... I heard from some old school guys that they only use armor all (contrary to the popular belief of AA being bad for plastic). It was hard to argue because their cars were 50 years old. I assume they were all garage kept. They said "Why do you think AA has been around so long?, because the people that been using it for 40 years know it works".
My go to is Carpro Perl. Dillute as needed. Its not silicone based or greasy. Solution Finish black restore is another really good product, again is silicone free. Lastly on my recommend list is 303. I've since moved on to Perl, but 303 is as good product as it always has been. Stay away from anything silicone based for plastics.
I'm with RPM on the wiper arms. They are not that difficult to remove. Kill an afternoon and re spray them with some satin black. Do have a wiper arm puller or your not getting the arms off. The pullers are cheap and it makes the job easy.
I'm with RPM on the wiper arms. They are not that difficult to remove. Kill an afternoon and re spray them with some satin black. Do have a wiper arm puller or your not getting the arms off. The pullers are cheap and it makes the job easy.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,651
Likes: 2,577
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
My go to is Carpro Perl. Dillute as needed. Its not silicone based or greasy. Solution Finish black restore is another really good product, again is silicone free. Lastly on my recommend list is 303. I've since moved on to Perl, but 303 is as good product as it always has been. Stay away from anything silicone based for plastics.
The original finish on these was actually pretty close to a semi-gloss, though they would quickly fade to a low gloss or satin look when not maintained with wax from new. Repainting is going to be the best option once these are significantly faded, as the paint is so thin that trying to restore the finish will likely not produce satisfactory results.
In terms of maintenance on my personal car. The plastics are still like new. I wanted something with less shine than the 303( ...and 303 does not leave much shine) The Perl I dilute down quite a bit for a matte finish and still deepen the black color.
Im gonna walk back my comments to the OP. After further thought, since the fading/damage is done and any product you put on it will eventually wear away from car washing and rain ect. I would just buy the cheapest thing, and given the situation that were improving the appearance to a damaged part, a silicone based product like Armor All would last longer than the water/natural oil based products mentioned above.
Im gonna walk back my comments to the OP. After further thought, since the fading/damage is done and any product you put on it will eventually wear away from car washing and rain ect. I would just buy the cheapest thing, and given the situation that were improving the appearance to a damaged part, a silicone based product like Armor All would last longer than the water/natural oil based products mentioned above.
There is a product called Solution Finish which turns hard black faded plastic back to black. It should be coated over with a sealer type product for longer lasting results.
