Help - Black side Window Frames look terrible

[pdxrose]

Many areas of my black frames already look faded and streaked which makes me frustrated as I have never owned a new car (including "new generation" models) which has been more high maintenance regarding exterior and interior integrity (fogging plastic and port cargo hooks – both still pending fixes) . I checked a Gen II post about this which included the don't wax consensus. Someone mentioned: Mothers Back-To-Black Bumper & Trim Care restores black plastic & rubber bumpers and trim to their original black color.

When I drove out of the dealer, some of the framing material did not look great - I figured them using an all purpose window spray did not help and I could take care of it at home (300 miles away). They did not disagree. Wrong.

Then after the car came back from the Toyota certified body shop for a paint repair, the middle panel on the driver’s side between front and back door looked worse. Since they were inside a Honda dealership (owned by same parent LOL?) they did not have something specific to the P (they have rebuilt Ferraris but could not work with this material). So they tried Stoners glass cleaner spray (which I love for windows) and it looked better, but two weeks later is back to streaked and worn out looking.

So before I haul off to a Toyota local dealer, again (given other big issue which meant five trips @ 20 miles roundtrip each time), I would appreciate if anyone that has used something besides Mothers would respond. Otherwise, I am at the point where I am ready to say replace them. I have a feeling T will not be very happy with that request so help!

[32kcolors]

It was faded and streaked when you bought the car? It's supposed to be flat, but something doesn't sound right.

[pdxrose]

Originally Posted by 32kcolors

It was faded and streaked when you bought the car? It's supposed to be flat, but something doesn't sound right.

The panel on the driver side between two doors looks dull and the color is not even (what I referred to as streaks). When I commended on it before taking delivery, I was made to feel OC and told use armoural when I get home. Prior, I watched them use an all purpose glass cleaner on them which horrified me (is that too dramatic). Guy at T body shop noticed too and when he could not improve it, told me to go to the dealer service dept (different location). At that point, I had to get back to work.

The material seems to be non-porous to some degree. Oh well, given the overwhelming lack of response, guess I am an outlier on this. Ironic that antidotal posts, such as running over a snake result, in so much more participation (but I do appreciate the advance service info and mechanical info I pick up on this site).

[tumbleweed]

Originally Posted by pdxrose

. . . . . .
I would appreciate if anyone that has used something besides Mothers would respond. Otherwise, I am at the point where I am ready to say replace them. I have a feeling T will not be very happy with that request so help!

Bill Merchant from the Portland HSD Meetup group started me using a product called 303 Aerospace Protectant. I use it on all the plastic and vinyl stuff inside and out because it offers UV protection. But it also makes stuff look better and works a lot better than some of the other products. Not slick or shiny like Armor All.

You can't get it a everywhere but some autoparts stores have it, I get it at Ace Hardware. The next HSD Meetup Group meeting is scheduled for Sept 19, if you want to wait until then I'll bring some and you can try it.

The Portland Area HSD Meetup Group (Portland, OR) - Meetup.com

Bill hasn't let us know where we are going to meet yet but if you PM him he will let you know.

[DeanFL]

Just looked very closely at mine (BTW in perfect condition, 10 weeks old). These panels are plastic, black matte with a very fine grain. Look to be of good quality. Have no idea why yours could be faded or corrupted somehow. And why the dealer blew you off like that?

The ONLY thing I could think of is that somehow wax or overspray of something as that is in the fine grain of those panels. Can you take a very close look at the finish to determine what it may be? If it's fine white streaky - probably wax.

I bought a bottle of Mothers Back To Black for my Lexus RX 6 months ago that had faded finish in the panels between the doors. Those were covered with a black vinyl tapelike material - semi-flat. The fade was probably from years of sun and oxidation. The Mothers made hardly any difference. However I used some many years ago on another car - black bumper strips and such - it worked great.

I have the bottle right here - it does state 'removes oxidation, wax residue, and surface film'. I bought it at Advanced Auto - any large Auto store would carry it. Probably $6 or so. I'd recommend. if you're handy a bit, pick one up and try it.

If we were closer - I'd ask you to stop by and we'd both work on it. But NW to SE across the U.S. wouldn't work. Sorry you have this problem and a terrible dealer.

Please let us know what transpires. We ARE here to help.

[Boo]

Originally Posted by tumbleweed

Bill Merchant from the Portland HSD Meetup group started me using a product called 303 Aerospace Protectant. I use it on all the plastic and vinyl stuff inside and out because it offers UV protection. But it also makes stuff look better and works a lot better than some of the other products. Not slick or shiny like Armor All.

You can't get it a everywhere but some autoparts stores have it, I get it at Ace Hardware. The next HSD Meetup Group meeting is scheduled for Sept 19, if you want to wait until then I'll bring some and you can try it.

The Portland Area HSD Meetup Group (Portland, OR) - Meetup.com

Bill hasn't let us know where we are going to meet yet but if you PM him he will let you know.

Yes. If you can't find it in the stores, you can also order it online from lots of places (google "303 aerospace protectant").

Also, you might want to consider getting 303's trial kit with samples of their products, including the 303 Aerospace Protectant. The trial kit costs $6:

303 Products, Inc.: 303 Products Free Samples

[jay_man2]

Reines RV and Camping World sells 303 here in Manassas. Amazon has a number of sellers:

Amazon.com: 303 aerospace protectant

[pdxrose]

Originally Posted by tumbleweed

Bill Merchant from the Portland HSD Meetup group started me using a product called 303 Aerospace Protectant. I use it on all the plastic and vinyl stuff inside and out because it offers UV protection. But it also makes stuff look better and works a lot better than some of the other products. Not slick or shiny like Armor All.

You can't get it a everywhere but some autoparts stores have it, I get it at Ace Hardware. The next HSD Meetup Group meeting is scheduled for Sept 19, if you want to wait until then I'll bring some and you can try it.

The Portland Area HSD Meetup Group (Portland, OR) - Meetup.com

Bill hasn't let us know where we are going to meet yet but if you PM him he will let you know.

Thanks! I will check it out and keep my eyes open about the meetup date

[TKY]

Hi Pdxrose, The flat matte black bezel (frame) around my windows is a consistent color. No streaks or variation is shade of black. It looks like it will be difficult to clean when dirt get into the texture and if someone uses a cleaner, or wax on them it will be impossible to remove. --TK

[stream]

As others have stated, my guess would also be that wax got on these parts (perhaps when the dealer detailed it) and you're seeing the white residue.

I'll second 303 Protectant--I've been using it for decades on my cars. Great on all exterior plastic/rubber, since it's got a nice matte finish and lasts a few washings. The best product for tires IMHO.