Help - Black side Window Frames look terrible

I was just at one of the closest Toyota dealer on the PDX side (bought my car 6 hours away) and they checked to see if there were different part numbers for the II/III vs. IV/V. They said no (not that that means really no : ).

I went over after applying the 303 Protectant yesterday; it resulted in some improvement but not enough. I purchased at a marine store yesterday (another half hour expended and $21 - but seems good to have on hand). Plus, who wants to have to put in on every 2 to 4 weeks for the next 7 years.

Good news is that the PDX dealer service manager ordered new parts for me and will install at no charge (two pieces between front and rear window on each side and triangle past rear window).
:cheer2:
He said the trim areas above and around windows would be fine with 303, etc. as they are simply a piece of tape over metal (doesn't that make you feel secure) and so don't absorb wax or other chemicals the same way.

He took one look and said "someone" put wax or paint sealant protectant on them and they will never look right again. I asked if we should go back to the "someone" for reimbursement since I paid them for the purpose of applying it to paint. He said lets just move forward and he will do it as a good will gesture.

The dealer I purchased from (out of state) did put on a paint protectant NW Package (not Toyoguard but both no doubt should not be put on the panels). So it "appears" the chemical was put on EVERYTHING. The service manager here said that the window cleaner (selling dealer used in front of me before driving off - after I complained about the appearance) would not have caused the dulling.

So assuming the install goes ok (had to order parts), the PDX dealer (I will give a shoult out upon completion) will be getting all my future service business.

I can only imagine what it would have cost if I had to pay for the parts and install, so before you hand off your car to anyone to wash, detail, etc. be sure and let them know not to TOUCH the frame covers between the two windows or the rear triangle. 7 years is a long time, so guess I should just make a sign and keep in in the glove box so I can display on the dash each time it needs service .

 

Re: Black side Window Frames look terrible

UPDATE - While the nice guys at Tonkin Toyota in PDX ordered me an entire set of new window frames at no charge, and were going to have them installed NC too; it turns out that they could not replace them without taking all 4 doors taken off. They did not realize that when we started this since I would have been their first 2010. Absurd!

NO WAY since my luck, will end up with a rattle! So I will hand the parts to the next owner down the road. Just to clarify now that the dust has settled - the selling dealer that ruined my black window frames was Rogers Toyota in Lewiston, ID - when their detail shop put the paint protestant on the car, they also put it on the plastic moldings.

Now they look for 5 years old and no matter what I have tried does not help for more than a day or two (appreciate all the suggestions). Two local dealer service managers said that no regular or paint protectant chemicals should be used on the window frames. Oh well, in light of all the mechanical stuff that has been brought to light since I started this qwest last summer...

 

Pictures don't do it justice as you have to be at the right angle in the bright sun (or under my too bright garage lights) to see the darker and lighter color. Many people would never notice it but they look old and tired (difference is NO product refreshes or corrects for more than a day or two - when I first posted, I tried various products members suggested including 303 Aerospace Protectant which cost $21 and was only available at a marine store : )

As for other member that said take advantage of the free labor - otherwise resale will be effected...by the time I sell it, won't matter as I find the paint quality abysmal - smallest rocks cause chips the blue metallic is a headache to keep up. So depending on how much the appearance further deteriorates in the next 5 years, perhaps I will before I sell or trade the car. That way if the door rattles, I won't have to listen to it .