1. So is there any products/techniques you recommend I try using to remove water spots on my glass?
2. My black fender flares and front bumper plastic is getting faded...any suggestions here?
3. How about a good tire shine product and technique? I've tried the oil type spray and foam already.
4. Any suggestions on a good non harsh engine cleaner? I've tried Simple Green and water in the past before.
Let me take a whack at #2.
My fender flares appeared to be faded...but I realized they were just oxidized, similar to what happens to paint. Polishing them worked very well and the deep black color and shine is lasting (it's been like 5 months), because I didn't cover anything up. See images below. I tried one by hand and one with a buffer, but the buffer one came out a little blotchy.
This is a lot more work than applying a cover up product (like back to black) but I'm expecting the results to last for years, so I think it's worth it. Also, I treat my plastic more like paint and keep it well waxed, so I think that will extend the life and help prevent the oxidation from returning.
I've said it before here and on other forums; paint (acrylic urethane) and plastic are not that different. Care and maintenance of the two is very similar.
However, I didn't have the same luck with the plastic on my front bumper. I tried polishing it and it got a little better, but not enough to call the process 'successful'. So, I may have to resort to a cover-up product or just replace the plastic.
Tacoma Fender Flare Before
Tacoma Fender Flare After Hand Polishing (SYSTEM ONE Polish with a microfiber)
Sorry, didn't mean to 'advertise'... Just wanted to show the result of the product I've tired. Figure seeing is believing Having my URL in the picture is for copy right purpose. You could have just edited my pictures not my advise...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pb
^ You can't advertise your website if you're not a vendor here.
It's primarily designed for painted surfaces (acrylic urethane, acrylic enamel, lacquer, etc.) but also works on plastics like headlights (polycarbonate) and metal finishes like chrome and aluminum.
I used it on a polished aluminum wheel Saturday and it worked great.
1. So is there any products/techniques you recommend I try using to remove water spots on my glass?
2. My black fender flares and front bumper plastic is getting faded...any suggestions here?
3. How about a good tire shine product and technique? I've tried the oil type spray and foam already.
4. Any suggestions on a good non harsh engine cleaner? I've tried Simple Green and water in the past before.
For the water spots, try Use a 50% white vinegar solution (soak it for a few minutes) and see if that helps break it down. You can also try a detailing clay (clay it just like paint). Mothers Chrome Polish is safe for use on glass, and it's fairly easy to use if you have a PowerBall.
For the fender flares -- so long as they're not painted (and they don't look painted), try cleaning with a soft brush and a mild rubber cleaner. Then try a trim restorer such as Back-to-Black and expect to use a couple of applications on a regular basis (a protectant likely won't do the job, but you can try it, and a protectant should work fine to maintain it once it's "restored").
Tires should be clean for most tire dressings. Avoid petroleum-based dressings as they can tend to dry out the rubber, or so I hear. I generally like rich matte look like that from Reflections Tire Care.
As for the engine, I've used multi-purpose degreasers similar to Simple Green... use a brush to hit the heavy spots. I'll take it easy on the hood liner so it doesn't tear, so it's usually just light water pressure. I like to pre-rinse with a car wash solution, and then a final rinse. I'll mix a bottle of Protectant with about equal parts water (or a little less) and put it in a fine-misting sprayer and mist it over everything. Run the engine (if it starts) and let it warm up and let dry with the hood closed. It'll look like new.
I like to clean my tires after every few applications of tire dressing. Your tires can get dirty and funky if you never clean off the old tire dressing. I like Eagle One All Wheel & Tire Cleaner. Spray on and agitate with a brush. Hose off. Then your new coat of tire dressing will look better.
Kerosene is a great engine degreaser, and pretty cheap. You can get a gallon of it for $3.00. Most engine degreasers are made of mostly kerosene. A brush helps a lot too.
I agree with cleaning off your tires and putting a fresh layer on.
Really, it depends on whether you want your tires have have a glossy look, or a dull rich black look.
So I've been running my tires with white lettering out...when I switch to my new set of wheels tomorrow I want to run black out and white in...any advice for cleaning the black side since those have been on the inside for quite sometime now?
So I've been running my tires with white lettering out...when I switch to my new set of wheels tomorrow I want to run black out and white in...any advice for cleaning the black side since those have been on the inside for quite sometime now?
I just use dish detergent in warm or hot water and a good stiff brush. I haven't come across anything that wouldn't come off with this method and it's very safe for your wheels.
I just use dish detergent in warm or hot water and a good stiff brush. I haven't come across anything that wouldn't come off with this method and it's very safe for your wheels.
It's worked for me...but who knows what tire dressings out there require more than just dish detergent. The super-greasy stuff might need something a little more aggressive.
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