QUESTION: What is this discoloration on the rubber trim??

[BD]

Hi all.

I have a 2002 Subaru WRX Wagon.

I recently noticed some discoloration along the rubber trim that
surrounds my windshield on the outside.

It's kind of whitish and blotchy - like saltwater might stain
something. But it's not coming out easily.

Is this maybe sun damage? Anything I can do about this?

Here's a pic (60kB)

http://members.shaw.ca/robertrd/trim.jpg

Thanks for any tips.

Cheers,

BD

 

[David]

Hi all.

I have a 2002 Subaru WRX Wagon.

I recently noticed some discoloration along the rubber trim that
surrounds my windshield on the outside.

It's kind of whitish and blotchy - like saltwater might stain
something. But it's not coming out easily.

Is this maybe sun damage? Anything I can do about this?

Here's a pic (60kB)

http://members.shaw.ca/robertrd/trim.jpg

Thanks for any tips.

Cheers,

BD

Looks like silicate particles in the airflow are etching the rubber
and leaving some behind. Armor All?

 

[Noozer]

I have a 2002 Subaru WRX Wagon.

Looks like silicate particles in the airflow are etching the rubber
and leaving some behind. Armor All?

Would brake fluid help clear this kind of wear?

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Hi all.

I have a 2002 Subaru WRX Wagon.

I recently noticed some discoloration along the rubber trim that
surrounds my windshield on the outside.

It's kind of whitish and blotchy - like saltwater might stain
something. But it's not coming out easily.

Is this maybe sun damage? Anything I can do about this?

Here's a pic (60kB)

http://members.shaw.ca/robertrd/trim.jpg

Thanks for any tips.

Cheers,

BD

doesn't seem too severe - possibly wax?

Carl

 

[Bonehenge (B A R R Y)]

Looks like silicate particles in the airflow are etching the rubber
and leaving some behind. Armor All?

I've had good results with Armor All on black plastic trim. However,
Mother's has a product called "Back to Black", which I like a lot
better. Back to Black is like a thick Armor All.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

I've had good results with Armor All on black plastic trim. However,
Mother's has a product called "Back to Black", which I like a lot
better. Back to Black is like a thick Armor All.

Yeah, I feel Armor All and Son-of-a-Gun are not as good as 303 Protectant.

example;http://tinyurl.com/2cus9b


Carl

 

[Steve W.]

You will find that on a LOT of vehicles. It is the result of UV
degradation of the vinyl compounds they use to make the trim. If you
want to remove it easily, buy some 00 STAINLESS STEEL wool and GENTLY
scrub the trim. Then use some 303 protectant on it.

--
Steve W.
Near Cooperstown, New York
NRA Member
Pacifism - The theory that if they'd fed
Jeffrey Dahmer enough human flesh,
he'd have become a vegan.

 

[BD]

You will find that on a LOT of vehicles. It is the result of UV
degradation of the vinyl compounds they use to make the trim. If you
want to remove it easily, buy some 00 STAINLESS STEEL wool and GENTLY
scrub the trim. Then use some 303 protectant on it.

--
Steve W.
Near Cooperstown, New York
NRA Member
Pacifism - The theory that if they'd fed
Jeffrey Dahmer enough human flesh,
he'd have become a vegan.

Thanks, I will do. I have some 00 Bulldog wool I used for cleaning
water stains off the outside mirrors.

Hadn't heard of 303 protectant, but I'll give that a go.

Cheers,

BD

 

[Bonehenge (B A R R Y)]

Yeah, I feel Armor All and Son-of-a-Gun are not as good as 303 Protectant.

Thanks!

That looks very interesting, I'll give it a try. I figure if it
works well for you in TX, it'll work great here in the New England
"training wheel" sun. <G>

 

[cavedweller]

Would brake fluid help clear this kind of wear?

Are you really suggesting he use brake fluid or is this some kind of
dirty trick?

 

[Noozer]

Would brake fluid help clear this kind of wear?

Are you really suggesting he use brake fluid or is this some kind of
dirty trick?

Brake fluid is supposed to be great for renewing rubber. You DO have to be
CAREFUL to avoid getting it on painted surfaces.

 

[Bonehenge (B A R R Y)]

Brake fluid is supposed to be great for renewing rubber. You DO have to be
CAREFUL to avoid getting it on painted surfaces.

It can also damage some plastics.

 

[QX]

You will find that on a LOT of vehicles. It is the result of UV
degradation of the vinyl compounds they use to make the trim. If you
want to remove it easily, buy some 00 STAINLESS STEEL wool and GENTLY
scrub the trim. Then use some 303 protectant on it.

You could also try brass wool from a boating/marine supply store.

 

[Bonehenge (B A R R Y)]

You could also try brass wool from a boating/marine supply store.

I would think extra fine synthetic steel wool, at any paint store,
would also work.

 

[mpberti]

Hi all.

I have a 2002 Subaru WRX Wagon.

I recently noticed some discoloration along the rubber trim that
surrounds my windshield on the outside.

It's kind of whitish and blotchy - like saltwater might stain
something. But it's not coming out easily.

Is this maybe sun damage? Anything I can do about this?

Here's a pic (60kB)

http://members.shaw.ca/robertrd/trim.jpg

Thanks for any tips.

Cheers,

BD

try race graze auto trim renewer its expensive but its worth it