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Interior Plastic Cleaning

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Old May 19, 2010 | 01:31 PM
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Default Interior Plastic Cleaning

I am going to a car show for the first time with my Vette and I am shooting for a trophy. What is a good product to use on the interior plastics that wont damage them. I know armorall stains the plastics around the shifter and where the light switch is, but is there anything to get them clean that wont damage them?

Thanks

Also, any tips would be great! I know the wheel wells are going to need attention!
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Old May 19, 2010 | 02:15 PM
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I use aerospace 303 for my interiors.

http://www.303products.com/shop303/i...protectant.cfm

I also use it for my weatherstripping and spray a generous amount on the tires. Keeps the tires looking a nice clean black without the shine or buildup of a wax.
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Old May 19, 2010 | 02:29 PM
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A lot of ****'s swear by Lemon Scented Pledge Furniture Polish, but I also like Formula 2000 by Turtle Wax.
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Old May 19, 2010 | 02:46 PM
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You know. I use my leather cleaner on it and it seems to work fine. but I won't swear by it.
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Old May 19, 2010 | 02:48 PM
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Originally Posted by dogfish246
I know armorall stains the plastics around the shifter and where the light switch is
Hey buddy is that still the case? I thought they changed their formula when this was discovered some time back...?



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Old May 19, 2010 | 02:56 PM
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Here is what I've been using to restore the plastic/vinyl parts of the interior on my '90 ZR-1:

-First clean the plastic with diluted Simple Green.

-Then apply a generous amount of Mother's "Back to Black". Works on all colors of plastic/vinyl & brings back that new look. It's not like Armor-all type products which just put a layer of grease/oil on top. This stuff actually soaks into the plastic and doesn't leave any grease/oil layer behind. It's not supposed to be used on leather though.

I know, I sound like a salesman, LOL! But it really does work well.



.

Last edited by bdw18_123; May 19, 2010 at 02:59 PM.
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Old May 19, 2010 | 03:27 PM
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Originally Posted by r15
I use aerospace 303 for my interiors.

http://www.303products.com/shop303/i...protectant.cfm

I also use it for my weatherstripping and spray a generous amount on the tires. Keeps the tires looking a nice clean black without the shine or buildup of a wax.
I've been using 303 for years and I LOVE that stuff. Nice easy shine with no greasy feel. As for the Dulso coating on your console parts I don't think I'd put anything on it, just use a damp cloth. It's kind of a rubber paint.
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Old May 19, 2010 | 04:26 PM
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Judged or Peoples Choice?

Judged- they look under your gas flap (clean it real good); under the engine (hard to get to places like against the fire wall buldges and parts, manifold gaps. Also, use a mirror and look behind the wheel wells when the hood is up, full of grit and sand. Top and sides of light housings, light pits (horn, water tank areas). Empty glove, compartments etc.- nothing but registration, manual, top tool etc. Be prepared to show it with the top on. Polish up the front suspension. Armorall the wheel wells and tire treads (only after you get to the show). Oh, and bring a 8mm and pull the negative off the battery or unplug the hood lights (dead battery end of show).

Peoples Choice- just bring bribe money or a pretty girl.
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Old May 19, 2010 | 04:48 PM
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Car Show?

To remove the grime dilute 1:50 Simple Green, clean with rags and Q tips then your favorite "armor all"





Dont get me wrong I show, drive and race my Vette




Last edited by PLRX; May 19, 2010 at 04:55 PM.
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Old May 19, 2010 | 09:39 PM
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Originally Posted by j-vette
Hey buddy is that still the case? I thought they changed their formula when this was discovered some time back...?



I dont know and I dont want to find out!

Thanks for the replies guys! I am nervouse with these plastic interior pieces. They are in good condition, I just want to spruce them up for the show.
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Old May 19, 2010 | 09:49 PM
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Originally Posted by socalman
Judged or Peoples Choice?

Judged- they look under your gas flap (clean it real good); under the engine (hard to get to places like against the fire wall buldges and parts, manifold gaps. Also, use a mirror and look behind the wheel wells when the hood is up, full of grit and sand. Top and sides of light housings, light pits (horn, water tank areas). Empty glove, compartments etc.- nothing but registration, manual, top tool etc. Be prepared to show it with the top on. Polish up the front suspension. Armorall the wheel wells and tire treads (only after you get to the show). Oh, and bring a 8mm and pull the negative off the battery or unplug the hood lights (dead battery end of show).

Peoples Choice- just bring bribe money or a pretty girl.
Judged!
I think I have a chance because I keep excellent care of my car, but my only problem is my Vette is a Daily Driver! Im sure there are 94-96 in the show that are strictly show cars so I really have to pay attention to details!
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Old May 19, 2010 | 09:52 PM
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Originally Posted by bdw18_123
Here is what I've been using to restore the plastic/vinyl parts of the interior on my '90 ZR-1:

-First clean the plastic with diluted Simple Green.

-Then apply a generous amount of Mother's "Back to Black". Works on all colors of plastic/vinyl & brings back that new look. It's not like Armor-all type products which just put a layer of grease/oil on top. This stuff actually soaks into the plastic and doesn't leave any grease/oil layer behind. It's not supposed to be used on leather though.

I know, I sound like a salesman, LOL! But it really does work well.

.

I think this is what I am going to do. I am a little nervous with using the simple green dilution but both you and PLRX say its good, so I will try it!
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Old May 19, 2010 | 09:53 PM
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Originally Posted by murray59
I've been using 303 for years and I LOVE that stuff. Nice easy shine with no greasy feel. As for the Dulso coating on your console parts I don't think I'd put anything on it, just use a damp cloth. It's kind of a rubber paint.
Thats what I was thinking... I am not sure anymore! I will try a damp cloth first and if that doesnt work then I will try a very dilute mixture of simple green...
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Old May 19, 2010 | 09:55 PM
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Originally Posted by RetiredSFC 97
You know. I use my leather cleaner on it and it seems to work fine. but I won't swear by it.
I use the Maguire's leather wipes and whenever I get it on the plastic it leaves a mark that only comes off after I clean it with some water so I dont want to see if it works for the whole piece... Thanks
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Old May 20, 2010 | 07:07 AM
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where is the show and what day?
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Old May 20, 2010 | 07:24 AM
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Originally Posted by socalman

Oh, and bring a 8mm and pull the negative off the battery or unplug the hood lights (dead battery end of show).
There is an easy to remove fuse for the hood lights in the front drivers wheel well, just under the drivers side headlight.
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Old May 20, 2010 | 08:45 AM
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Originally Posted by dogfish246
I dont know and I dont want to find out!
Yeah no kidding! Good luck at the show...

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Old May 20, 2010 | 01:12 PM
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Originally Posted by joesgulfstream
where is the show and what day?
Im not telln!
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Old May 20, 2010 | 01:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Aaron71771
There is an easy to remove fuse for the hood lights in the front drivers wheel well, just under the drivers side headlight.
Yeah, Im just going to unplug the lights from the engine bay (the connection is near the front side marker bulb)
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Old May 20, 2010 | 04:28 PM
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Originally Posted by dogfish246
Yeah, Im just going to unplug the lights from the engine bay (the connection is near the front side marker bulb)
Remove the fuse
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