SXGT

So I've been detailing my own cars for 17 years and I've never had the issue of this weird build up kind of stuff. Is this is a build up of too much armor all? is it probably something else? Its only in blotches like this on both doors and a little on the dash. I prefer to use the F1 UV protect myself but Armorall is pretty popular. You think its okay to use some simple green or purple power to see if I can dissolve this stuff off?

Also Id like to keep some deep clean and darkening on my door handles but... I don't want anything that's going to stain my hands and come off like that plastic coating stuff you can buy for the outside of vehicles. Any ideas on that?

cmonkey713

I would start with something on the mild side like a little dawn and water mix before going to Simple Green. You will need to get what ever is on there off before you do anything else. When you have the surface clean try 303 Protectant to bring back the natural look of the panel. As far as the handle about the only thing I can think of is to either replace the handle or use some leather dye and see how that looks.

Kenny94945

Wow...gosh I hope that is only build up.

I am with post # 2.
Dawn & water mild ratio 1 to 4
Then try 50/50
If Dawn doesn't work I believe there was a TSB for the door panels that recommended Lexol leather cleaner (used to be in an orange colored bottle).
No need to reduce the Lexal w/ water.
Don't laugh but Woolite laundry product may also work if this is a build up.
I start with a mild ratio with this too.
Don't rub to hard so you avoid wearing down the grain.
Also just a though maybe use warm water in your mix.
I'd stay away from Simple Green as IMO that is fairly caustic, but maybe a last resort.

As for non-greasy to bring back the black I like Meguires interior spray, many like 303 noting. I never had any luck with Mother's Back To Black product.

Wishing you good luck!

charley95

It looks like a caustic chemical was used to clean it. Who knows what happened ?!

SXGT

I tried some dawn soap and feel like it had an affected, made it less blotchy maybe?. I tried purple power on a small spot to see what it would do and it had no affect. Best I can tell this isnt "sanded down" I managed to get this to show up well on the camera, I cant even see that its there when inside the car. Still tho I want this gone.

Scuba Ghost

When/if you get it cleaned stick with 303.

SXGT

ok so passenger side is passing for OK

but drivers side is looking bad now.

So this is a little experiment i did. I got a magic eraser and tested a spot. This eraser makes it look ghosted/chalky. I looked at the eraser and it had a lot of grim on it. So I am not sure if I pushed the stuff around, or I have "sanded" the spot. This at least makes the surface even and not blotched. So I took the sample area and tried 2 different products on two different spots to get a shine back, neither did anything. I tried simple green on a spot and it did nothing.

I am not sure how much elbow grease I need to be putting into this. The last thing I am going to try is white vinegar.

Kenny94945

I am still wishing you luck.

Have you looked at the panel with a jewelers magnifying glass?
Does magnification show any type of build up or residue?
Does magnification offer any leads as to the issue?

Besides my suggestions above... the "wonder drug" WD40 may remove residue.

xlr8rvette

I have had this. Ended up using Adams VRT several times to be rid of it. The only problem I then had was the VRT would come off if touched by an arm or hand. I then had to go over the area carefully and wipe down with microfiber. Then one day...Walaa no more issue. The VRT leaves the black surface shiney which some persons don't care for.

SXGT

UPDATE: I think the white vinegar had worked, might need one more treatment to fully look better, right now its overcast outside so the pics make for a hard comparison but I will share results.

I do and don't like shiny dashes, depends on the car, its great for 90s cars and the c6 feels 90s to me with its interior so I think the shiny feel goes with it. as far as 303 and Optimum, I am wondering how its does for UV protection, since I do have my top off a lot in the summer.








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tmryann

I use 303 for the plastic pieces. I like it since it will not leave any greasy residue.

SXGT

OK this is the test spot from Optimum Leather after 2 treatments. Found it on Amazon for 14$, a guy on youtube used it on his Viper and a detail specialist recommended it to him. He was happy with his results so I thought I would try it. I am going to keep coming back to this thread with updates, hope I can help some people along the way.