Detailing Exterior Trim...

[96Lude]

I am looking for an effective way of detailing my exterior trim. My car is 10 years old and the trim looks a little faded. When I apply dressings to it, I don't see any difference in the color. What is the best method to really clean it properly? Should I scrub it with some APC or some #39? I have tried #40 and it didn't do much.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

[onnfire]

You could try gold class trim detailer.

http://meguiars.com/?car-trim-molding-care/Gold-Class-Trim-Detailer

[rascal]

I ordered some this past Friday for my cars. Can't wait to see the results.

[onnfire]

Good luck and dont forget to show us some pictures of the before and after.

[rascal]

Originally posted by onnfire
Good luck and dont forget to show us some pictures of the before and after.

Thanks! Don't worry, I will plan on pictures for alot things next weekend (weather permitting). I purchased the G100 kit from ADS and can't wait to put in motion.

[96Lude]

Actually I was considering the Gold Glass Trim Detailer. Is this product a cleaner, or is it just a dressing that can be applied once the trim has already been cleaned?

[rascal]

Originally posted by 96Lude
Actually I was considering the Gold Glass Trim Detailer. Is this product a cleaner, or is it just a dressing that can be applied once the trim has already been cleaned?

From what Meguiar's states on their site, it helps in removing contaminants and wax residue when applied, that is why I purchased it. My g/f car is cover with wax residue from the previous owner, so I'm going to give this stuff a shot. I will post pictures of my outcome.

[F-150]

Maybe this'll help

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14880

[96Lude]

F-150: I have seen your thread before and I want to say thanks for having taken pictures of everything, it really gives me a good idea of what #39 is capable of. Only problem is that ADS does not have it in stock at the moment. However, after seeing your pictures and the results you got from it, I will try and find it locally in a PBE store. I really want to try it out.

[F-150]

You should also use a brush tho, to get into the textured trim safely without scratching or damaging the trim. I use used the triple duty detail brush because it was small enough to get into those tight spaces and the bristles were soft enough to not damage the textured trim, yet hard enough to scrub the grit out, and plus I had an extra one handy. You should also follow it up with a dressing or protectant after cleaning it. I like M38 a lot, it gave the trim that like new and natural look, the camera I guess made it look all shiny. And I don't like using glossy and shiny protectants. I'll be posting pictures after the next carwash, so far it's been raining throughout the week so it'll be a good test on durability. But I've heard good things about 303 Aerospace protectant and Lexol's vinylex.

[rascal]

I went Meguiars.com tonight and ordered two bottles of #39. I didn't see anything about being out of stock or discountinued, so I'm hoping I will get them before this weekend. I have two cars to detail this coming weekend.

[F-150]

M39 isn't being discontinued, M38 Tire and Trim Dressing Gel is.
Oh yeah and my take on GC trim detailer is I think it's only able to remove wax when you've just waxed your car and use the trim detailer right after to remove the residue on the trim. It's pretty much just a dressing with barely any cleaners imo. It shouldn't be used to clean the trim for sure cuz it won't do as good of a job as M39 would. And GC trim detailer definately won't do much for faded plastic, maybe just cover it up. M39 cleaned the trim very well for me, and M38 was just to protect it and restore the look that much more.

[rascal]

Originally posted by F-150
M39 isn't being discontinued, M38 Tire and Trim Dressing Gel is.
Oh yeah and my take on GC trim detailer is I think it's only able to remove wax when you've just waxed your car and use the trim detailer right after to remove the residue on the trim. It's pretty much just a dressing with barely any cleaners imo. It shouldn't be used to clean the trim for sure cuz it won't do as good of a job as M39 would. And GC trim detailer definately won't do much for faded plastic, maybe just cover it up. M39 cleaned the trim very well for me, and M38 was just to protect it and restore the look that much more.

Oops! My bad...I got the two mixed up.

[farmboy]

The triple duty brush will do most of the work for cleaning the trim. I would consider it the most important part of the process.

[rascal]

Originally posted by farmboy
The triple duty brush will do most of the work for cleaning the trim. I would consider it the most important part of the process.

Yeah, I have that brush and the slide lock detail brush coming from ADS as well. Between the PC and my other supplies, I have spent over $350 this weekend. I need to stop!!