TreibeFroh
03-31-2007, 01:53 AM
The Vinyl was in terrible condition and I just had to clean it. Every crevice was black or brown and unsightly... especially the back lid for the vert top and the tops of the doors. I suppose being exposed to the elements a lot lends the vinyl to pick up a lot of crap over the years before being baked in by the sun. A simple rag with regular vinyl cleaner wasn't going to cut it (I tried... and tried...).
I thought I'd post my solution for those of you with lighter vinyls that can't get them clean. It might seem silly to some but I hope it helps somebody. Sorry if I'm posting something that's common-knowledge, I couldn't find it when searching.
Tools:
-1 bottle of Vinylex (water or Armor All don't work as well. Never used Lexol or other products; but, I know this works.)
-1 soft bristle toothbrush and soft kitchen brush
-Bucket of water
-Rag
Before starting I put a rag over wherever there was paint that might get a little sprayed with Vinylex (If it does get sprayed it rubs off easy). It's easier to do this with the top down.
On flat surfaces like the vert top lid I sprayed a thick layer of Vinylex in one spot. You can do about 8" by 8" just fine at once, much larger and you have drying-before-you're-done issues. For smaller areas that couldn't be sprayed, I sprayed the toothbrush then applied it to the surface. Spraying the rag doesn't apply enough to be effective. It needs to be shiny before you scrub.
Take the kitchen brush and work it in lots of circles (20-30s or more). You don't need to bear down or the bristles will skip over the grooves. The Vinylex will start to change color to something gross, wipe it with a rag and either move on or clean that spot a second time. Don't let the solution dry in place. For small or stubborn areas use the toothbrush. Clean the brush in the bucket as it changes colors to keep from rubbing crap in to the Vinyl. Wash the rag when it turns gray and nasty.
Vinylex is also good for anything plastic or rubber in your car. Feel free to use it on your radio. Be careful not to get it on glass. I used it on the long black trim pieces on the door and sides and they were instantly brighter.
It took me about 2-3 hours to do the whole car. I actually ended up using the toothbrush the most because it worked so well. The vinyl looks like NEW! I wish I could post pictures because the before and after are amazing! From now on I'll just do wipe-downs every few weeks and might do it all over again next year.
I thought I'd post my solution for those of you with lighter vinyls that can't get them clean. It might seem silly to some but I hope it helps somebody. Sorry if I'm posting something that's common-knowledge, I couldn't find it when searching.
Tools:
-1 bottle of Vinylex (water or Armor All don't work as well. Never used Lexol or other products; but, I know this works.)
-1 soft bristle toothbrush and soft kitchen brush
-Bucket of water
-Rag
Before starting I put a rag over wherever there was paint that might get a little sprayed with Vinylex (If it does get sprayed it rubs off easy). It's easier to do this with the top down.
On flat surfaces like the vert top lid I sprayed a thick layer of Vinylex in one spot. You can do about 8" by 8" just fine at once, much larger and you have drying-before-you're-done issues. For smaller areas that couldn't be sprayed, I sprayed the toothbrush then applied it to the surface. Spraying the rag doesn't apply enough to be effective. It needs to be shiny before you scrub.
Take the kitchen brush and work it in lots of circles (20-30s or more). You don't need to bear down or the bristles will skip over the grooves. The Vinylex will start to change color to something gross, wipe it with a rag and either move on or clean that spot a second time. Don't let the solution dry in place. For small or stubborn areas use the toothbrush. Clean the brush in the bucket as it changes colors to keep from rubbing crap in to the Vinyl. Wash the rag when it turns gray and nasty.
Vinylex is also good for anything plastic or rubber in your car. Feel free to use it on your radio. Be careful not to get it on glass. I used it on the long black trim pieces on the door and sides and they were instantly brighter.
It took me about 2-3 hours to do the whole car. I actually ended up using the toothbrush the most because it worked so well. The vinyl looks like NEW! I wish I could post pictures because the before and after are amazing! From now on I'll just do wipe-downs every few weeks and might do it all over again next year.