MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Appearance Related => Topic started by: househead on October 9, 2019, 13:16

Title: Cleaning / refurbing rubber trim seals
Post by: househead on October 9, 2019, 13:16
My exterior rubber seals and trim is looking rather tatty. Anyone got any tips for making it good again?

Tried cleaning with brake cleaner and applying some black trim reviver but it doesn't do much. In fact it might have made it worse by making the shiny bit shinier and doing nothing to the tatty bit.

Few photos to explain what I mean...

FA980E54-3BA4-4637-BED0-5BAA60BE9B88.jpeg

CA962F6B-ED14-4D28-8C80-6F34355D82DC.jpeg
Title: Re: Cleaning / refurbing rubber trim seals
Post by: Carolyn on October 9, 2019, 13:20
Stretchy vinyl tape.  Did mine a couple of years ago.  Still looks good.
Title: Re: Cleaning / refurbing rubber trim seals
Post by: househead on October 9, 2019, 13:25
Quote from: Carolyn on October  9, 2019, 13:20Stretchy vinyl tape.  Did mine a couple of years ago.  Still looks good.

As in the electrical tape stuff? That sure would have a nice shiny finish. Did you remove them at all to do it or just in situ?
Title: Re: Cleaning / refurbing rubber trim seals
Post by: Carolyn on October 9, 2019, 13:26
no it's specialist vinyl tape. 

fleabay it.
Title: Re: Cleaning / refurbing rubber trim seals
Post by: SuperArt on November 20, 2019, 19:59
I don't know how to bring back the deep black colour but some heavy duty silicone will go a long way to rejuvenating ageing rubber seals.
Title: Re: Cleaning / refurbing rubber trim seals
Post by: Chilli Girl on November 20, 2019, 20:34
Quote from: househead on October  9, 2019, 13:16My exterior rubber seals and trim is looking rather tatty. Anyone got any tips for making it good again?

Tried cleaning with brake cleaner and applying some black trim reviver but it doesn't do much. In fact it might have made it worse by making the shiny bit shinier and doing nothing to the tatty bit.

Few photos to explain what I mean...

FA980E54-3BA4-4637-BED0-5BAA60BE9B88.jpeg

CA962F6B-ED14-4D28-8C80-6F34355D82DC.jpeg

Foxy's have gone off abit like yours too!
Title: Re: Cleaning / refurbing rubber trim seals
Post by: Ardent on November 20, 2019, 22:02
@househead

I appreciate this is a bit left field, and probably think, he's lost it.

But, surprisingly as a 2 step process this worked very well. Takes time and elbow grease.
To remove the oxidation, try this.
https://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/meguiars-nxt-all-metal-polish
I know I know.
Which brought mine up rather well.
Then top coat of choice.
Zaino8 perfect tire shine, or cherry blossom shoe polish.
Title: Re: Cleaning / refurbing rubber trim seals
Post by: househead on November 20, 2019, 22:07
Nice! I'll certainly give that a go, nice one!

Sounds mad enough that it might work  >:D
Title: Re: Cleaning / refurbing rubber trim seals
Post by: Ardent on November 20, 2019, 22:17
Do you already have some? Or know someone.
Be a shame to buy a pot, just for that.
I generally apply with aldi cotton make up removal pads. 200 for about 70p.
Very handy in the garage. Checking oil n all sorts.
Dip wipe bin.
Title: Re: Cleaning / refurbing rubber trim seals
Post by: househead on November 20, 2019, 22:20
Quote from: Ardent on November 20, 2019, 22:17Do you already have some? Or know someone.
Be a shame to buy a pot, just for that.
I generally apply with aldi cotton make up removal pads. 200 for about 70p.
Very handy in the garage. Checking oil n all sorts.
Dip wipe bin.

I don't, but I do have other uses for metal polish, like my exhaust tips and odd things about the house!

As for cotton wool pads, I bought an absolute rake of cotton wool pads for vaping that will honestly never get used up!
Title: Re: Cleaning / refurbing rubber trim seals
Post by: Mackie on December 11, 2019, 21:55
Use peanut butter (smooth).or baby oil.
Title: Re: Cleaning / refurbing rubber trim seals
Post by: BahnStormer on December 17, 2019, 17:37
Gummi Pflege Stift (https://www.amazon.co.uk/nextzett-91480615-Rubber-Stick-White/dp/B004B8GTQG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=16FX1LFO4WWQZ&keywords=gummi+pflege&qid=1576603785&sprefix=gummi+%2Caps%2C158&sr=8-1)

Not certain if this will sort your one out, but it's great for door rubbers - it's a German "rubber care pen".... essentially a half size version of one of those shoe shiner sponges, but the contents are a special formula for softening and protecting car rubber trim, especially useful during winter... I redo all mine every autumn before the weather gets freezing, so the car doors open easily even at -10C (you're probably not taking your MR2 on a ski-drive, but it still works wonders with any car rubber).