The rubber plastic rocker panels are hard to clean perfectly...what is the recommended material of choice and the type of cloth/brush to use? I'm talking about the nonmetal portion below the doors on the Passat. One other question: wax tends to get between this plastic piece and the metal doors...how does everone get the wax removed there? Thank you .
Maintenance of plastic pieces below doors and removing wax in creases.
- Thread starter Ikabob
- Start date
Brad B
New member
Consider using Black Again. It gives them a really deep black look. Also, Stoners Trim Shine spray does a good job of doing the same thing although it doesn't last quite as long and would be a second choice. This would be a "hands off" approach.
For the wax, consider getting denatured alcohol and a buying a box of medical swabs (Q-tips on steroids on 6" long sticks). You will find a thousand purposes for them in the future! You can unwind some of the cotton and stick it in the gap and run it along the running board. Takes 10 seconds!
:xyxthumbs
For the wax, consider getting denatured alcohol and a buying a box of medical swabs (Q-tips on steroids on 6" long sticks). You will find a thousand purposes for them in the future! You can unwind some of the cotton and stick it in the gap and run it along the running board. Takes 10 seconds!
:xyxthumbs
Are you talking about that grey/black cladding that goes under the rockers/doors sort of under the car? Same as whats under the bumpers?
If it's what I'm thinking it is, I use alot of scrubbing to get it really clean then use 303 to keep it black. The underside of my audi is that stuff and the 303 lasts longer than any stuff I've tried so far. I bought the 303 at a boat supply place. 303 (as well as vinyex) will have it looking clean even if it isn't clean.
The 303 is the stuff to use on all the acres of rubber surrounding the vw doors too.
As far as wax deep in the cracks-beyond the reach of a q tip- I spray detailing spray into the crack then wipe out the goo with a business card edge jabbed in there, folded if need be.. Then wipe the whole scene with a buffy rag.
If it's what I'm thinking it is, I use alot of scrubbing to get it really clean then use 303 to keep it black. The underside of my audi is that stuff and the 303 lasts longer than any stuff I've tried so far. I bought the 303 at a boat supply place. 303 (as well as vinyex) will have it looking clean even if it isn't clean.
The 303 is the stuff to use on all the acres of rubber surrounding the vw doors too.
As far as wax deep in the cracks-beyond the reach of a q tip- I spray detailing spray into the crack then wipe out the goo with a business card edge jabbed in there, folded if need be.. Then wipe the whole scene with a buffy rag.
I know exactly what you are talking about because I have a 99 Passat. I have been using 303 spray on all that textured plastic area. It does a good job.
You could use an orange stick (like you use on cuticles) to carefully pull out any wax between the trim and the doors.
My only problem with this area is, on the passenger side trim there is an area where it looks like something oozed or dripped from the door onto the trim and I can't get the stain to go away! The 303 darkens it but then it always comes back.
You could use an orange stick (like you use on cuticles) to carefully pull out any wax between the trim and the doors.
My only problem with this area is, on the passenger side trim there is an area where it looks like something oozed or dripped from the door onto the trim and I can't get the stain to go away! The 303 darkens it but then it always comes back.
I too have a Passat and have used Mother's Back-to-Black and peanut oil to restore the black trim. Both worked ok, but niether will last more than two weeks. I applied the B-to-B with a crappy red shop towel (not like it's gonna scratch... it's textured plastic 
) and buffed off with a clean one. Similar procedure with peanut oil, but I applied with a foam paint brush. It was kind of a PITA, but did look good for a little while.
I may try 303 next, or I may even break down and buy the Zaino trim product that has received good reviews here (don't remember the product number at this time).
) and buffed off with a clean one. Similar procedure with peanut oil, but I applied with a foam paint brush. It was kind of a PITA, but did look good for a little while.I may try 303 next, or I may even break down and buy the Zaino trim product that has received good reviews here (don't remember the product number at this time).