QUESTION: What is this discoloration on the rubber trim??

May 18, 2007 14 Replies

Hi all.



I have a 2002 Subaru WRX Wagon.



I recently noticed some discoloration along the rubber trim that surrounds my windshield on the outside.



It's kind of whitish and blotchy - like saltwater might stain something. But it's not coming out easily.



Is this maybe sun damage? Anything I can do about this?



Here's a pic (60kB)



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Thanks for any tips.



Cheers,



BD



Looks like silicate particles in the airflow are etching the rubber and leaving some behind. Armor All?

Would brake fluid help clear this kind of wear?

doesn't seem too severe - possibly wax?

Carl

I've had good results with Armor All on black plastic trim. However, Mother's has a product called "Back to Black", which I like a lot better. Back to Black is like a thick Armor All.

Yeah, I feel Armor All and Son-of-a-Gun are not as good as 303 Protectant.

example;

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Carl

You will find that on a LOT of vehicles. It is the result of UV degradation of the vinyl compounds they use to make the trim. If you want to remove it easily, buy some 00 STAINLESS STEEL wool and GENTLY scrub the trim. Then use some 303 protectant on it.

Thanks, I will do. I have some 00 Bulldog wool I used for cleaning water stains off the outside mirrors.

Hadn't heard of 303 protectant, but I'll give that a go.

Cheers,

BD

Thanks!

That looks very interesting, I'll give it a try. I figure if it works well for you in TX, it'll work great here in the New England "training wheel" sun.

Are you really suggesting he use brake fluid or is this some kind of dirty trick?

Brake fluid is supposed to be great for renewing rubber. You DO have to be CAREFUL to avoid getting it on painted surfaces.

It can also damage some plastics.

You could also try brass wool from a boating/marine supply store.

I would think extra fine synthetic steel wool, at any paint store, would also work.

try race graze auto trim renewer its expensive but its worth it

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