myrmidon

Hi Guys,

I want to protect and enhance the exterior rubbers and plastics on my '86 Carrera. It seems like they vary from softer rubber (like the window trim and bumpers and bellows) through to harder plastics (like the engine cover and mirrors). (see some 'before' pics below)

Based on my current knowledge (or lack thereof), I was thinking of using Mothers Back-to-Black. What is your opinion? What do you use?

Thanks.



Rear Bumpers with rubber strip, US bumperettes (aargh) and bellows.



Window Rubber looking quite gray



This rear plastic vent needs protection.



Mirrors not looking their absolute best.

autobonrun

Don’t forget rubber seals inside the door and frunk seals. The seals can crack and shrink over time.

I use 303 Protectant on external rubber. I use Gummi Pflege on my seals. The GP bottles may look different these days. Mine is old.

Sorry photo is horizontal but you get the idea.

myrmidon

Very interesting, I use 303 for the interior, but I don't realize it is 'tough' enough for exterior as well.

What do you use for the harder plastics (eg: Engine Cover or Mirrors), also 303?

Thanks for the note on the seals, will certainly purchase some 'Gummi Pflege'.

(Side Note: I am a native German speaker, and 'Gummi Pflege' literally means 'rubber care' :-) )

autobonrun

I use the 303 everywhere including engine cover and hoses. I’ve done that for some time now. I like it better than the greasy products and it doesn’t say flammable. It also says protects from UV rays which implies to me it’s made to be outside as well.

AG81

This is the best stuff I have ever used. I just discovered it a few months ago.....

Seriously unbelievable. https://lithiumautocare.com/product/trim-serum/

Vane

I've found Autoglym Rubber & Trim gel to work also well.
https://www.autoglym.com/products/bo...r-and-trim-gel

911PERVY

Try heating it up with a hair dry or heat gun, not to close obviously! This brings the oils back out and makes them look new!

Vane

Careful here, this heat method won't to my understanding work with rubber parts, like rear spoiler.

911PERVY

Sorry, the heat method is for plastic, not rubber

josephvman

Is that stuff really that much better than Gummi Pflege or Back to Black? It's crazy expensive! Is the active ingredient cocaine!

waizone

Is that Moss Green? I own an 84 in that color.

AG81

If you want the truth......it's worth every penny. I have used back to black for a long time. The difference is so much that I consider Back to Black water. I know it's expensive
but it will last me at least three years. You do not have to keep reapplying it.

freesaints

+1 on the 303 Protectant. I also use ShinEtsu grease on the rubber parts.

josephvman

Okay, I'm going to have to try it! If this were a cheap hobby that made sense I'm sure I'd have no interest in it!

Big Dav

+1 on the Lithium Trim Serum. A little goes a long way so one bottle will last for years. Pretty dramatic on faded plastics and lasts for months.

Also G Techniq C4 ceramic coating for longer lasting semi permanent protection.