nile13

Thanks, guys!

From what I've gathered so far, the fairly common options would be Back to Black, Forever Black, Black Again and a few others (damn it's starting to sound like an SNL sketch). Back to Black is most widely available. Perhaps i should try that first if there are no other suggestions?

Davies

Mike, I am a complete weekend amateur when it comes to this stuff, but have used various leather cleaners/conditioners (Lexol, Griots etc..) on the black vinyl sections of my interior for years w/ good results. I have B2B, but never felt the need to use it on interior parts.

nile13

Matt, I have used Lexol on my leather and also tried Zymol which I probably still have (no leather parts left in the car except the shifter boot). I could try them, of course, but I'm not sure they would do anything to revitalize the vinyl back from fading?

303 protectant sounded good in a sense that it gives a matte, non-shiny finish, plus people claim it can be used on the convertible tops. So I'll probably get some locally and try it anyway on both 993 and Miata. But I'd like to get the new (to me) black vinyl pieces to be revitalized a bit first.

DocTock993

Mike (nile13) - You are asking a great question. I'm also looking to "re-blacken" some interior bits - the switch plate cover turns a nasty brownish color over time. Would B2B (or like product) work on that piece?

brucec59

I've used B2B on some of the hard plastic interior peices that have faded, and it worked well. (Have not tried it on the vinyl, which in my case still looks good and gets 303 protectant periodically.)

Will B2B work on your interior vinyl? There's one way to find out!

future

Mike this is what I use (scroll down to SWISSVAX Protecton Matt Interior Vinyl And Plastic Conditioner): http://www.swissvaxporsche.com/mm5/m...-interior-care

One application treats and restores the color and lasts for years.

J.A.W.S.

http://www.colourlock.ch/international.php

future

Colourlock is part of Swissvax

Stealth 993

Mike, can you post a pic of the problems?

Back to Black is indeed a dye, just a temporary one, it's messy.

If you just really need a deep cleaning on the vinyl, then I would recommend Einszett (1Z) plastic/vinyl cleaner with a bristle brush. Then use either 1z Cockpit or plastic/vinyl dressing.

If it's really bad, nothing will bring it back, except for a redye. Honestly, you can even use the wet type shoe polish with the foam tip, it's about the same as back to black, but cheaper & easier.

TheOtherEric

Like Stealth 993 said, you might try shoe polish. I would personally use a black cream instead of wet polish, but only because I'm comfortable putting cream shoe polish on about anything. I once put brown shoe polish on my Fender guitar neck to give it a nice worn-in look. And yes I've used black on some interior parts.

bart1

The B2B I have is a clear liquid.

nile13

Future, thanks! I don't think that stuff is available in US, but am curious what the alternatives here would be.

Stealth, Back to Black is, indeed a clear liquid. I don't think it's a dye. I bought a bottle yesterday and am planning on trying it.

Eric, I'm really apprehensive about shoe polish on interior parts. I know it'll color well, but I have a feeling it'll be all over my cloth if I touch it. Or am I mistaken?

I'm in process of installing a stereo in the car, so didn't really have time to do much else. However, I did some serious vinyl cleaning on a few pieces with Lexol leather and vinyl cleaner. I helped some and I also have some Leatherique cleaner to try. I want to see what it looks like in a few days and then use B2B if I feel it's needed. I'll also probably be dyeing my center console, so we'll see how everything matches (or doesn't).

bart1

I think B2B will work better if your parts are kinda dry vs well moisturizer and protected.

Stealth 993

That stuff is just silicone. It will be greese. But add a lot of shine, maybe to much for the interior.

Try the shoe polish, you might be surprised. Just do a small piece to see the before & after.

If they are really bad (pic would help) redyeing is really easy, & not really expensive.

nile13

If B2B adds a greasy look I will not be happy with it. I don;t like the "wet tire" shine, I much prefer matte finish to intetior.

Shoe polish will definitely turn things nice and black. But wouldn't it get everything that touches it dirty for foreseeable future?