Door handles dilemma - need blacking.

Armor-Dillo. This company supposedly makes products for resotring black plastic parts and such on cars. I think that GM was authorizing dealers to use this stuff on Avalanches that were coming in with faded cladding warranty work. I think they were authorizing 1 treatment for free. Ultra-expensive though...



http://armor-dillo.com
 
I have a similar problem on my '02 truck. I tried some of the silicon based tire gel and it worked great. However I noticed all kinds of wierd lines and runs under the handle one day. Then I realized it was the silicon:eek: Must have run down from the rain or maybe just gravity. In any event, don't use that stuff! Let me know how things work out, maybe I'll give it a try!
 
KenSilver said:
That's a long time Lynn - mine don't last more than a few days!



What's the best of your selection that you've found?
Click to expand...

Z16 has given me the best longevity. I think Mothers Preserve and Griot's Vinyl/Leather Dressing probably tied for 2nd-best.



But I learned that a key is to REALLY REALLY clean the rubber parts first. I did this by using Meguiars APC+ 4:1 on the rubber, scrubbed-in with a very soft nylon brush. Then rinse. Then wash again with the Megs, then rinse. When I was totally convinced it was truly, totally clean, then I'd dry. Then come out in an hour and hit with the dressing of choice.



Before hitting on that technique, I would just wash, then dry, then dress. And the dressing wouldn't last more than a few days. For me, the secret has been in really prepping the rubber surface well, then applying a good dressing.



Hope this helps --

Lynn
 
fireberd350 said:
...I tried some of the silicon based tire gel and it worked great. However I noticed all kinds of wierd lines and runs under the handle one day....
Click to expand...

Yes, had exactly the same problem. Makes you wonder how it stays on tires.



Ken Silver

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1999 Mercedes SLK, 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara, 1993 Mercedes SL500, 1991 Daimler (Vanden Plas). Finish detailing, then start all over again...
 
Further development... proving Lynn is right about prepping thoroughly...



The main problem was the old wax from the last owner. This had dried hard and white on the handles.



So yesterday I set to using a household mild liquid abrasive scourer (Jif), and applied it with a hard bristle toothbrush. I scrubbed vigorously, being careful not to touch the paintwork.



Rinsed the handles down, and result was magic!



All the white has come off, and the handles are dark - like their original natural finish. So it doesn't really matter whether I put any darkening agent over it... won't make much difference.



I was really surprised. Maybe I was too gentle in the past.



Ken Silver

--------------

1999 Mercedes SLK, 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara, 1993 Mercedes SL500, 1991 Daimler (Vanden Plas). Finish detailing, then start all over again...
 
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