Gas & Brake Pedals?

ACE

What's that smell?
What do you folks use on the rubber gas and brake pedals? 303? Nothing? Vaseline? (on your mother-in-law's Sentra)
 
I usually scrub them with a multi-purpose cleaner and leave them alone. I think dressing them could be dangerous!:confused:
 
I have gone oof and cleaned them with just Vinylex. Then I wipe them really good so they are not slippery. Always seems to work fine.
 
I agree with the above - I use AP cleaner and leave them undressed. Using ANY dressing could be very dangerous and anyone that uses it should reconsider their method.
Tassdar - I don't mean to pick, but using Vinylex even buffing it out could leave you in a horrible position. We are all friendly here, but just leave the peddles plain, they will look fine.
 
I am always open to new ideas. And BTW, compared to some of the other message boards I post on, this is the kindest group of people I know of.
 
Here's my take:
The rubber pads come off the pedals in most cases. Makes them way easier to work on...

1. 2000 grit wet/dry or 1500 followed by 2000 grit wet/dry to expose clean, fresh black rubber. Also improves grip.... :D

2. Then light coat of 303 followed by thorough buffing to remove any residue. IMHO opinion 303 is just a smidge tacky when dry.

If you are really anal you can go after the crevices too....

-Rob
 
rhillstr said:

If you are really anal you can go after the crevices too....

-Rob

Of course you go after the crevices! :D :D

Anyhow, I use Meguiar's Heavy Duty Vinyl & Rubber cleaner (#39), and a tooth brush (wife's of course). J/K :D
 
Like the rest

I'm an APC guy like the rest, us ea liberal spray and then go after them with a short, stiff bristle brush. Get all the crud and rocks out and leave them liberally clean. I do like the idea of taking them off and sanding, but only for the most anal and high paying of customers.

-Matt
 
I spend about 6 hours cleaning a car...If I removed the rubber from the pedals and sanded them ...I'd be even longer..Short of it I clean with a MP cleaner and leave them alone..I doubt that any of my customers really care, or notice.
 
It only takes perhaps 10 seconds per pedal and it looks awesome. Oxidized, worn, scratched, discolored rubber... GONE!
 
I understand that its takes minutes to do this but I would rather use my time cleaning up what the customer is going to look at and thats the paint, seats, etc.

I cleaned a car not long back did teh door jambs and wheels wells dressed them up and when I returned it the customer couod have care less after I pointed that out.
 
Beemerboy said:
I understand that its takes minutes to do this but I would rather use my time cleaning up what the customer is going to look at and thats the paint, seats, etc.

I cleaned a car not long back did teh door jambs and wheels wells dressed them up and when I returned it the customer couod have care less after I pointed that out.

BeemerBoy,

I agree! Cleaning the pads to that extent for a customer is probably not necessary. Still, it does add a nice touch.

Anyhow, I only go to that extreme on my personal vehicles! :D
 
Oh! I forgot to mention. I do it for my own edification (on my vehicles) as I do not professionally detail others' cars.
Sorry for not mentioning this upfront.
-Rob
 
Seems like very hard work to me. If I were to charge someone $200 for a full interior/exterior I would consider that a bargain considering how much is involved to do it right, with polish, SMR, glaze and wax.
 
Yeesh! $200?!?!?!? I can barely get people to use my basic Wash & Vacuum w/Wax-As-You-Dry for $30. Much less my high-end detailing with a SMR, Polish, Sealant for $100.
 
I know what you're saying Tassadar.... I could never get $200 where I live. I believe it's all a matter of your locale, your clientele, and the competitions' prices too.
 
I started out at 150 for a full detail with out motor. I've since gone up to 200 plus depending on the job.

I sell myself on the quality of the work and make sure that they understand what makes me different from the other shops in my area.
I spent 15 years in the sales and marketing for electronic companies. Talking someone into having their car detailed is easier than what I use to do.
 
I put on old terry towel on the floor under the pedals, spray a cleaning solution and use an old toothbrush to clean the pedals. I then take out a small "pick" and using the vacuum cleaner to pick up the tiny pebbles I pick out of the crevices of the pedals ( GM pedlas hold a lot of pebbles!) I repeat the cleaning step, then apply a light coat of dressing, then buff it off. People notice little things like that, and clean door jambs...that's why I do them!
 
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