GC TD, 303, TD Shootout

T

Threadhead

New member
Background
I have pretty much not used any specific exterior trim product except for my Meg's Natural Shine. But about a year ago I had horrible greying and staining on my Taco running boards, so I called Meg's and asked for their recommendation. They thought Gold Class Trim Detailer was the product to use. So I order some, tried it, and was flat out FLOORED it worked so well.

Now I just receive some 303 Aerospace and Poorboy's Trim Restorer and decided to give them a shootout against GC TC.

The Victim
A 1994 Honda Civic. The front bumper molding has never been treated (as far as I know). It is horribly scratched, has years of wax buildup, bug guts, and everything else thrown at it. Most of all, it's no longer black but almost a grey color.

The Process
I read and followed the instructions for all products. The TD was applied with a terry applicator, left to sit for a few seconds and buffed dry. The 303 was sprayed on and buffed off with a terry towel. The TR was sprayed on and scrubbed with a toothbrush and buffed off with a terry towel.

Here are the before pictures with the shootout contestants in front.
 
The Winner
All products were allowed to sit for 15 minutes before the final picture. And the winner... Gold Class Trim Detailer, by a long shot (sorry 303 and TR).

The TD is a very deep dark black color, with a satin sheen. I supposed I could make it shine more by not wiping as much off. At first, I didn't think it was going to compete well, but time was on TD's side. Within a few minutes is was much darker and deeper than the others. In areas with wax, the wax is completely gone, no white haze at all.

I had much better hopes for 303. While the look is not bad, it's just not as dark as TD. I was most dissapointed that is did almost nothing to the wax that was on the trim. I guess if you were looking for a low sheen product that does not deepen the color, 303 would fit the bill, but the trim would need to be in good shape prior.

Poorboy's TR probably did the best job at removing the wax crud in the little cracks. But the resulting finish is very flat and not very dark. It just didn't bring out the original deep dark black that the trim was originally. It also has no reflective qualities. Maybe I'm expecting too much and TR really needs the addition of NL or TD on top to really bring out the depth and shine.

As to how long each will last, I don't know. That's another shootout for another day.

And now for the final picture:
 
Did you clean beforehand for all ther products? Or were you trying to see how it would do with an untreated dirt molding? Interesting finds
 
No, the area was washed and scrubbed with a brush, twice. I can see how you would think it is not clean. Pretty bad, huh.

I do see now that you can see the scratches more on the 303 section. That's just reflection from the camera and the curve of the trim section. All areas were pretty much the same, badly scratched and pitted.
 
FWIW, 303 protectant doesn't have any cleaning capabilities. 303 does make a cleaner, but I have never used it. Fortunately, I have never had to deal with vinyl that was that bad to start with.

Charles
 
Is that a texured surface or flat? TR works best on textured surfaces. I've found TR to be rather glossy and really deepens the color.
 
Megs TD....never heard of it, but looks like a very good product. I would love to see some NL on top of them all.

Maybe i should do my own "Trim shootout" with the products i have, applied on trim that has already been treated with ForeverBlacks Bumper and Trim dye.
 
Great review ...
Usually TR leaves more of a shine.
My bottle seems to need to be shaken every 5 seconds though because it seperates like crazy.
Of course the bottle does say to shake well.
I have a gift certificate from Megs ... I know what I am trying next :)
 
Thanks for the review.
The results look very convincing. I have plenty of TR. I was putting together an order at Autogeek and found Megs TD so will have to get a bottle. Looking forward to trying it.
 
I have tried all three products and I agree that Megs TD darkens the trim the most but I felt it left a very greasy feeling to the trim even after buffing it off particularly when compared to trim restorer. I also agree that trim restorer performs the best regarding removal of wax residue. I echo the sentiments cocnerning 303 as it is a solid product just not as good IMO as the other two products. Both the Megs TD and trim restorer held up well for me in rain also. Great products.
 
I would like to try NL too. My bottle should arrive today.

Concerning the shine of TR: It's always appeared very flat for me. Goes on shiny, dries flat. Now, I have only used TR on Honda trim, which is notoriously prone to wax/polish spots and oxidation. So other trims might do better.

Not that price always matters (rounded to nearest whole dollar):
Gold Class Trim Detailer (10oz): $3.00 (I don't know why it's $5.96 on Autogeek, it's $2.99 from Meg's)
PB Trim Restorer (16oz): $12.00
303 Protectant (8oz): $8.00
 
I've been using the GCTD for a few months now and really like it also. I have used Stoner's Trim Shine and 303 before and liked both but they don't hold up in the rain near as well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top