Trim treatment

G

GJ1

Member
Hello,

What are people currently using to treat the black exterior trims e.g. wing mirror triangles, lower grille, etc?

I've seen some references to gtechniq, is it the C4 one? Any other recommendations? Ideally looking for something that lasts a while (if there are any).

Can you/should you use these products on the rubber or are there different products to use for them?

Thanks
 
I used Gtechniq C4 on the door mirror triangles on my previous E86 and it worked really well. But it isn't cheap!

I would have tried the Turtle Wax but at the time I couldn't find any.
 
I'd be wary of Gtechniq C4. I bought it, used it once, put it away and when I came to use it again it had crystallised and I had to bin it. Very expensive :thumbsdown:
 
Smartbear said:
Turtle wax tyre dressing, it’s superb :thumbsup:
Rob
Click to expand...

Thanks, this one?
https://www.toolstation.com/turtle-wax-black-in-a-flash/p20222?store=C3&utm_source=googleshopping&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=googleshoppingfeed&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoPT3ocmy7AIVR-vtCh0aSg2qEAQYBCABEgK3avD_BwE

I've seen back to black mentioned as well but not sure what brand.
Any other recommendations out there before I pay a visit to toolstation!
 
flimper said:
I'd be wary of Gtechniq C4. I bought it, used it once, put it away and when I came to use it again it had crystallised and I had to bin it. Very expensive :thumbsdown:
Click to expand...

I have been looking into this today. From the looks of it you can use it on the rubber on the windows too. It lasts for around 2 years rather than 4/5 washes like some other stuff. Has nothing but great reviews on the detailing forums but you are looking at 20-22 quid for it.

You are supposed to use it within 3 months of opening- perhaps that's why it crystallised?
 
Didn't know about the 3 months, that would explain it. Only suitable if you attend to your trim each month then I suppose
 
flimper said:
Didn't know about the 3 months, that would explain it. Only suitable if you attend to your trim each month then I suppose
Click to expand...

Which I doubt you will ever do if it's lasts for circa 24.

It's a one hit wonder for 20 quid. I guess you do your car, the Mrs car and then crack on with some of the plastics in the engine bar to use the rest of it up.

It's on my list but I need to purchase 51317017021 (the windscreen surround ) 1st as it will stand out like an eyesore with everything else restored.
 
Yes, I for one will not buy it again, I wasn't overly impressed and certainly didn't last as long as they state. Be interested to know how much the windscreen scuttle costs and how easy it is to fit as mine seen better days
 
flimper said:
Yes, I for one will not buy it again, I wasn't overly impressed and certainly didn't last as long as they state. Be interested to know how much the windscreen scuttle costs and how easy it is to fit as mine seen better days
Click to expand...

That's a shame- I thought it was the answer to all my prayers (I was debating C4 or slowly replacing the plastic).

£30-40 quid depending on who you go with. I would buy OEM for the sake of a fiver or so.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nh2R0wmvvCY&ab_channel=HutchTouchGarage

Doesn't look to hard of a job.
 
flimper said:
Yes, I for one will not buy it again, I wasn't overly impressed and certainly didn't last as long as they state. Be interested to know how much the windscreen scuttle costs and how easy it is to fit as mine seen better days
Click to expand...

Maybe the surface wasn't prepped properly before applying thereby not allowing good adhesion? I know detailers say to use something to wipe the panels down (IPA I think) before applying the Gtecnics stuff.

Another longer lasting trim rejuvenator with a good reputation is Gyeon Trim, again not cheap but supposed to last a long time if applied correctly. Most normal trim dressing only last a few weeks or days even.
 
flimper said:
Yes, I for one will not buy it again, I wasn't overly impressed and certainly didn't last as long as they state. Be interested to know how much the windscreen scuttle costs and how easy it is to fit as mine seen better days
Click to expand...

Sorry wrong part.

Windscreen Scuttle or as BMW call it "Cover Windshield" item 51717043619 is.... wait for it... circa £155....

I changed one on my old 182 about 5 years ago and slipped and cracked my windscreen. Expensive day that when I had no windscreen cover on my insurance... Bit of a ball ache getting the window wipers apart to be able to fit the new part.
 
mgrlane said:
flimper said:
Yes, I for one will not buy it again, I wasn't overly impressed and certainly didn't last as long as they state. Be interested to know how much the windscreen scuttle costs and how easy it is to fit as mine seen better days
Click to expand...

Sorry wrong part.

Windscreen Scuttle or as BMW call it "Cover Windshield" item 51717043619 is.... wait for it... circa £155....

I changed one on my old 182 about 5 years ago and slipped and cracked my windscreen. Expensive day that when I had no windscreen cover on my insurance... Bit of a ball ache getting the window wipers apart to be able to fit the new part.
Click to expand...

Thought it might be that high, only slight cosmetic damage so will probably leave
 
Silverstar said:
flimper said:
Yes, I for one will not buy it again, I wasn't overly impressed and certainly didn't last as long as they state. Be interested to know how much the windscreen scuttle costs and how easy it is to fit as mine seen better days
Click to expand...

Maybe the surface wasn't prepped properly before applying thereby not allowing good adhesion? I know detailers say to use something to wipe the panels down (IPA I think) before applying the Gtecnics stuff.

Another longer lasting trim rejuvenator with a good reputation is Gyeon Trim, again not cheap but supposed to last a long time if applied correctly. Most normal trim dressing only last a few weeks or days even.
Click to expand...

Very possibly, I know the trim was spotlessly clean but I didn't go as far as IPA
 
I use 303 aerospace protectant on the exterior trim as it’s supposed to have good UV resistance. I’m not sure it’s a trim rejuvenator as such, but it does darken the plastics and should offer some protection against the elements.
 
I bought some 303 protectant and I don't rate it at all.
Personally the autoglym was much better and cheaper.
 
got something in the garage i used to restore honda civic trims which notoriously discolour from black to grey, ill get a pic of it later, it works a treat and was pretty cheap too
 
A few suggestions here, thanks. It seems that there is a wide range that people use or have heard of rather than an outright winner. Will do some research.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom