Tried to do some interior detailing on the weekend and found that no amount of armour-all could improve the look of the black vinyl that has dulled on the sides of the centre console. Also the mb-tex seats and door trim were really hard to clean and I gave up after trying to clean the driver's door.
Just wondering, what products are recommended for cleaning MB-Tex?
Also, what can be done with regards to painting or revitalising vinyl? I've heard of restoring vinyl by painting but what sort of paint and what's the process?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Styria, I hadn't thought about prepsol.
You're right about the different fading/discolouring characteristics of different parts of the interior. I've noticed in detail photos of cars for sale on the net, the centre console black vinyl becomes lack-lustre like mine.
Whilst I'm not keen on painting, the worst discolouration has appeared under my visors and cleaning wont fix, hence the query re painting. Though I will try some prepsol and the like. Click on the pic to see what I mean.
Remember, nothing I know has been wrapped around the visors and the area affected isn't facing the sun. Has anyone else had visors look this way?
For cleaning off silicone and ArmorAll for painting Vinyl, or off Leather (do itr quick, it ruins leather), you can use a mix of Rubbing Alcohol (from Chenists) and Ammonia, 50:50, ie a cup of each.
A new product that seems really great on Vinyl is 303 Aerospace Protectant. Look it up on the web. Developed by NASSA.
Quote from: "john skene"For cleaning off ... ArmorAll ... do itr quick, it ruins leather ...
Bloody useless on vinyl, too - it's utter shite! Best way to ruin a good dash pad, IMHO.
For about 20 years I've used nothing on my W108 dashpad and door trims but a thin, monthly, well-rubbed-in coat of - wait for - Vaseline (petroleum jelly).
No cracks, no fading ...
Am now using it on the W111 and W116, too. Haven't got to the W112 pad with it yet.
Quote from: "OzBenzHead"For about 20 years I've used nothing on my W108 dashpad and door trims but a thin, monthly, well-rubbed-in coat of - wait for - Vaseline (petroleum jelly).
I was aware of the poor long-term performance of ArmorAll and going to take heed of your suggestion. I have had success with leatherique products too.
The only thing I have found to take armor all off is TSP (trisodium phosphate). As for the Vasoline? Never heard of putting a product that contains petrolum on a cars interior bits.........DavidR
Quote from: "HerrBenz"... Vasoline? Never heard of putting a product that contains petrolum on a cars interior bits
Mein Herr:
Well, you have now. :)
I have long-term proof that it is harmless on M-B vinyl (and friends who've applied the practice to their non-Benz cars also find it works a treat).
Mind you, I wouldn't put it near leather or rubber, and I do apply it sparingly.
Why pay inordinate amounts of good money for what is often (as exemplified by Armor-All) total crap?
If anyone is interested in trying supposedly superior - and local Oz - car-care products, why not give Bowdens a try? They are a Qld family firm making a line of car-care products which started out as a desire to maintain their extensive collection (about 100!) of classic and famous racing cars.
You can find them at
http://www.bowdensown.com.au/home.html.
I have yet to try their goods, but reports from Benz-Club acquaintances are very positive.
Quote from: styria on 19 December 2005, 04:24 AM... did you know that the dash on that beautiful 300 SE Coupe of yours should be covered in LEATHER ? ... just about every single piece of trim is covered in leather, including both portions of the dash. Am I right ?
Ah, Styria, I know it ought to be, but it ain't. The upper dashpad was re-covered in vinyl before I purchased it. It gets the Vaseline treatment; the leather gets saddle soap cleansing and leather oil treatment. Perhaps some day will see leather restored to the upper dash pad (other priorities being way ahead of that project!).? ?:)