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door panel UV / sun damage

Started by CA116, 14 August 2023, 02:36 AM

CA116

Is there any hope for repairing UV/sun damage on the outer edge of door panels? To my surprise, I have searched around and haven't seen anything on the forum related to this question.

I have always used a sun shade to protect the dashboard of my W116, and it is luckily in pristine condition. However, the outer edges of the door panels that face the windows are showing considerable darkening. (These are tan panels matched to a Bamboo leather interior.) Curious to hear if anyone has had any success!
1980 300SD | 684H Pastel Beige | 204 Bamboo

raueda1

The panel skins are PVC, along with the wire insulation, cable tubing, most interior stuff and more.  As PVC degrades, whether from UV, heat, or both, it tends to turn brown or even black.  The washer hoses under the hood are another example.  They started out clear and gradually discolor to various shades of brown.  Unfortunately there's no going back, the damage is done.  Eventually it also becomes brittle.  So, the only fix is "dyeing," which I think is really more a kind of painting.  Some here have great experience with this technique and can certainly offer guidance (looking at you, Robert!).  Cheers,
-Dave
Now:  1976 6.9 Euro, 2015 GL550
Before that:  1966 230S, 1964 220SE coupe, 1977 Carrera 3.0

floyd111

May I also add that bleaching them with anything known may or may not help, but it will very likely come back to a worse color with a vengeance, after some months.

My best info is to purchase Rustoleum vinyl primer and vinyl spray.
Heard these are solid products.

raueda1

Quote from: floyd111 on 23 September 2023, 02:20 AMMay I also add that bleaching them with anything known may or may not help, but it will very likely come back to a worse color with a vengeance, after some months.

My best info is to purchase Rustoleum vinyl primer and vinyl spray.
Heard these are solid products.
Bleaching might improve the color but it won't do the plastic any good.  Bleach is a very strong oxidizer and oxidation is the root cause of the discoloration.  Best to paint, as you say.  Cheers,

ps- welcome back, by the way!
-Dave
Now:  1976 6.9 Euro, 2015 GL550
Before that:  1966 230S, 1964 220SE coupe, 1977 Carrera 3.0

BMA

I guess you mean that, have the same problem .....and interestingly, only at both doors at the driver side (LHD)
happy having finally a 6.9 # 7271 in my garage, ...so nice to cruise!

nathan

dont' attempt it yourself, but look up a local 'vinyl dye' specialist.  I was sceptical about it but saw some pieces done, and it looked good.  I am not sure how it would hold up if you were constantly loading or rubbing the area, but if its a non contact area, it wont be an issue.
1979 116 6.9 #6436
2018 213 e63
2011 212 e63
2011 463 g55
2007 211 e500 wagen
1995 124 e320 cabriolet
1983 460 300gd
1981 123 280te

rumb

I've had fantastic results using Leatherique dyes. It's a very durable coating. They may even have a standard color that matches your car.
'68 250S
'77 6.9 Euro
'91 300SE,
'98 SL500
'14 CLS550,
'16 AMG GTS
'21 E450 Cabrio

daantjie

Quote from: rumb on 04 October 2023, 09:32 AMI've had fantastic results using Leatherique dyes. It's a very durable coating. They may even have a standard color that matches your car.

Indeed Leatherique is good stuff.  If you send them a swatch they can colour match the dye.
Daniel
1977 450 SEL 6.9 - Astralsilber

BMA

that's a good tipp! Many Thanks!
....I made very good experience with an Austrian Company producing leather protection and excellent other products to refurbish the leather coating. They also repair and color leather. Company is called: "Ledermax". Will call them and ask for a dye in bamboo.
happy having finally a 6.9 # 7271 in my garage, ...so nice to cruise!

floyd111

Quote from: raueda1 on 23 September 2023, 09:56 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 23 September 2023, 02:20 AMMay I also add that bleaching them with anything known may or may not help, but it will very likely come back to a worse color with a vengeance, after some months.

My best info is to purchase Rustoleum vinyl primer and vinyl spray.
Heard these are solid products.
Bleaching might improve the color but it won't do the plastic any good.  Bleach is a very strong oxidizer and oxidation is the root cause of the discoloration.  Best to paint, as you say.  Cheers,

ps- welcome back, by the way!

BTW, I gave the Rustoleum vinyl primer and vinyl spray a go, refurbishing a mid console seat cushion for the W116. It really works well. Must say that depending on the condition of the item, you may need more layers of vinyl spray than you may have calculated