What do you use to shine up the exterior black trim? I'm not as sophisticated as most of you, so I continue to use Armor All on the interior (not sure about the leather yet) and have used this on the exterior on other cars. Haven't done it yet on my MCS.

 

I no longer use Armor All products. I highly recommend a product called Vinylex from Lexol:


http://www.lexol.com


It is about $7-$10 at your local autoparts store and not only restores the black of your exterior trim parts but also deep cleans, conditions and adds a layer of UV resistant coat to protect them and have them look nice for a long time.

Vinylex is not greasy and does not wash out (Unlike Armor All and Mother's Back-To-Black products) and can be used safely in your dashboard, interior plastic trim and Leatherette seats if your MINI is so equipped. You can also use it to dress up your tire's sidewalls.

Their Leather cleaning/conditioning product is called Lexol. I highly recommend both.



_________________
'02 Cooper CVT PW/B, MFSW, CD Boost, 15" 8-Spoke silver wheels.
'04 MCS CR/W, UJ Roof Flag, Aux Input, HK, Sport MFSW, Rain sensing, Auto dim mirror, 16" silver V-spoke wheels, Chrome grille, Chrome mirrors, OBC, front fogs.

 

I don't like the wet greased look from armarol
so far just soap and water,hair shampoo for soap ,just a few drops
but my black trim is getting very pitted by gravel,ah country life.will have to get mud
flaps I guess

 

I use Zaino Bros' 16 Perfect Tire Gloss (treatment and preserver)
Non greasy, non oily good for rubber plastic or vinyl. Doesn't really work as well on tires as it does for exterior black vinyl and rubber mats (works great on both these). Also lasts a fair amount of time. Makes the rubber or vinyl look new.

 

Meguiars Trim Detailer works fabulously. Use their foam applicator or even a paper towel and it'll keep the trim dark and clean and matte! I just did this yesterday cause the I had an accident at the gas pump--stupid thing didn't shut off, and I had gas all over the side of my car. My trim turned white immediately. Putting on Trim Detailer solved the problem.

However since we are now 4 years later, I've created a product called Black Wow that solves this problem for good and works much better than Meguiar's archaic trim detailer product.

 

I like the glossy look that Armor All gives, but I agree I do not like the greasiness of it.

 

Aerospace 303

It has UV protection and you can find it in boating supply stores or at http://www.properautocare.com

 

Add my vote to Lexol's Vinylex.....it makes my black vinyl trim black again and after two winters of being sand blasted by the sand they use here on the roads in the Northeast, it seems to clean deep into the trim and looks almost new again.

I use it every third or fourth washing and I am very pleased with the results.

 

I use One Grand ERV on exterior black. Vinylex on interior vinyl and Lexol Leather cleaner and conditioner on the leather(not Armorall!!!!!!!!!!!!). Leather in Audi not Mini. Plexus on plastic(Gauges,headlights,tail lights,wood trim). Endurance or ERV on tires..

 

Mother's back to black!

 

I use Aerospace 303 for the interior and exterior and like the results. I hear good things about Lexol's Vinylex so will probably try that in the future.

 

Vinyl care product marketing is filled with lots of hype and very little fact! A couple of years ago I did a great deal of research into vinyl care products and was mislead or lied to by all of the leading marketers with the exception of 303. Do a search on Roadfly’s detailing board for a history of this research.

It’s a fact - - vinyl does not need feeding nor does it need conditioning, but it does need protection from ultra-violet radiation. 303 Aerospace Protectant is the only vinyl care product that provides measurable UV shielding!

Clean interior and exterior vinyl with any mild soap/water solution and then apply a coating of 303 AP for protection. Forever Black is a superb product for restoring faded or dirty black vinyl - - and two coats will give a shine similar to the silicone products.

 

303 Aerospace is the best for protection and shine-control

however

I use Stoner Trim Shine because it's almost as good, but quicker to use.

 

Ok nobody yell at me but I got some BMW wheel and trim cleaner/protector,from my MINI dealer ,seems to work good,and it was cheaper than the auto supply stores different kind of brands.Up here in Canada anyway.And now that I use it brake dust seems to clean off easier

 

I use Stoner Trim Shine. Spray on and lightly wipe off. Makes the trim look brand new. I only need to apply 2-4 times a year. It also makes the rubber floor mats look brand new also. I have seen the product at Wal-Mart, Pep Boys and Auto Zone Good luck!

 

So, 303 Aerospace Protectant is a good product to use?
Is it also safe for the trim roof? (is it the right word?) You know, the black trim that goes all around the car, between the roof and the body.
Thank's

 

sure, but BW is better for exterior.

things have changed since 2004...

 

I'll go see if i can find it.

 

if your going for the preservation of rubber (i.e keeping it like new but not giving it a glossy look) use pure Glycerin. Pure Glycerin is a natural preservative that works great on rubber (not the plastic, but the rubber).

For plastic parts I use the 303.

Tires, -if you want a natural look that doesn't make a mess use black shoe polish. Gives the tires a nice consistent flat black look.

For leather care, Lexol. It's been used to keep leather saddles supple for years and years, decades and decades actually. I think Lexol began as a saddle conditioner then made it's way into the auto business.

As far as interior trim (all the plastic parts and dials, guages, etc..) I use a lightly damp cloth and wipe off smudges and dirt.

Armor All -I hate it, it's a greasy mess in my opinion.

For exterior paint, I first apply Klaus's (sp?) synthetic wax protect-ant, then after it cures for 24hrs I go over w/ a single coat of PS21 pure caranuaba wax.

For wheels I sometimes put a thin (very very very thin) coat of Petroleum Vasoline. Vasoline will seal any microscopic cracks in the wheels and prevent dust and brake dust from penetrating and creating rust spots, etc. Yet be aware that vasoline also attracts dust and brake dust, so apply it extremely conservatively to each wheel. -Just a tiny dab will spread across entire wheel.

Engine wipe down and brush off dust as needed.

This is basically how I care for my Mini (and Porsche).

 

Thank's a lot.

 

vasoline in the garage is as bad as having wenol.

 

Aerospace 303 and Back-To-Black are my choices for black exteror trim. Aerospace 303 and Finishline Echotec solvent works well under the hood. Aerospace 303 inside the car.

 

I use this as well great stuff IMO

 

Black Wow is by far the best product I have used since my first Mini in '02. Looks great and lasts much longer.

 

does anyone know were i can buy this aerospace 303 stuff no one by me has it...? (chicago)