R55 :: Clubman Talk (2008+) Discussions revolving around the extended wheelbase Clubman (R55) model.

R55 MINI and plastic failure

Old Nov 26, 2019 | 04:18 PM
  #1  
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MINI and plastic failure

Does anyone have an idea why the plastic items in our cars don't hold up??
 
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Old Nov 26, 2019 | 04:58 PM
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Which plastic pieces are you referring to? Engine compartment, body trim or interior trim?

Do you live in a state where there is a lot of sun?

I haven't had any problems with the plastic parts on my R55, but I live in the Pacific Northwest and I keep my MINI garaged.
 
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Old Nov 26, 2019 | 05:02 PM
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Yes, I live in Central FL. But the car has a spot in the garage.

I've replaced all kinds of plastic and even vinyl pieces since I purchased the car new.
Engine plastic, rear brake light, interior plastic, vinyl stripes, windshield cowl etc.
 
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Old Nov 27, 2019 | 06:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Performance Angst
Yes, I live in Central FL. But the car has a spot in the garage.

I've replaced all kinds of plastic and even vinyl pieces since I purchased the car new.
Engine plastic, rear brake light, interior plastic, vinyl stripes, windshield cowl etc.
Any big motors constantly running in your garage? Air compressor, fridge, freezer? Plastics don't like ozone.
 
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Old Nov 27, 2019 | 11:06 AM
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The plastics can get brittle from the sun or the extreme cold, I just treat most with VRP from CG and it seems to help on the fading.
 
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Old Nov 27, 2019 | 04:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Andy_S
Any big motors constantly running in your garage? Air compressor, fridge, freezer? Plastics don't like ozone.
I have an air compressor but only run it once every 3 months or so. I do have a fridge in the garage as well but it's designed as an outdoor fridge so low run times and energy consumption. Gladiator full size fridge converted to a kegerator for homebrews!
 
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Old Nov 27, 2019 | 04:38 PM
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Originally Posted by ECSTuning
The plastics can get brittle from the sun or the extreme cold, I just treat most with VRP from CG and it seems to help on the fading.
Thanks for the product suggestion!
Any comments on the new F11?
 
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Old Nov 27, 2019 | 05:14 PM
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Nice Grumman fighter jet from quite a while back.
 
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Old Nov 27, 2019 | 05:22 PM
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303 Protectant is real good for protecting plastic from uv rays. I get it at West Marine.
 
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