Author Topic: Plastic fading any hints... (Read 6139 times)

coachd · « **on:** February 25, 2009, 02:46:54 PM »

So I have an 2004 Av without the cladding, but with the Chrome Splashing bought her with 75,000 miles on it, no complaints so far but am a little curious with the plastic coming down from the top of the cab in the back if there were any hints on how to keep that looking sharp and not faded from the sun.

To my knowledge there's not much one can do for this but thought maybe you fellow Av owners might know of something else...

Thanks!!

Darren · « **Reply #1 on:** February 25, 2009, 03:49:18 PM »

There is a product called Refinish Restorer that a lot of people on here (including myself) have used with great success. It will make your faded cladding look brand new again. Mine was beat to heck by the sun and now it looks brand new after applying this product. It will cost you around $50 for a bottle shipped to you and will last a long time. There's some other products available people have used with mixed results but it seems R/R has been by far the best and least expensive option to fix your faded cladding. If you do an Internet seach for "Refinish Restorer" you will find where you can order online.

And by the way

Darren

bluedevil · « **Reply #2 on:** February 25, 2009, 03:51:13 PM »

coachd

This should fix the "Zebra" pattern. Lots of folks here use it.

http://www.chevyavalancheclub.com/index.php/topic,2580.0.html

Tanner · « **Reply #3 on:** February 25, 2009, 04:56:58 PM »

I used Mother's brand "Back to Black" on mine.. WORKS WONDERS! My plastic was faded so bad it was almost white... It looks brand new again. You can get it at Walmart or any local parts store for about $6.00

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #4 on:** February 25, 2009, 06:47:32 PM »

Quote from: Tanner on February 25, 2009, 04:56:58 PM

I used Mother's brand "Back to Black" on mine.. WORKS WONDERS! My plastic was faded so bad it was almost white... It looks brand new again. You can get it at Walmart or any local parts store for about $6.00

I used to use that on mine every 3 weeks until I put the RR on it. Havn't touched the cladding in over 8 months now and it still looks great

dg3094 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 25, 2009, 08:49:03 PM »

Refinish restorer is the best solution. It lasts the longest and is the best bang for the buck. Fantastic results. I posted pictures already under a different thread, along with others like MoAv. Back to Black doesn't seem to last very long until it gets dull; Gatorback has drawbacks such as having to paint it on, flaking off, and expense.

Fowlhunter · « **Reply #6 on:** February 26, 2009, 06:37:23 AM »

Quote from: dg3094 on February 25, 2009, 08:49:03 PM

Refinish restorer is the best solution. It lasts the longest and is the best bang for the buck. Fantastic results. I posted pictures already under a different thread, along with others like MoAv. Back to Black doesn't seem to last very long until it gets dull; Gatorback has drawbacks such as having to paint it on, flaking off, and expense.

From what I've seen you are correct! Go with RR!!! My cladding was Gatorbacked by the dealer several years ago and I can start to see it flaking off, I really want to paint it a darker charcoal or black but I'm kinda scared!!

MyBigToy · « **Reply #7 on:** February 26, 2009, 08:42:33 AM »

Quote from: Fowlhunter on February 26, 2009, 06:37:23 AM

From what I've seen you are correct! Go with RR!!! My cladding was Gatorbacked by the dealer several years ago and I can start to see it flaking off, I really want to paint it a darker charcoal or black but I'm kinda scared!!

Painting is not an issue; it's all in the prep work done before-hand and the best way to do it is to take the cladding off. The paint also should have a flex additive.

Fowlhunter · « **Reply #8 on:** February 26, 2009, 12:56:02 PM »

Quote from: MyBigToy on February 26, 2009, 08:42:33 AM

Painting is not an issue; it's all in the prep work done before-hand and the best way to do it is to take the cladding off. The paint also should have a flex additive.

I read a post on TOS where a guy used Krylon Fusion to paint his cladding, It looks awesome!! He claims he only wiped it down with some kind of deh?? alcohol? I wish I could remember and spell it.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #9 on:** February 26, 2009, 07:07:09 PM »

Quote from: Fowlhunter on February 26, 2009, 12:56:02 PM

I read a post on TOS where a guy used Krylon Fusion to paint his cladding, It looks awesome!! He claims he only wiped it down with some kind of deh?? alcohol? I wish I could remember and spell it.

That would be denatured alcohol.

MyBigToy · « **Reply #10 on:** February 26, 2009, 09:26:58 PM »

Quote from: Fowlhunter on February 26, 2009, 12:56:02 PM

I read a post on TOS where a guy used Krylon Fusion to paint his cladding, It looks awesome!! He claims he only wiped it down with some kind of deh?? alcohol? I wish I could remember and spell it.

I remember seeing the post but not any pictures. Krylon is intended to be used on plastic so it probably already has a flex additive and adhesion promoters in it. I would still rather have a professional job done if I was going to do it. I like my 02 gray cladding with the pewter.

Fowlhunter · « **Reply #11 on:** February 27, 2009, 06:47:21 AM »

Quote from: oHIobellboy on February 26, 2009, 07:07:09 PM

That would be denatured alcohol.

Yep, that's the stuff!! I guess I should stay off the sauce?

Fowlhunter · « **Reply #12 on:** February 27, 2009, 06:50:15 AM »

Quote from: MyBigToy on February 26, 2009, 09:26:58 PM

I remember seeing the post but not any pictures. Krylon is intended to be used on plastic so it probably already has a flex additive and adhesion promoters in it. I would still rather have a professional job done if I was going to do it. I like my 02 gray cladding with the pewter.

It looked great!! He went from light gray to black. I would love to darken mine up but I'm not sure how well it would hold up in the winter here, MODOT just loves the salt.

MyBigToy · « **Reply #13 on:** February 27, 2009, 07:46:08 AM »

I just looked at the post this morning and it does look great. I definitely agree with the satin look if the texture is being left on the cladding.

I'm sure if it was prepped properly that the paint would hold up fine. The tough part would be getting all of the old silicone/oils/mold release/wax/etc. out of the plastic. I'd try some type of degreaser material, with a scrub brush, full strength a couple of times and finish it off with the denatured alcohol wipe-down.

Tanner · « **Reply #14 on:** April 23, 2009, 01:26:06 AM »

Quote from: Tanner on February 25, 2009, 04:56:58 PM

I used Mother's brand "Back to Black" on mine.. WORKS WONDERS! My plastic was faded so bad it was almost white... It looks brand new again. You can get it at Walmart or any local parts store for about $6.00

It has now been long enough to see the lasting effect of the "back to black". Like oHIobellboy said, it only lasts a few weeks, especially if you wash your truck as much as I do. Not worth the time it takes to apply it to the truck IMO. I will be using the RR or just getting the cladding painted next go around.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #15 on:** April 23, 2009, 04:51:13 AM »

Quote from: Tanner on April 23, 2009, 01:26:06 AM

It has now been long enough to see the lasting effect of the "back to black". Like oHIobellboy said, it only lasts a few weeks, especially if you wash your truck as much as I do. Not worth the time it takes to apply it to the truck IMO. I will be using the RR or just getting the cladding painted next go around.

I redid one coat on mine this spring as a touch up. Looks brand new again.

BrentAL · « **Reply #16 on:** May 07, 2009, 01:15:24 PM »

I have a 2002 with cladding all the way around. With it being the light gray will that matter when using the Refinish Restorer?

Thanks

BTW I am new here.

mhough · « **Reply #17 on:** May 07, 2009, 01:56:43 PM »

Quote from: BrentAL on May 07, 2009, 01:15:24 PM

I have a 2002 with cladding all the way around. With it being the light gray will that matter when using the Refinish Restorer?

Thanks

BTW I am new here.

Welcome! Where are you from? guessing Alabama maybe? I'm near Chattanooga. Anyway, I haven't used the Refinish Restorer so I'm not sure. I have heard good things about it. I have a Gatorback kit waiting to be put on.... The more I hear about this RR and the trouble I'm having finding a shop to help with the Gatorback, I'm beginning to think harder about the RR...

Darren · « **Reply #18 on:** May 07, 2009, 03:11:11 PM »

Quote from: BrentAL on May 07, 2009, 01:15:24 PM

I have a 2002 with cladding all the way around. With it being the light gray will that matter when using the Refinish Restorer?

Thanks

BTW I am new here.

It will not change the color. It "Restores" it and will bring it back to it's original color. You will kick yourself in the a$$ after you've applied it for not doing it sooner.

BrentAL · « **Reply #19 on:** May 07, 2009, 03:51:28 PM »

Besides washing it and all is there any prep work to do before I apply it?

Darren · « **Reply #20 on:** May 07, 2009, 03:59:42 PM »

Quote from: BrentAL on May 07, 2009, 03:51:28 PM

Besides washing it and all is there any prep work to do before I apply it?

No, just wash real good and dry. It is easy to apply. Just make sure you do it in a well venilated area unless you want to feel

Hop45 · « **Reply #21 on:** May 07, 2009, 04:19:42 PM »

I am extremely happy with the GatorBack on my AV. However: 1. I won the kit in a raffle, so no expense; 2. I waited over a year in order to have JohnBChef spray it on the AV; and 3. It took an entire day and the prep work was rough and tedious. If it is prepped properly, this stuff is not coming off. I have done nothing to it in over a year and a half and it still looks great. I've even taken it through several automatic car washes, which others frown upon. Would I choose GB again? Absolutely, as long as the prep work is done thoroughly and properly. Just my