Body panels - armor all?

[Johnny Bravo]

I've tried nearly every type of product like that on the market and without a doubt the best is Zaino Z-16:

http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/...ory_Code=Zaino

It's actually listed as a tire gloss, but it works wonders on plastic such as the cladding on VX's. I wish I had before/after pics from when I used it on my ex-RX7, but I didn't have a digital cam at that time. It's a bit expensive, but well worth it and it lasts forever. It doesn't give the super glossy sheen Armor All does, but makes it look brand new and fresh. Obviously it works well on tires too Just my $.02

[StormTROOPER]

Looks as though the cladding will always be a big issue since it such a big part of the VX and weathered cladding can be UGLY. When some idiots call the VX ugly I think thery're refering to the cladding. I'm considering painting mine in a couple years (when it's paid off) but then I'll have to worry about door dings, scratches, and chips. I'd appreciate feedback on those of you that have painted it.

[Rooster]

If your looking to turn your graying plastic back to black, use heat. Either a heat gun or a propane torch. Keep the flames 6-8" away and fan it back and forth. The plastic will turn black as it warms up.

This works, I kid you not!

(P.S.- I am not responsible for any damage done due to people NOT reading the 6"-8" rule)

[Anita]

I've tried nearly every type of product like that on the market and without a doubt the best is Zaino Z-16:

http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/...ory_Code=Zaino

It's actually listed as a tire gloss, but it works wonders on plastic such as the cladding on VX's. I wish I had before/after pics from when I used it on my ex-RX7, but I didn't have a digital cam at that time. It's a bit expensive, but well worth it and it lasts forever. It doesn't give the super glossy sheen Armor All does, but makes it look brand new and fresh. Obviously it works well on tires too Just my $.02

I went ahead and bought a bottle because of your recommendation and the reputation of Zaino products. Having used Turtlewax 2000 and Mothers' I still get steaking after a rain and always got frustrated with putting the products on- it always took several passes to get it on evenly.

So today I cleaned up the cladding and put on Zaino. My first impression -- how EASY it went on - very even and quick, had a nice smell (although its not grape ), didnt take a lot of it to do the whole job, and it wipes off easily if it gets on the paint. I also like the fact that it has UV protection, isnt super glossy, and doesnt attract dirt.

It looks like its gonna rain soon.. we shall see how it does with streaking.

[LITTLELAURIE]

Anita - Which Zaino product did you use on your cladding? Thank you!!

Laurie

[Raque Thomas]

It looks like its gonna rain soon.. we shall see how it does with streaking.

What's the verdict Anita?

[Moncha]

I've used the Zaino products and absolutely love them. All of their stuff goes on easy. Of course, the first thing you think is, it went on easy, it must come easy. Not so at all! Their Z16 Tire Gloss works wonders along with the Leather in a Bottle! The interior still smells like fresh leather after almost 5 years.

[Anita]

I got the Z-16 Tire Gloss. It started raining today so I will check how it looks tomorrow should the weather clear up.

A couple things I have noticed since putting it on. The product puts on a semi-gloss - very light on the shine. The bottle's instructions did say you could add another coat if you want more shine. A pleasant surprise is that dirt doesnt seem attracted to it.

I'll post on the streaking or lack of tomorrow hopefully.

[Green Dragon]

A pleasant surprise is that dirt doesnt seem attracted to it..

For that Road warrior look,I recommend DMS (Dirt-Mud & Snow). It's free & lasts all year unless you wash your VX

Looks especially good when the Dragon is parked along-side that Proton VX that is at Moab winning all the awards.

[Anita]

For that Road warrior look,I recommend DMS (Dirt-Mud & Snow). It's free & lasts all year unless you wash your VX

Looks especially good when the Dragon is parked along-side that Proton VX that is at Moab winning all the awards.

You are the expert! LOL

After the historical heavy rains we've been experiencing it was streak-o-rama on the cladding. However, something I should have done which I will do now is to scrub the cladding free of all products that I have put on it and try again.

[Francesco Rizzo]

I am very tempted to give this a try...

http://www.properautocare.com/cohifato.html

I was also debating about powder coating. Not sure how it would adhere to the plastic. Haven't even researched it.

i fell into temptation and just ordered this stuff.. if anyone thinks it's a bad idea please feel free to leave your "two cents." Once I get it I will be trying it underneat the cladding or even might remove a section and test the reverse side.

[Francesco Rizzo]

just got that stuff in the mail and it says it wil be good for up to 6 months, I'm actually going to apply the stuff now, I'll take before and after pictures and post them if anyone is interested, I'm hopeful, I almost want to just pain my clading white to match the rest of the truck but we'll see if this works first
later

[Tyler]

I'm telling you guys.....try the "Stoners Trim Shine". Autozone for $2.50. Its in an aerosol can and sprays on with very little or no wipping. Ive used it all winter and very happy with it. It acutally looks better after a few washes and rain. I tried the Zainos too, now I'm just using it up on the tires.

[Francesco Rizzo]

well, my cladding is finally all one dark, beautiful black.. I applied this stuff twice and it seems to be leaving a little bit of a streak, but well, I applied the second coat it really helped. I might go at it a third since my cladding was sooo bad to begin with. It seems as though I may have applied too much the first time. I left some spots along, hard to get to. If anyone wants, I'll send some before and after pics. From what I can tell is that is your cladding is as bad as mine was, this stuff might help. I forgot, I backed up into a couple of things too, having left faided looking rings where the plastic was a little stratched. It seems to have covered that up too.