Detailing issues with pictures!

[thenewrick]

Hello, I'm trying to figure out some ideas for cleaning up my 04 STi. All the damage is from the previous owner. I don't want to spend too much or do anything that's too difficult or time consuming but maybe you guys have some easy tips for me.

My first issue is the black rubber trim around the doors fading and degrading. Is there anything that can restore them?



My next issue is the bottom of my front fender lip. It's become disconnected and scratched too hell. I'd like to clean it up some and reattach it somehow. It has some crusty old superglue on it but most of it is road rash.




MY next issue is the wheels. They're really scratched up and mangled. Is there anything simple I can do to help the appearance besides cleaning without having to take the wheel out and machine it smooth?




Thanks for your help!

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[Vew]

That trim is too deteriorated to save with conventional cleaning products. Best option is to purchase trim paint and do it over, or replace it. If you go with the 1st option, do it off the car.

Purchase some paint matched WRB in a spray can. Do the best you can to sand the rough spots. Respray the best you can. Don't forget to clear. To reattach, zipties worked for me. Replacement runs about 65 per side IIRC.

Dremel down the areas that stick out/sharp. Use Bondo body filler (tube kind). Or if you wanna do it the better (but harder) method, epoxy. Then you can repaint your rim.


Keep in mind everything I said I EXPECT you to google/search all of this for more detailed information. This is just a guideline on what can be done. I have done everything above I mentioned and none are terribly hard, just tedious.

[thenewrick]

That's good advice. By clear, do you mean use some type of clear coat after the spray on color? I've been using zipties myself, they break off sometimes. On a side note, for the interior dash and door leather material what would be a good cleaner/restorer that would be gentle and easy to use?

[simsjam]

Originally Posted by thenewrick

That's good advice. By clear, do you mean use some type of clear coat after the spray on color? I've been using zipties myself, they break off sometimes. On a side note, for the interior dash and door leather material what would be a good cleaner/restorer that would be gentle and easy to use?

I have had the same problem with zip ties. They break when it gets cold and get brittle with uv rays. You could try velcro ties and I have seen stainless steel zip ties too.

[Dave_zok]

for the trim, i wiould take off the car, sand a little and paint with 3m black trim paint. Personally i would look to replace it.

The second piece i would do the same as suggested. Get some paint from Grimmspeed, which is rattle can WRB, and a can of automotive clear coat. Sand the piece down put 2-3 thin coats then 1-2 thin coats of clear. I would also get some 3M adhesive badge tape and stick the pieces on the car before i attach any zip ties. That way the zip tie is not taking the whole load of the part.

3rd. Get new rims because those things look like ****. you can try to grind and bondo them. But if you dont know anything about body filler then dont waste your time unless your ready to do a lot of research.

[Vew]

Originally Posted by simsjam

I have had the same problem with zip ties. They break when it gets cold and get brittle with uv rays. You could try velcro ties and I have seen stainless steel zip ties too.

A few things could be happening. Your zipties are too small. Your zipties are way el cheapo. Your zipties are too old (some can get more brittle the older they are I have discovered). Or, you keep scrapping...

Using a decent ziptie brand, properly sized I haven't ever had problems with cold or UV deterioration. Even when pushing snow around. Only time they break is when I scrape.

Edit: Oh, and try 303 Aerospace Protectant for your dash. You can pick it up at a specialized car detaling supplier or anywhere that sells stuff for boats. If you can't find it, Meguires and Turtle Wax ICE makes a dash detailer.

[thenewrick]

Do you think sanding the bad spots of the wheels and massaging in some type of cleaner might get it to shine more and look less noticeable?

[buki_JB]

Originally Posted by thenewrick

I've been using zipties myself, they break off sometimes.

Are you using the black ones? If not, pick some of those up and replace the ones you have on there, they will hold up to outdoor elements a lot better.

[b1aze]

Originally Posted by thenewrick

Do you think sanding the bad spots of the wheels and massaging in some type of cleaner might get it to shine more and look less noticeable?

Not a chance IMO. Those are some pretty gnarly curb rashes you have. You could spray over them and paint the entire wheel to atleast color match but its still going to be noticeable.

[Vew]

Originally Posted by b1aze

Not a chance IMO. Those are some pretty gnarly curb rashes you have. You could spray over them and paint the entire wheel to atleast color match but its still going to be noticeable.

You'd be surprised how much you look over (stop caring) your curb rash over time after doing this.

[thenewrick]

Thanks for the replies. I don't fully understand what fixing the front lip would take.. Do I need to remove the entire front bumper, everything below headlights, as 1 piece and sand/paint/clear coat just the scuffed up part, or can I do it on the car. I only need an improvement it doesn't have to look great.

Another Idea I had was adding a lip spoiler under the damaged front lip, would that help hold it all together and remove the need for zip ties and stuff?

Also, which paint would be best for this;
http://www.fastwrx.com/suboemtoucpa.html
http://www.grimmspeed.com/catalog/pr...roducts_id=207
, and would the touch up paint be good for trying to fix key scratches?

Or is that touch up paint not the right color for 2004 STi?

[rankink]

For the trim I would recommend getting a cleaning pad that is called "Magic eraser". Can get it at any grocery/drug store. You just wet it and it will take all the build up off the trim, BUT it will also dull out (think satin black) the good parts of the trim piece as well. After 6.5 years on my car my trim was not looking very good and this made a big difference. Now, it all looks smooth and the same color (satin). Put some detailing products of your choice on and you are done. I avoided having to pay for new trim or the pain of taking them off and painting them myself.

[wrxchopp]

The bumper black from car quest works great on trim