Window Trim Restoring

[Eerc WRX]

What is the best way to restore the trim around the windows? I have tried Mothers Back to Black, but there are still blemishes that can be seen. The pictures below show what I am looking at. I did the rear passenger door and didn't have any good success in making it look the way I want.





Any help, knowledge, or tricks of the trade would be appricated.

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[Dale2011WRX]

Looks like you'd need to paint/replace it.

[Eerc WRX]

Dunno if the problem that I have is just not common or not many know how to fix it. Though I am going to try somethings and post the results, my plan:

1) Remove the rubber trim

2) Wet Sand:

400 grit
800 grit
1000 grit
2000 grit

3) Use Meguires Plastic Polish

4) Mothers Back-to-Black

5) 303 Aircraft Protectant

Dunno if what I plan to do is a good idea, but after reading around, this looks like something that can be feasibly done.

[Ostrowrx]

dont forget to buff! when u finish sanding. And if it was me I would go 320, 400, 600, 1000, 1200 then buff. 2000 if you really wanna go nuts but you wont be able to tell the difference. Also make sure u wet sand with anything over 400.

[Eerc WRX]

When you say buff. How, using the Plastic Polish? If that isn't a good buffing compound, is there something that is better?

[7m-gtte]

i just used some steel wool and a little hand polishing and looks nearly new

[Ostrowrx]

Originally Posted by Eerc WRX

When you say buff. How, using the Plastic Polish? If that isn't a good buffing compound, is there something that is better?

Yes use the polish when u buff or it will heat up and distort the plastic surface. If u sand it well any decent polish would work. But I do like the novus series for buffing plastic. It a 3 stage buffing system.

[IAMDABROODWICH]

I think you should ask the guys at detailersdomain.com. I wouldn't want to sand the trim down unless I absolutely had to. Also, don't forget to tape around the trim so you don't scratch everything around it.

[Eerc WRX]

Originally Posted by IAMDABROODWICH

I think you should ask the guys at detailersdomain.com. I wouldn't want to sand the trim down unless I absolutely had to. Also, don't forget to tape around the trim so you don't scratch everything around it.

I plan on removing it, then going through those items I listed. Though, I don't see the harm, I am wearing away down to the vinyl/soft rubber to something that hasn't been damaged by....dunno what is happening there really. Then polishing it back so the scratches I made aren't as visible. I don't think there is a coating on it, but I don't know, I haven't read about anything there.

[doylfish]

looks like you'll need something more intensive for your issues, but you could always try this first, can't hurt..

http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-517-a...-dressing.aspx

[bushman95]

I have the same issue on my car. Im getting a big sheet of black vinyl and am just going to warp all window trim, mirrors , and all the other exterior plastic. I wouldn't want to have to take all that trim off to paint it. Wrapping it will take a few minutes and make much less mess.

[EdHilario]

I can't tell 100% without seeing it or feeling it for myself but 6 times out of 10 that looks like replacement is the better way to go.

Do try what the others have suggested though but that stuff looks like it's been sitting there for a long time. Even if do get it to "look" black again, that crud will still be visible and you will be able to feel it.

[bushman95]

well it costs like ~200$ to replace all of that from where I have looked at. Don't you have to take out the door cards to take them off? If you have the money around I would just replace it. But like 20$ for vinyl or spray paint sounds like a much better option.

[EdHilario]

The vinyl option doesn't sound too bad. Just make them smooth and use good quality wrap and extra adhesive if need be. At least that will offer some flexibility.

Painting it without proper prep or even a mix of flex agent will stiffen the trim and make cause the paint to crack afterward if enough pressure is applied.

[bushman95]

I would just use a plastic spray paint with a clear coat to keep it simple, if you don't want to vinyl wrap. It just such a minor piece that putting anything that is black on would probably look fine lol.

[adriewer]

make sure after you repair it to used TURTLE WAX ICE. it will prevent the wear and tear in the firts place

[NESubaru617]

Try 'Forever Black' worked wonders for my plastic trim not 100 on rubber but I think it should be fine.

[bushman95]

Originally Posted by NESubaru617

Try 'Forever Black' worked wonders for my plastic trim not 100 on rubber but I think it should be fine.

all the finish is gone it really needs to be redone.

[fast377]

Originally Posted by bushman95

I have the same issue on my car. Im getting a big sheet of black vinyl and am just going to warp all window trim, mirrors , and all the other exterior plastic. I wouldn't want to have to take all that trim off to paint it. Wrapping it will take a few minutes and make much less mess.

This. I didn't do my belt moldings (the parts the OP has pictured), but I did all the other window trim. I bought 3m matte black vinyl and went to town. Turned out better than new.

[alaskanwhitey]

Originally Posted by Dale2011WRX

Looks like you'd need to paint/replace it.

I got the same issue with mine but the trim was bent when I got it. Where is a good place to go to replace it? Ive been trying to find something online but had no luck

[TXwrxWagon]

I will chime in a bit
1. the upper window trim is only sold as a complete unit person & even with a good discount, its $200 PER SIDE.

2. the lower trim where the body meets the window is held
in place on '02-'05 models for sure with a single screw at the back of each door and then it just slides on. They are about $50ea X4 Sedan/wagon same fronts & rears

3. if the surface is pitted/scaled, or scared I would sand it downwith something semi aggressive to level the surface then primer with a filling/build primer. 2-good coats till the surface is totally flat, then same with 600 ready for paint. don't forget plastics adhesion promoter like Bull Dog.

4. I forget the guy's name he is on here with a wicked nice flat-tan GC and he did all his trim in bedliner and used the textured roller it turned out cool as hell. I think that's what I am doing on my wagon. either that or the spray bedliner with can held back about 12" from the parts.

5. Wrapping would work, could get crazy with colors and/or paterns. surface nick, pits/chips need fixed to at least primer stage, preferably even just flat black rattle can to seal the repairs.

6. I need to get a repair manual diagram of how the upper window trim is installed to see how it comes off. My wipers, wiper cowl plastic, side mirror bases, roof rack delete strips, and all window trim is all showing how tough Texas Summers can be. So I am going to do ALL the exterior black items in some sort of texture semi-gloss black. to contrast my soon carbon roof panel.

Rob

[TXwrxWagon]

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...+liner&page=15

post #363 Sheepdog is the guy. the build for car is on 2.5rs I think... he bedliner sprayed the engine compartment, the interior, I believe thr underside, but obviously the trim is your question.... I will find a link to the build tonight.

Rob

[TXwrxWagon]

http://www.rs25.com/forums/f145/t107...ss-inside.html

[LUMBERZACK]

Thanks for posting this. I use tire shine to keep mine glossy black. They got faded at one point in time, but they weren't that bad so I didn't have to do a great deal of work to restore the finish. Just a coat of tire shine and they never looked faded again.

[gsla72]

Originally Posted by alaskanwhitey

I got the same issue with mine but the trim was bent when I got it. Where is a good place to go to replace it? Ive been trying to find something online but had no luck

It's on Subarugenuineparts.com. It's a little tricky to find, but it's in the oem catalog. I don't have the part numbers off hand, but look under the door sections and it should be there. I've been slowly replacing all of mine (Texas heat kills rubber/plastic).