Honeycomb Grill and Hard Plastic Molding Issues

[jps832]

Need some advice on how to approach oxidation on my honeycomb grill and molding. This is on my 2004 Mitsubishi Galant LS.

As you can see, there are several areas where the water pools within the grill. As I’m just starting to get into trying to make my cars looks as good as they can, this pooling on the grill has taken place over the last 13 years.

I’ve tried sanding in some of these areas with 400 - 2000 grit sandpaper, and tried Magic Eraser, but to no avail. Am I better off painting these? And if so, since the grills are plastic, what would be the best type of paint to use for this? The surrounding chrome-looking material is also plastic, and is starting to show weathering marks.

The second issue is with the molding on the top of the car. It is a hard plastic, and has several spots in addition to a weathered look. I’ve tried trim restorers, but they seem to highlight the spots on the hard plastic trim. Pictures below illustrate the problem:

Closer view:

What are my options for removing the spots, short of replacement? Has anyone successfully dealt with this, and how? Considered trying to sand, but was afraid I’d cause more damage.

Greatly appreciate any guidance the community can provide!

 

[PA DETAILER]

If that black is worn off the grill? not much can be done except paint it. This will make it look 100% better.

McKee's 37 Trim Detailer, exterior trim spray, black plastic trim spray, molding spray

The hard plastic, I would give WETS a try.

Wolfgang Exterior Trim Sealant, rubber trim sealant, rubber protectant, exterior trim products, metal sealer

Again, if that rubber is peeling? a replacement will be at hand.

 

[lawrenceSA]

I have no advice for the honeycomb, but on the rubber trim like that I have had incredible success with a product that is only available locally (South Africa) and is not something Autogeek sells, so I am not sure if I can state what it is - if mods have an issue, please delete (the product is called Shield Heavy Duty Vinyl and Rubber Cleaner).

It works really well at removing the 'dead/oxidised/moldy/full of old dressing' layer leaving behind a completely matte looking rubber, ready to accept your favorite dressing product.

There has to be something similar available locally to you guys - I seem to recall someone mentioning a Griots product in another thread somewhere.

You need to give the rubbers a deep clean, then dress. A decent APC may also be successful?

 

[LEDetailing]

On the black honeycomb I would try an aerosol spray like Mother's back to black

I zoomed in on your trim and I don't think any product is going to bring that back to an acceptable level. It appears the trim has deteriorated and those spots are actually worn spots. The trim is probably a harder rubber type material covered in a harder plastic to give the trim durability. It appears the hard plastic has worn away exposing the the rubber type material. My suggestion would be to live with it. Replacing that trim looks expensive.

 

[kevincwelch]

Agree with the above recommendations. Once it's faded and lost its color, it's hard to revive. At the risk of sounding low brow, I have heard on using Plastidip for these grills. I have no experience with it personally. Done poorly and quickly, it looks awful. Sometimes it can look fine. If you're going to spray it, I'd make sure it was clean and prepped to get rid of all oils. An adhesion promoter will probably help.

(Sent via my mobile device...)

 

[Ryanm]

I use stoners trim shine in the aerosol for that type if plastic trim. I've painted several things with pastidip and it wears really well but on something like that I'd try to restore it first before I cover it up.

Pastidip will get water spots too and it's not as easily cleaned because you can't get too aggressive with it scrubbing away.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Autogeekonline mobile app

 

[cleanmycorolla]

On the black honeycomb I would try an aerosol spray like Mother's back to black.

this, both my cars have honeycomb grills, i usually use sprays or aerosol applicators for coverage

 

[idriveblackcars]

My GTI is full of honeycomb. I coated it all in DLux. Some parts were really faded and they now never looked better.

 

[oneheadlite]

My GTI is full of honeycomb. I coated it all in DLux. Some parts were really faded and they now never looked better.

What was your application method? I need to get after the grills on my wife's S-Line Q5, but have been procrastinating just knowing how intricate they are.

 

[cleanmycorolla]

What was your application method? I need to get after the grills on my wife's S-Line Q5, but have been procrastinating just knowing how intricate they are.

when i coated my honeycomb grill i used foam paint brushes, foam qtip style short stick, and little foam corners from a new tire applicator. Worked like a charm to get in all the little spots.