Author Topic: How to clean and restore plastic door panels- Easy way to Clean W/O residue  (Read 3285 times)

Offline DMZ73

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Just bought a set of SE doorpanels. I needed to get the funk or 30+years off of it so I looked around to see what I had that would take off the "funk" without leaving wax buidup or leaving the panels shiny.
I did not want to use any wx removers or harsh chemicals, because they have a tendency to take off more than just the dirt, sometimes leaving the panels sticky.

Here's what I did:

1. Sprayed Lexol (organic Aloe based cleaner and conditioner sold at Murray's) leather cleaner over the panel, wiped it on with a sponge, scrubbing lightly to get the first layer of dust & filth off.
2. I applied a second coat of Lexol and let it sit for a few minutes.
3. I Used a little warm water and a little bit of Woolite and a potato brush- and scrubbed the panel. This took off LOADS of crap.
4. I used Bounty towels to mop it up, then repeated the process until the water was clear.
5. Enjoy, these panels are clean and wax free without using harmful chemicals.
The grain is unaffected, and the panels are left as original- NOT shiny and NOT waxy!
I never expected my woodgrain insert and chrome trim to look as good as it does after this cleaning process. It's AMAZING!

I will post pics when I can.

On another note:
There are a few cracks in the panels that I have to get fixed. First things first, I have to have FedEx inspect them to see if it was damaged in shipping. Yeah right...
I will also be doing some plastic welding to ensure these panels remain around afew years to come.


dan

I hope this helps for anyone who is in the midst of an interior deep cleaning.
One E body saved, 7 years and counting.




Offline Bullitt-

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Good show Dan, I did a similar process in the shower (I know it sounds kinky) so I could rinse completely with warm water. Higher water temp seemed to be the key as I had already cleaned & wiped down the panels previously and black whatever kept coming off.   
Wade  73 Rallye 340..'77 Millennium Falcon...13 R/T Classic   Huntsville, AL
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Offline ChallengerHK

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I've been trying to figure out how I would clean mine. Thanks for the info.


"She'll make point five past light speed. She may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts, and I've made a lot of special modifications myself."

- Han Solo, Star Wars

Advice Thread - Taking Pictures Of Cars

Offline Rev-It-Up

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Man, now I really want to see the pics!  :roflsmiley:  I'll be patient and wait...  :popcorn:
Rev-It-Up                                                             Yes, I'm a girl!
                         


Offline DMZ73

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FedEx came and picked up the parts today to bring them to the lab to examine them for shipping damage. I suspect they will be there a while, but when I get them back, I will have my car(s).

Pics-a-plenty soon.

After I repair the cracks, I Just need to re-dye the carpets and I'm gold.

Dan
One E body saved, 7 years and counting.

Offline Bullitt-

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Man, now I really want to see the pics!  :roflsmiley:  I'll be patient and wait...  :popcorn:
Girls, let's keep it clean... :nono:..so to speak.
Wade  73 Rallye 340..'77 Millennium Falcon...13 R/T Classic   Huntsville, AL
Screwed by Photobucket!

Offline Rev-It-Up

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Girls, let's keep it clean... :nono:..so to speak.
Who, me??  I'm a complete angel.   :angelwings:
Rev-It-Up                                                             Yes, I'm a girl!
                         


Offline DMZ73

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I am going to do the same process with my other car (white int.) and post pics of before and after. It will FREAK YOU OUT.
I may get one of those plastic welders and start learning to repair/regrain  plastic.

dan
One E body saved, 7 years and counting.