Can I remove discoloration on my sunvisor vinyl?

[Jim Donati]

My 1970 280SL has Dark Brown (138) MB-Tex interior but with light cream colored sunvisors.  I removed some aftermarket  mirrors that the previous owner had applied (with adhesive) to each sunvisor.  Now I am left with a definite difference of color from the vinyl that was covered by the mirrors for many years and the rest that has been exposed to the sun and elements for years.   The area under the mirrors that was uncovered looks almost new and is considerably brighter and cleaner.   I have tried cleaning with simple soap and water, but did not improve the appearance that much.  

Does anyone know of a cleaning agent or process that might allow me to remove years of grime and discoloration and return the vinyl it's original color and luster without causing any damage to the vinyl?

thanks
Jim

[Larry & Norma]

In the UK there is Vinyl cleaner available, also vinyl prep. which is applied before spray painting with Vinyl paint.
I think the company is Woolies.

[Atazman]

I had really good success with sanding the darkened area with sand paper and then wiping it clean with lacquer thinner.  Then... I sprayed the entire visor with Meltonian Nu-Life Color Spray for vinyl, plastic, and leather; Code is 649 Vanilla; no bar code, but bottom of 4.5 oz spray can says “08178 Vanilla”.  I bought a can at a local shoe repair shop ($7.00).  Color match was fantastic.

[Jim Donati]

Gentlemen:
I would prefer not to alter the vinyl in any way if I can get a decent cleaning.

But, it sounds like several of you have actually painted the vinyl with pretty good success.  How well does this "paint" hold up after time?  Does the paint scratch easily or show signs of flaking or peeling?

I like the idea of lightly sanding and cleaning with lacquer thinner.  Although I think I would prefer to use a super fine (0000) steel wool. I take it that the vinyl is not negatively effected by the lacquer thinner.

Jim

[Iconic]

I've had excellent results with a 303 cleaning product. I'll have to look at it at home to see what it is called. Something like interior and fabric cleaner. I used it on my top too.
I did not paint, only cleaned. That sounds like what you want.
I used a toothbrush to work it in.
It seems sanding won't get into the low spots?

[ejboyd5]

The only thing that will cure the mismatch between the protected and unproteced areas is the passage of time.  If it bothers you and you don't want to be aggravated for the next 20 or so years until nature takes its course, vinyl paint is the answer - very durable and available in many colors. 

[Iconic]

As promised: I used 303 Cleaner and Spot Remover Carpet/Upholstery.
Now that I read the label, maybe this wasn't the best choice.
After cleaning I treated it with 303 Aerospace Protectant.
I don't know if you can see it in the picture, but the clean one is on the left.

[okoboji230]

I've had excellent luck with Griot's Interior Cleaner (I am not connected to the company in any way save as a satisfied customer). You might see a UV-engraved 'shadow' of the glued-on mirror, but I've removed many years of embedded grime, without discoloration, using this product.

[dseretakis]

Try a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.

[Jim Donati]

Thanks guys for those two tips, I will give both a try. 

Jim

[Jim Donati]

I finally got around to trying to clean my sunvisors and I have got to say that the suggestion by dseretakis to us Mr Clean Magic Eraser sure did the trick!  

As soon as my wife heard me reading off some of the suggested cleaning methods, she was certain that the Magic Eraser would work.  Well I gave the silly eraser a try and was pleasantly surprised to learn that she and dseretakis were correct.  The vinyl that I could not seem to get cleaned before using other simple cleaning products now no longer has the marking from where I removed the aftermarket mirrors.  the entire area of each sunvisor now looks brand new.  
I was so happy that I could clean and remove the residue without having to paint or alter the vinyl.

  Thanks you all, and Thank you Mr Clean!  

Jim

[dseretakis]

Well I'm glad it worked for you!  I use that on the interior walls of a rental property and it removes marks that no other cleaner will.  It has saved me from repainting entire walls.

[J. Huber]

Is this something that would remove discoloration on hardtop liner as well? Mine has some brownish areas around the perimeter.

[dseretakis]

I don't know but I'm going to give it a try on my 123 diesel headliner.

[bogeyman]

I've got an '87 300TD diesel wagon with original tex interior that I thought was clean???
I found some of the Mr Clean Erasers in my wife's cleaning cabinet (been there for years, I think).
WOW!!
I got black gunk off of what I thought were clean surfaces, even vertical like door panels.
I haven't tried on leather, but if you have a tex interior do yourself a favor and try these - you won't believe how dirty your "clean" interior was.