Inside door panel discolored

[mrfatboy]

My left side door panel is discolored (see attached pic).  I must have used something that I shouldn't however nothing else is discolored in the car.

I have tried all sorts of cleaners but nothing seems to work.  When I first apply a "product", the "wet look" looks great then it dry like the picture.  It seems that the indentations of the vinyl are discolor white.

Any ideas how to fix this or what product I could use?  Can I wipe on a black dye or something?

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1969 280sl
Signal Red

[jeffc280sl]

There are vinyl paints out there that are supoosed to work well in situations like yours.  I don't think dye is the way to go with vinyl.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[Paddy_Crow]

I've seen dyes for touching up MB-tex on World Upholstery's website.

[mrfatboy]

I just used a product called "black magic". It's a heavy silcon used for dashboards, rubber mats, rubber bumpers, tires, etc.

It seemed to do the job so far.

1969 280sl
Signal Red

[Douglas]

This would be a piece of cake for a water-based dye. You could even apply it with a brush as it is self-leveling. The only problem is you'd have to do the entire interior because it will end up being so dark that it will stand out.

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

[Nate]

Looks like your door panel may have been a victim of Armorall.

1971 280SL
Arabian Gray

[mrfatboy]

I think that you are right about the armorall.  I stopped using it awhile back but I know that I had to use it on the whole interior. Why would it be only that door that got damaged? Are you not supposed to use Armorall on MB Tex? Is Armorall bad?  I stopped using it because I didn't like how it always collected dust.

1969 280sl
Signal Red
4 Speed

[69280sl]

I suggest you take both panels off and spray them with vinyl paint from World Upholstery, about $18 per spray can. Since you have black, it is probably a stock color, if not they will match a sample swatch for an additional charge.

I used it to change the color of used panels I bought (from cognac to beige) and was very satisfied.

Gus
68 280sl signal red/beige

[Paddy_Crow]

quote:Originally posted by mrfatboy

I think that you are right about the armorall.  I stopped using it awhile back but I know that I had to use it on the whole interior. Why would it be only that door that got damaged? Are you not supposed to use Armorall on MB Tex? Is Armorall bad?  I stopped using it because I didn't like how it always collected dust.

1969 280sl
Signal Red
4 Speed

I prefer to use a non-silicone product. My current favorite is Meguiar's Natural Shine.

[mrfatboy]

I don't know the pros or cons of silicone or non silicone products.  Can you explain?

Here is my result of the "black magic' product.  I had it laying around in my garage and thought I would try it.



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1969 280sl
Signal Red
4 Speed

[Mike Hughes]

Looks like you may have hit on a reasonable fix.  If it still looks good in a month or so, or after sitting out in the sun with the top down a few times, you've probably got it licked!

Does it leave any residue that might rub off on light colored clothing?

- Mike Hughes  -ô¿ô-
  1966 230SL Auto P/S
  Havanna Brown (408)
  Light Beige (181)
  Cream M-B Tex (121)

[Nate]

My Father used Armorall on the dash of his Mercedes back in the '80s and it ended up turning the dash from black to a dark brown.  Fortunately his interior color was Palomino, so he kind of liked the look of the dark brown dash.  Armorall is notorious for discoloring and especially drying out anything it touches.  When you apply Armorall to a surface once, you're wedded to it for good.  I haven't used the stuff in years.

1971 280SL
Arabian Gray

[mrfatboy]

I was wondering if there was going to be any residue but there isn't any     Right after I applied it the vinyl was dry.  I also checked the next day and it was dry. So far everything is back to normal.


1969 280sl
Signal Red
4 Speed

[BaronYoungman]

So I have used Color-Plus for about 15 years now. I have no affiliation to them...but Joanne has been great...she can match any color...I just redyed my Leather/vinyl interior on my 1971 280SL from green to red.. as you can see it took 2-3 coats, but came out great and it really lasts.  I used on a 850i BMW 4 years ago and still looks like new.  I can help with instructions if needed or post to the board.

Her # 1-570-686-3158.

Hope this helps
Bob
1971 280 SL 1 car 15 boxes

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[J. Huber]

I find this whole Armorall thing kind of troubling. I have used it on my vinyl in years past I think -- fortunately without any bad experiences. I do recall someone telling me it was dangerous for hard dash plastic, like what my 80's Honda Accord had ...

I have also used Son of Gun? on my car -- In recent years, I have relied on Meguire's Shine. I don't go overboard because I hate the greasy look but this stuff seems to condition the MB-Tex nicely.

James
63 230SL

[mrfatboy]

@J.Huber

I'm with you. I don't think I will ever used Armorall again.  I grew up with it as the "product" that you always use without fail.  Over the last couple of years I became more annoyed with it.  I started using another product that I use on my harley. I think it's called "Protect All".  It can go on most anything, paint, glass, chrome, vinyl and does a fantastic job.  However, it did not fix my door.  I am also going to try that Meguire's Shine.

@Baron,

Wow, that is amazing.  The #4 picture scared the heck out of me though [:0] until I saw #5.  How does that paint hold up?  Will it crack and flake after awhile?  That is one radical change you made  

1969 280sl
Signal Red
4 Speed

[BaronYoungman]

I have used it on alot of cars...the only trouble I have had is if it gets wet again within a month...Then, where it was wet the dye eventually wears off (approx 2 months) So I always let it sit for a few weeks before getting sweat/water etc on it.  As for flaking as long as you prep it correctly...no problem.  The prep is the key, the leather and or vinyl must be pourous and ready to take dye.  Check out the Color-Plus website for some great advice...Bob

[paulr]

I have heard a lot about the perils of silicone based ( son of a gun ) products. I used it for years and actually have had no problems with it. Now though I use 303 protectant for cleaning off the tyres and rubber seals and it works really well. A little less bright than Son of a Gun. I am told that Silicone eats away at rubber and more importantly the glue that holds it to the metal body. This may be scientifically correct but how much would you have to clean your tyres to damage them? I have also used Sheraton clear shoe cream which worked well.
My Gran used to say that hot soapy water was the best thing in the end, and I agree in most cases. Wash down the area, dry it and then use a natural protector.

That white stuff on the doors is a residue, so the idea is to get it off first and then seal the vinyl, not to just cover it up.

paulr
lovely 1970 280 SL

[mrfatboy]

@paulr,
I scrubbed that door down many times to remove the discoloration.  Used all sorts of cleaners.  But nothting worked.  However, I did not used soap and water [:p]


1969 280sl
Signal Red
4 Speed