LR3 and it's plastic

[Echoes]

I want to say one word to you. Just one word, plastics.

I was wondering what cleaning products the masses out there use on the LR3's plastics. And what is used to keep them looking great.

I have used the usual, Armorall, Black Magic, etc.

From what I have found out in the past from the other cars that I have owned is you have to be careful as to what you put on the plastic, especially higher up on the vehicle as the rain tends to wash it off, then it leaves streaks on paint. You can get it off, but it looks like hell until you do.

You have to use something as the sun tends to bleach the hell out of dark plastic.

Thanks!!

 

[Sodium]

I also use Armor-all protectant on the fenders and other exterior plastics. I park out in the sun sometimes and I dont want them to get bleached either. Its to soon to tell whether it is working, but it does make the car look nice and shiny overall.

 

[neytas2000]

I have seen all these exterior plastics painted the same as the rest of the vehicle. Looks really nice. Look on http://www.projectkahn.com/Gallery/ Check out the Discovery3 in the Land Rover Section.

 

[Matt_Grim2]

I have seen all these exterior plastics painted the same as the rest of the vehicle. Looks really nice. Look on http://www.projectkahn.com/Gallery/ Check out the Discovery3 in the Land Rover Section.

I agree that they look nice, I have been considering painting just the area's around the fog lights, but i am worried if i would do the rest of the car that you could tell the difference in paint & that there would be chips from off-roading, so i am going to stick with the plastic over the rest of the LR3 as i think it makes the car have the Rugged look, if you don't want that get a RRS or a RR

 

[grommet]

I personally think painting all the plastic looks bad on the LR3; it's really not part of it's utilitarian DNA. Yes, go RRS or RR if you want bling.

FYI: Land Rover does offer painted wheel arches in other regions as an accessory.

 

[toddjb122]

I use 303 Protectant on any other plastic or vinyl that sits outside (boats, hot tub covers, rubber tubes, etc...). Think this stuff would be good for LR3 plastic?
http://tinyurl.com/qxfy6

I'd rather not put something on that's primarily just a shining agent such as Armor All. I find that while Armor All may looks nice to some, it attracts dust, is greasy, and if you ever stop using it, your tires (or whatever) will quickly turn a shade of grey that you don't get if you never treated to begin with. Just my experience with Armor All on tires. Now I don't use it.

Anyway - any thoughts on items to use for protection? (as opposed to just aesthetics) The 303 is not a very glossy agent. Maybe when you first put it on, but from what I've heard its more for UV which is what we may be looking for.

?

 

[Echoes]

I want to keep the black finish, yet protect it as well.
The marine product might be worth a look, as the products are really durable
The 303 product looks good. I am going to look into it!

I can appreciate the painted plastic areas, but I too like the definition. My LR3 is white and I like the contrast, but you do have to take care of it.

PS

Why do they insist on putting low profile tires on an SUV. It kills me!!

 

[Matt_Grim2]

I want to keep the black finish, yet protect it as well.
The marine product might be worth a look, as the products are really durable
The 303 product looks good. I am going to look into it!

I can appreciate the painted plastic areas, but I too like the definition. My LR3 is white and I like the contrast, but you do have to take care of it.

PS

Why do they insist on putting low profile tires on an SUV. It kills me!!

I agree the contrast is what makes the LR3's standout from other suv's... It is a pain to take care of the plastic but if you get the right stuff just do it every other month and they look brand new...

I agree with the low profile tires, I think if you are going to go that way you probly should go with another car or the RRS or RR as you probly won't do any offroading, i wouldn't even take the car out in snow with those rims & tires...

 

[Grendal_Fly]

Anyway - any thoughts on items to use for protection? (as opposed to just aesthetics) The 303 is not a very glossy agent. Maybe when you first put it on, but from what I've heard its more for UV which is what we may be looking for.

?

I have been using the 303 on all my cars for a while and while it is supposed to protect against UV fade, I have noticed significant fading on my LR3. I recently put on the Mud Flaps and could really tell how much the rest of the plastic has faded versus the new plastic flaps.

 

[roverman]

I'm told sunblockproducts.com does a good job against fading..
They are one of those small companies that actually tries to make a product that works, instead of putting in .005% UV protectant and advertising as such.
I have not used it myself though. I've never had much concern with the plastic...as long as it doesn't fall off.
Hope this helps.

edit. After posting, I realized that I should disclose that I do know the owner of this company. I'm not sure what the rules are about this, maybe the post should be deleted? But I believe the product does work. Sorry if I erred.
Roverman