Can anyone recommend a good product for hood louvers? I've used Mother's Back to Black and Meguiar's Gold Class Trim Detailer and both seem to always leave streak marks. My louvers are in good shape but I'd like to darken/shine them up a little more. Thanks for your suggestions.

 

I hope you get a good answer to this. The only advise I've received that seems plausible is short term - Armorall.

 

Thanks, that would be better than what I'm using now.

 

How about repainting and some clearcoat?

 

Probably have that done on down the line, but they are really in good condition overall. They just look a little dull after I wash the car. A little Armor All may be my best bet in the meantime. Thanks.

 

Armor all will cause them to fade more if they are left in the sun and also cause them to be more difficult to paint when the time comes

 

On my IROC i use Maquires Plastic Polish. Works great.

 

Are you speaking of Meguiar's Plast-X that's also used on clear plastics? I didn't see just a regular plastic polish on their website. Thanks again everyone for your comments and suggestions.

 

I've been taking care of mine for YEARS.

First I think you need to determine what look you're going for, and how often you drive.

As a daily driver with louvers in good condition, my prefered method was to simply clean them with real good. I used a dish sponge on each louver when I would wash the car. This left a nice matte finish, and that's how I like it.

When the car was retired to weekend duty, and car shows were now on the menu, I started using Back to Black, just like I use on the headlight buckets. I do get streaks, but I typically start with back to black, detail the rest of the car, and go back over the louvers and buckets a second time WITHOUT using more B2B. Simply work in what's already on there.

This worked well, but I really liked the matte finish, and I've since gone ahead and painted the louvers with a satin black paint. This is EASILY the best look per the maintenance required. I simply wash the louvers as I'm washing the rest of the hood and that's it. The only downside is that you can potentially get paint flaking off. First paint go around lasted two years, but I plan to repaint this summer.

I'd imagine that for DD duty, paint may not hold up.

 

Try Mothers "Back to Black" Comes in a red plastic bottle. Wipe it on buff it off. Surface need to be cool and dry. Works well on all black trim parts. Whoops...

 

I've been using Turtle Wax F21 super protectant fo my trim. "Nano-tech formula" label says with SunStop - states superior UVA & UVB protection. I've not really gotten to the exterior yet - got the car last July, concentrating on restoring the interior for now. But I like it better than Armorall - much better. Haven't tried on the louvers yet. Did everything else, including wax, poly.

 

Thanks guys. Many good suggestions. In light of your comments I'll also try using Back to Black in the manner described by Abubaca. I may have been putting it on too heavy.

 

ME TOO

 

I had not heard of Back to Black. Thanks for the heads up!

 

Yeah, the Back to Black is killer stuff. I use it all over the underhood/engine bay for shows etc. etc.

.....and I've found you really need to do a wipe on......wait a fewmintues....and then wipe off. At least that's what works for me!

 

Is it good for headlight wells and tail light surrounds?
If it gets on body paint will it wipe off without discoloration?

 

I think it work great for headlight buckets/wells. Never used it out back.

Yes, it wipes off the body paint without discoloration. (I just tested it). It's a pour, not a spray, so I can't see how you'd get it on the paint.

 

try some of that tire wet gel on the lovers on a little paint brush ,, be easy with it its thick,, it works well keeps them solid black and uniform in color. the only things that sucks( just like the tires i hate it on tires) it attracts dust after a week or so,, but if your washing and detailing often try that stuff

 

Is back to black at autozone or any local retailers? I haven't looked.

 

I've seen Back to Black at Autozone, Walmart, and most major retailers. Thanks lordmetalz28 for the suggestion as well. I didn't think of that.

 

Awesome. I'll probably pick some up soon. I'll take pictures of the results... before and after. (My louvers look dull right now)

 

You could also try repaiting them with SEM Trim Black spray (39143). Just scuff them up with some 400 grit sandpaper first.

 

Black Wow.

http://www.autogeek.net/black-wow-trim-restorer.html

 

Looks impressive. Have you used it before?