Sport cladding

[fjc2]

Is the plastic cladding around the bottom of the Sport a blacker color than on the other model Explorers? It looks more gray in pictures I've seen on the non-Sports, and very black on the Sport model.

Just oddness in the pictures, or people putting some sort of product on it? Or is it a blacker color to go with the Sport theme?

 

[peterk9]

Is the plastic cladding around the bottom of the Sport a blacker color than on the other model Explorers? It looks more gray in pictures I've seen on the non-Sports, and very black on the Sport model.

Just oddness in the pictures, or people putting some sort of product on it? Or is it a blacker color to go with the Sport theme?

I believe it is likely all the same. Here are a couple of pics just after I picked mine up. Keep in mind the roads were a little wet on the way home. I think that if you want the black to remain the original dark shade you would have to put some kind of teatment on it the same as you would with tires

Peter

 

[peterk9]

Now if you are looking for something different.
These pics were originally posted by baxterdown, the owner.

Peter

 

[fjc2]

I believe it is likely all the same. Here are a couple of pics just after I picked mine up. Keep in mind the roads were a little wet on the way home. I think that if you want the black to remain the original dark shade you would have to put some kind of teatment on it the same as you would with tires

Peter

I really didn't expect it to be different, perhaps Sport owners just like to put a coat of something on it to keep it dark, as well as their tires.

Any recommendations for that? Not that I could do any heavy detailing until Michigan thaws out...

 

[peterk9]

I really didn't expect it to be different, perhaps Sport owners just like to put a coat of something on it to keep it dark, as well as their tires.

Any recommendations for that? Not that I could do any heavy detailing until Michigan thaws out...

I just use a soap meant for washing cars. I haven't really applied anything special to that are and perhaps that is why it doesn't have that deep black shade right now. I've read a few posts that recommend Aero 303. Seems everyone has their own favourites.

Peter

 

[breshi]

Just an fyi, Mothers Back to Black product does a great job cleaning the cladding. It even takes off wax residue. It restores the black plastic to a new look without the shine that an armor all type product leaves.

 

[fjc2]

Just an fyi, Mothers Back to Black product does a great job cleaning the cladding. It even takes off wax residue. It restores the black plastic to a new look without the shine that an armor all type product leaves.

Thanks for the tip - I love the Mother's metal polish, I'll have to check out that Back to Black one.

And I never use Armor All, especially on tires. Aerospace 303 is good stuff on plastic, and I like the Zaino tire black stuff - makes them good and black without too much shine, and won't turn tires brown.

 

[LukerDooker]

The key is not using products that contain raw silicone oil, and using it frequently enough to protect the vinyl/plastic, especially during winter weather and hot summer weather.

Aero and VinylX are such products.

No sticky or slick residue after you are done.
Left over residue from these type of products that is not buffed in or used up on the surface, can dry & turn plastic dull and make it worse rather than better in the sun or in the cold, causing cracks and peeling.

Even on a brand new Ex you will see improvement in the rubber and plastic items inside and out, especially the window seals.
...and dont forget the seal around the sunroof if you have one...

 

[Sgt1411]

Just an fyi, Mothers Back to Black product does a great job cleaning the cladding. It even takes off wax residue. It restores the black plastic to a new look without the shine that an armor all type product leaves.

+1 for Mother's BTB