2003 Plastic Cladding:

[NewVillains]

I posted this up over at Toyota120, but thought I'd give you guys a chance to see it too. I used a magic eraser to clean up the cladding on the 2003 sport. Mine is obviously worn and looking tired. I was sick of it. It's not the most perfect, but it's a ton better then what it was.

I tested it about a week ago and tried to see how it lasted so here is one week before and after:

Before and During:

Before and After:

Overall: Shitty pics so you can't really see the difference: Before and After:

 

[strathcona]

I'm trying to decide what to do with mine as I have the same lines and swirls that your before pics show. I was just pm'ing another Canadian member about the ReNew finish he used, but I can't get it shipped to my location (he's just above the border, I'm a few hours farther North).

I'm thinking about line-xing the cladding and not worrying about it again.

 

[RandyDaytona]

Before, after - they both look good to me because I WANT the cladding and don't have it .

 

[NewVillains]

I'm trying to decide what to do with mine as I have the same lines and swirls that your before pics show. I was just pm'ing another Canadian member about the ReNew finish he used, but I can't get it shipped to my location (he's just above the border, I'm a few hours farther North).

I'm thinking about line-xing the cladding and not worrying about it again.

That's crazy, no way would I ever line-x mine. That stuff gets so dirty and its impossible to clean. Not to mention it makes your truck look like its a POS. our trucks are quality, mine has 170k miles and almost looks brand new and runs like its brand new. I couldn't do it. There has to be other options for us.

 

[NewVillains]

Before, after - they both look good to me because I WANT the cladding and don't have it .

I love the cladding, it definitely was a deal breaker when I bought it new in '03. Makes it look rugged yet refined!

 

[strathcona]

That's crazy, no way would I ever line-x mine. That stuff gets so dirty and its impossible to clean. Not to mention it makes your truck look like its a POS. our trucks are quality, mine has 170k miles and almost looks brand new and runs like its brand new. I couldn't do it. There has to be other options for us.

Hmmm. I didn't know about the hard to clean part. There is a member here that had his entire truck done in line-x and it looked ok in the pics he put up. I'll have to look into some more options I guess.

 

[eddiebx]

Any of you guys try this? I saw them use this on a 4runner in the infomercial on TV the other night, lol.

 

[MONTYMTB]

Here is a more detailed youtube video using the product on the cladding of a T4R:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rSCOpe0rslg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I've been working on my mom's 4th gen lately trying to get it looking better, and thought I would try this product on the running boards and mirrors (hers doesn't have the cladding). I have to say that it really made a huge improvement, and it is true that a little of this stuff goes a long way. After 3 or 4 days of rain and one wash, it is holding up well and still repels water. Time will tell, but happy with initial results.

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

Use mother back to black. I use it on mine and my cladding still looks new. You might have to apply it a few times like I did because my cladding looked like utter crap when I got it but is now nice and new looking.

 

[MONTYMTB]

Use mother back to black. I use it on mine and my cladding still looks new. You might have to apply it a few times like I did because my cladding looked like utter crap when I got it but is now nice and new looking.

How often do you have to reapply it to keep it looking good?

 

[LTDSC]

I use a vinyl, rubber and plastic dressing that i typically apply each time i wash the car. It is water resistant and non greasy feeling nor does it rub off if you were to rub against it. I love it.

Its $20 for a gallon and lasts forever. Its worth looking in to and comparable if you will to back to black.

Chemical Guys VRP - Natural Shine

 

[strathcona]

I actually have that stuff sitting on my work bench right now, but was hesitant to use it as I wasn't sure if it would correct the swirls that you see in the O.P.'s pics as it is essentially a clear coat.

I guess I will give it a try if it doesn't rain this weekend.

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

How often do you have to reapply it to keep it looking good?

I usually do it every time I wash it. Rain doesn't wash it off, you need to use a degreaser to get it off.

 

[Ghostrunnerr]

Renu finish FTW

RENU FINISH - Automotive Trim Restorer | Retail Products | MEDS Product Guide | MEDS World, LLC

 

[ryankokesh]

Has anyone ever tried wrapping the cladding in vinyl?

 

[Snarf]

i have been waiting for the weather to get nice to take a magic eraser to the cladding. glad to see it makes some difference. i plan on sealing and conditioning with Zaino CS. i have always had great results with their products and anticipate the CS being great on my cladding.

 

[ryankokesh]

i have been waiting for the weather to get nice to take a magic eraser to the cladding. glad to see it makes some difference. i plan on sealing and conditioning with Zaino CS. i have always had great results with their products and anticipate the CS being great on my cladding.

Yeah, I haven't tried CS but their wax and leather products are great. Good luck!