scratch on plastic moulding
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 57
Likes: 19
From: Washington DC
2020 GLC 300 4MATIC in Selenite Grey
1. whoever has been proposing a Heat Gun on that trim - that's whacked out for this type of plastic - forget about it.
2. Yes - the use of a Trim Conditioner will "help" reduce the "look" - forget about that Mother's cr*p - we tested 14 different trim conditioners in our Collision Center - both to use on new black plastic trim - and to "restore" faded black trim - the #1 by huge margin was Car Guy's Plastic Restorer - also makes a great tire "shine" protectant - 8 oz is almost a Lifetime Supply for personal use - a little "dab" goes a long way - I have my detail guy's use this for my new deliveries on G's + AMG GLS/GLE's, etc - heck if you don't like how it works out _ Amazon returnable within 30 days for full refund:
https://www.amazon.com/CarGuys-Plast.../dp/B071FRWWRF
3. If it really-really bugs you - the replacement cost of that trim piece - I "think" is like Parts cost $120
3. On the front roof panel - yes, replaceable under New Mercedes Warranty - not covered by CPO warranty - frankly the Best Fix is for a competent body shop to lightly sand and then they re-shoot in place with "better" clear coat for like $60-$80 - the OE spec clear coat on that piece is not-that-rugged - and body shop respray will not only look perfect - but with that respray you won't have the problem come up again down the road.
2. Yes - the use of a Trim Conditioner will "help" reduce the "look" - forget about that Mother's cr*p - we tested 14 different trim conditioners in our Collision Center - both to use on new black plastic trim - and to "restore" faded black trim - the #1 by huge margin was Car Guy's Plastic Restorer - also makes a great tire "shine" protectant - 8 oz is almost a Lifetime Supply for personal use - a little "dab" goes a long way - I have my detail guy's use this for my new deliveries on G's + AMG GLS/GLE's, etc - heck if you don't like how it works out _ Amazon returnable within 30 days for full refund:
https://www.amazon.com/CarGuys-Plast.../dp/B071FRWWRF
3. If it really-really bugs you - the replacement cost of that trim piece - I "think" is like Parts cost $120
3. On the front roof panel - yes, replaceable under New Mercedes Warranty - not covered by CPO warranty - frankly the Best Fix is for a competent body shop to lightly sand and then they re-shoot in place with "better" clear coat for like $60-$80 - the OE spec clear coat on that piece is not-that-rugged - and body shop respray will not only look perfect - but with that respray you won't have the problem come up again down the road.
As far as point number 1, I agree completely. I'm not the ultimate expert, but it seems like a really extreme option that would do more harm than good...especially on this pebbled plastic trim.
For point number 2, I agree that yeah they should definitely start with a trim conditioner. The reason I suggested the Mother's product is that I've actually used it on this exact type of trim and it accomplished exactly what I wanted it to. It's the only one I've tried and I'm sure there are products that are better. I don't really care what brand they try as long as they don't use a Sharpie or a heat gun to try to resolve their issue.
And for point number 3 (4?) about the roof panel, an interesting problem but one that has nothing to do with the original thread subject. As I said before not sure why the person who brought it up decided to do it in the middle of a thread about marks on plastic wheel well molding.
Honestly, this has been a really strange thread, at least to me. It's like the person who started the thread went to the trouble of posting pics and asking for help and then kinda walked away. Then they reappeared after barely responding to anybody's feedback and posted a couple more pics that focus in a little closer but don't really help much more than the original ones and then asked if they should just try some product they already have (and use for their tires). I just hope they take your suggestions to either use a trim conditioner (which I suggested too...even if it wasn't your brand of choice lol) or even replace the part rather than going the magic marker or heat gun route.
Last edited by JEDC1; Sep 13, 2020 at 11:56 AM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 153
Likes: 8
Thanks for the feedback. I didn't walk away. It is just there is delay in replying. Subscribing to thread doesnt seems to be working.
I will try plastic conditioner that I have. Worse case I will have it replaced.
I will try plastic conditioner that I have. Worse case I will have it replaced.
Last edited by dadalook; Sep 13, 2020 at 11:44 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 295
Likes: 52
From: Texas
2016 GLE350 4Matic, 2017 GLC300
My experience, Leave it alone. The More you try to fix it , the worse it will get. As soon as you replace the moulding, you’ll probably get a new scratch. Murphy’s law. You can always use a black perm marker to cover it , but wipe off excess right away. ✅
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 682
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19 GLC300 4M (lunar blue/black/black ash aluminum),17 GLE350 4M (selenite grey/ espresso/eucalyptus)
Roni07's post is absolutely my opinion (Post #2). I think you are worrying too much about this. Save your time and money and don't bother. After all, it's just the moulding, not the actual paintwork.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 57
Likes: 19
From: Washington DC
2020 GLC 300 4MATIC in Selenite Grey
I disagree in the sense that if they do what they have now said they'll do (trying some plastic conditioner) it won't do any harm at all and may actually help. I am 100% against using a permanent marker. Not sure why so many people are willing to do that to their own nice cars or ok with suggesting it to others.
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