Trim Restore RUINED Taillight Housing?

[GOCAMPN]

Not so great update, I let it sit overnight and it didn't get any worse but not any better either for that matter. In some proper daylight I got to see the real damage that was done. I will not be attempting a repair after seeing picture #2, here's to waiting for a response from Rust-Oleum.

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[jebiruph]

Try hand buffing the clear lens with some PlastX and a soft cloth.

 

[SargeDiesel]

Send the pictures to Rust-oleum with a phone call and E mail with reference to this forum. Include the cost of new lights.

Why reference this forum ? Are you using the members for leverage from being potential customers ?

 

[SargeDiesel]

Done, now I wait for a response.

Any luck with the lights ? It's tricky and can be risky... I'm not sure how far the tail light can be dismantled, I have had excellent results with black molding that was practally white and brought it back with a torch flame... just becareful and keep the flame point moving.
Or
A heat gun on low, using the same precautions.
I hope you get this figured out.

 

[SargeDiesel]

No these are Rugged Ridge Flush Mount Taillights. It says injection molded ABS.

2020 Jeep Gladiator Jeep Flush Mount Tail Lights | Rugged Ridge

Ahhh so they are NOT OEM ?
from my experience on the forum, RR quality can be spotty.

 

[SargeDiesel]

I’m sure you’ve tried multiple products by now. I use VRP by chemical guys like others have mentioned but just bought the Tire and trim gel by them to bring my faded exterior trim back to life. I think it’s more oil based than the VRP. Curious to find out how you resolve this conundrum

Let us know how you liked the regular VPR vs gel.

 

[GOCAMPN]

Any luck with the lights ? It's tricky and can be risky... I'm not sure how far the tail light can be dismantled, I have had excellent results with black molding that was practally white and brought it back with a torch flame... just becareful and keep the flame point moving.

I hope you get this figured out.

Just curious... Why or did you reference the forum ?

Ahhh so they are NOT OEM ?
from my experience on the forum, RR quality can be spotty.

Technically I did reference the forum by providing a link to this thread in my inquiry, as they had no where to upload photos. But no I don't honestly care enough. To your other comments, no I decided to leave it be today and haven't attempted any fixes - I may grab a couple products tomorrow to try but honestly I can't get too into this before my repair attempts end up costing more than a brand new pair of lights @$300 anyhow. Finally I really like Rugged Ridge and the Real Truck brands, although maybe a little bias with my previous sponsorships with them but I still rock over $10,000 of their products on my rig. This JT was wheeled like it was made for and I'm not afraid of a little spray paint here and there to cover fading powdercoats and whatnot. Other than finishes, never once had an issue with RR stuff.

 

[SargeDiesel]

Technically I did reference the forum by providing a link to this thread in my inquiry, as they had no where to upload photos. But no I don't honestly care enough. To your other comments, no I decided to leave it be today and haven't attempted any fixes - I may grab a couple products tomorrow to try but honestly I can't get too into this before my repair attempts end up costing more than a brand new pair of lights @$300 anyhow. Finally I really like Rugged Ridge and the Real Truck brands, although maybe a little bias with my previous sponsorships with them but I still rock over $10,000 of their products on my rig. This JT was wheeled like it was made for and I'm not afraid of a little spray paint here and there to cover fading powdercoats and whatnot. Other than finishes, never once had an issue with RR stuff.

+1 on the RR and RT stuff... I have never had an issue either... you know as well as I... most come to the forums to complain... so I take most with a grain of salt...

Hope it works out

 

[bgtmd]

I have many decades of detailing my vehicles and have had similar things happen with other products. My next step would be to go to my old standby GooGone and lots of elbow grease working in only one small area at a time.

 

[Great Offender]

The last batch of photos makes it look a bit like it's painted. Are you sure the housing is actually black plastic and not dyed?

 

[GOCAMPN]

Now that you say that, possibly. I'm not going to go cracking one open to find out but yeah maybe the Wipe New removed the paint. Rust-Oleum replied ready to refund me the product price for their can but we're currently going back and forth looking for a mutual deal here. Will update.

I had also talked to Omix about a replacement housing, waiting to see what solutions they have for me if anything.

 

[Great Offender]

I wonder if you couldn't scratch the plastic in an inconspicuous place (inside?) deep enough to see if the plastic is actually black? Just an experiment but do what you have to do for the refund and we'll play "science guy" some other time.

 

[RealTruck]

Hello @GOCAMPN! Send me a PM or email when you have a chance.

 

[coastiej171]

Let us know how you liked the regular VPR vs gel.

I love both products and will continue using both. I think each serve their own purpose. I use the VRP on just the interior where it gets cleaned more regularly and not exposed to the elements. The gel worked amazing on the plastic hood cowl in front of the windshield. It brought it back to life for sure, but to get the best results, it takes a bit more attention too to get the product in the textured plastic.

 

[GOCAMPN]

I have many decades of detailing my vehicles and have had similar things happen with other products. My next step would be to go to my old standby GooGone and lots of elbow grease working in only one small area at a time.

So I use Goo Gone a lot, usually apply a little bit to my grille before a wash and I love using it with a heat gun to remove decals. I gave it a shot today and while it did nothing for the clear lens, it removed a lot of black onto the paper towel - which leads me more to believe the plastic was originally painted and I've removed it.

My next step will be painting the housings. No biggie at all. Then it's only down to the lens to fix. I have been contacted by Real Truck / Omix, and Rust-Oleum, but nothing worth posting yet I'll keep everyone posted.

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