Restoring scuffed vinyl trim?

[3GGG]

I notice that someone has scuffed the dimpled vinyl trim down by the accelerator pedal in the footwell in my new MC.

A few deep scores with hairy edges, looks like someone with size 10 hobnail boots has scraped it as they got in/out of the car.

Anyway, is there a good way to restore the appearance of this type of trim? I tried a little polish but it didn't help.

Any help appreciated.

[Rwatts4mini]

Same problem here only mine is a light scuff on the edge near the door just off the side of the dash

Randy

[KenL]

Is the car new and therefore damaged before delivery? If yes, ask the dealer to replace it. A new car should be undamaged after all.

[3GGG]

Quote:

Originally posted by KenL
Is the car new and therefore damaged before delivery? If yes, ask the dealer to replace it. A new car should be undamaged after all.

It might have been, but as I am not 100% sure it didn't happen later in the day as some of my friends and relatives were in and out, I wouldn't like to claim it was delivery damage.

Anyway its not a big deal and I know from bitter experience with previous (non MINI) cars that I have 'repaired' by dealers that often the cure causes other problems like rattles and other scratches...

All in all ,if this is all I have got to complain about with the car, I should count my blessings. - No rattles, squeaks, pulls to the left, faulty gear link or cold start problems.

Got 150 miles on the clock now. Gotta go and adjust the tyre pressures because they are all high according to my gauges.

[MiNiGuY]

Quote:

Originally posted by 3GGG
I notice that someone has scuffed the dimpled vinyl trim down by the accelerator pedal in the footwell in my new MC.

A few deep scores with hairy edges, looks like someone with size 10 hobnail boots has scraped it as they got in/out of the car.

Anyway, is there a good way to restore the appearance of this type of trim? I tried a little polish but it didn't help.

Any help appreciated.

Use the back of a spoon or similar to rub the scratches so the scuffs go flat and the scratches fill back in to a degree.
Then get a black,or relevent colour china pencil. colour the scratches with the pencil then rub it in with your finger. keep applying and rubbing until you get a good result.
With the damage being in the footwell, you'll never notice it afterwards.
Believe me, it works. Forget colour polish and all the rest. This is THE best way to achieve an excellent result.

[3GGG]

Quote:

Originally posted by MiNiGuY


Use the back of a spoon or similar to rub the scratches so the scuffs go flat and the scratches fill back in to a degree.
Then get a black,or relevent colour china pencil. colour the scratches with the pencil then rub it in with your finger. keep applying and rubbing until you get a good result.
With the damage being in the footwell, you'll never notice it afterwards.
Believe me, it works. Forget colour polish and all the rest. This is THE best way to achieve an excellent result.

Many thanks for this tip, I will give it a go. Yes the footwell is not that noticeable unless the footwell lamp is on.

I have now also got some scratches by the back seat (on side of the storage pockets) , caused by putting a small plastic brief in the back... This trim is very easily scratched, it might be better if it was a bit softer.

[MiNiGuY]

Quote:

Originally posted by 3GGG


Many thanks for this tip, I will give it a go. Yes the footwell is not that noticeable unless the footwell lamp is on.

I have now also got some scratches by the back seat (on side of the storage pockets) , caused by putting a small plastic brief in the back... This trim is very easily scratched, it might be better if it was a bit softer.

You're welcome. The tip works equally well on the back panels (quarter cases).
Let me know how it goes!!

[Clutch Cargo]

What's a china pencil? Is it called something different in America?

tia

[3GGG]

Quote:

Originally posted by Clutch Cargo
What's a china pencil? Is it called something different in America?

tia

I am not sure what you would call them, here they are known as "Chinagraph Pencils". They look like an ordinary pencil, but are designed for writing on glass, cellophane, wood or metal.

They are quite hard to find locally, I had to go to a specialist art supplies shop to get a couple. They are manufactured by various companies including Faber Castell in Germany and another company in the Czech Republic.

If I get time today, I will try them out.

[3GGG]

Well, I just tried the chinagraph pencil trick and it did a great job, really cannot tell there was a scuff there before!

I think that this tip should be in the FAQ.

Thanks very much MiniGuy.

[MiNiGuY]

Nice one 3GGG,

Knew you'd be pleased!!