Hello all,

Would anybody be able to recommend a solution for restoring that factory shine to the engine bay covers? Mine currently has gunk all over them and they're faded so I ended up taking them off and leaving the main plastic piece that covers the engine.

But now I want to reinstall them but want to clean them up real nice so they look like new when I first bought the car. Would anybody recommend any cleaner that could restore that factory shine? I've washed them with water but as soon as it dries they are back to their old faded appearance.

I was searching around for some replacements so that might be another option if anybody would recommend some real CF pieces.

Thanks.

 

You could try posting this in the auto detailing section, but try using an all purpose cleaner and a soft bristle brush that'll give it a good clean then try using Adam's VRT or something like that, but it'll fade again after awhile. If you have experiences painting you could try painting them or just buy new ones if you want to spend the money.

 

Since you say theyre already clean, I'd try spraying them with 303. It will bring back the color, but not wet & shiny like Armorall. 303 also lasts longer than Armorall

 

Do this. I like the shine so I use an interior glaze on a rag specifically for the bay.

 

Ughhhh nooooo armor all!!

This is what I do to clean my engine bay:

**Start with a cool engine**

1 - Begin by covering sensitive items in your engine bay. Place aluminum foil over the alternator, seran wrap electrical plugs and secure with tape (like painter's tape), cover air intake if it's an exposed filter with a plastic bag and rubber band/tape, or, in the case of our stock intake, I just ensure not to spray in the scoop. Take off engine bay covers. It's not a true engine clean if the covers are on there trapping dirt.

2 - With an all purpose cleaner, spray down the engine bay completely and let it dwell for 1-2 minutes. I really love to use Optimum Opti-Cleaner at a 4:1 ratio, but I suppose Simple Green will work fine for a cleaner you can buy locally. Spray your engine bay covers. Other alternatives: PS21 Total Auto Wash, Meguiars D103

3 - Agitate with various brushes. Spend your time getting between all the nook 'n crannies. Reapply cleaner as needed. Make sure to get the underside of your hood, the cowl at the back of the engine bay, etc.

4 - When you feel satisfied with your cleaning, take the hose and with a VERY LOW PRESSURE, rinse the engine bay thoroughly.

5 - Here, I use a Metro Master Blaster (or, an alternative is a leaf blower) to blow out as much water possible from the engine bay. I know not everyone has this option, so take a microfiber towel and try to remove as much water as possible.

6 - Remove all of the aluminum foil, seran wrap, etc.

7 - Start your car for a few minutes, just to get it a tad bit warm. Then turn off.

8 - Finish drying off the engine bay and the engine bay covers.

9 - Now, time to dress! I have various types of dressings I really love. For plastics, I like to use Detailer's Pro Trim Detailer (Which is basically Chemical Guys Back to Black). These are awesome because you literally spray it on, it dries, and you buff it off. Since it's a spray, it really gets into hard to reach areas that you can apply easily by hand. You can layer it for glossier look, or have one layer for a more natural, satin look. Another option is something such as 303 Aerospace, which gives a nice satin look (and it's just handy to have all around).
For hoses/couplers, I really like to use a WATER BASED tire dressing, such as Optimum Opti-Bond Tire Dressing.

Before and afters on my IS300:






(Products Used: Optimum Opti Clean, Various Brushes, Detailer's Pro Trim Detailer, Optimum Opti-Bond Tire Dressing)

It's imperative for people to clean their engine bay regularly. Not only does it make it actually nice to look at, you (or your mechanic) will appreciate it when you're working with clean surfaces, and it will force you to notice things such as leaking or other problems arising that you may have not noticed until too late!

 

Excellent advice all.

Karasha, thanks for tips!! Your recommendations will come in handy, I plan on doing this very soon because It's one area of the car that lacks and isn't so easy on the eyes.

For those of you that have painted their engine covers, did you have to do any prep work before paint other then cleaning the surface and maybe some light grade sanding? Please advise!

Thanks!