Dealing with haze or swirly scratches on the soft plastic of the rear GT panel...

[gone_n_60]

The material of our rear panel with the GT emblem (or non GT) is some type of very soft plastic? I keep looking at it and see hazy spots, swirls even straight line light scratches in it. I had it treated with my ceramic coating but even the details guys said the material is so soft it's hard to keep swirls or haze from happening again. I've used some fine plastic scratch remover (a liquid super fine compounding product) for Audio equipment or detail spray but still see scratches.
Wondering why Ford uses a material that is so fragile. Anyone have any luck with other detailing products or methods?

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[2016S550]

I try to never touch it. When I wash I swipe in one direction from one side to another. Use a battery powered leaf blower to dry. Apply lots of wax. Another option is to have it wrapped.

 

[Carbide]

I try to never touch it. When I wash I swipe in one direction from one side to another. Use a battery powered leaf blower to dry. Apply lots of wax. Another option is to have it wrapped.

I actually only use air now that I got my Air Cannon.

 

[StangTime]

Wrapped is the only way. I plan on covering mine with PPF either Stek Dyno Black or Xpel Ultimate Plus Black. Need to decide what to do about the chrome GT emblem... might just paint it gloss black as aftermarket emblems are costly.

 

[Firsttexan]

They can be polished just like your paint job.

Takes a pro with a high speed polisher.

Then Ceramic coat it. Reduces scratches by 90%.

For those it doesn't protect it from, it can always be done again.

I have been doing this for many years. No big deal.


I am not a big fan of PPF

 

[gone_n_60]

They can be polished just like your paint job.

Takes a pro with a high speed polisher.

Then Ceramic coat it. Reduces scratches by 90%.

For those it doesn't protect it from, it can always be done again.

I have been doing this for many years. No big deal.


I am not a big fan of PPF

Okay... what is it you've been doing for years, pro detailing? I had the guy who did my paint correction and ceramic coating clean it up just recently. I was wiping it down from some brief rides I took and noticed the old/new marks. I'm having them do some more work in a few weeks so I can ask him to hit it again. I'm just on my soap box asking why don't they use something that can handle it?

 

[Firsttexan]

Okay... what is it you've been doing for years, pro detailing? I had the guy who did my paint correction and ceramic coating clean it up just recently. I was wiping it down from some brief rides I took and noticed the old/new marks. I'm having them do some more work in a few weeks so I can ask him to hit it again. I'm just on my soap box asking why don't they use something that can handle it?

Yes, since 1985.

I guess the answer is they haven't been able to make piano black that doesn't scratch. But it looks so good they don't care.

Piano black is all over todays cars and trucks. It scratches too easily. Whether it be Mustangs,Range Rovers,BMW'S

A good detailer and proper ceramic coating will minimize the problem. But not eliminate it.

 

[beetle6986]

The plastic is really soft. I do the same thing and just hit it with my porter-cable and a swirl remover. Looks like new. Air dry it after washing.

 

[Bikeman315]

A good detailer and proper ceramic coating will minimize the problem. But not eliminate it.

Car is 2 months away from being 3 years old. Ceramic coated and many many coats of ceramic detail spray.

 

[Rapid Red]

Okay... what is it you've been doing for years, pro detailing? I had the guy who did my paint correction and ceramic coating clean it up just recently. I was wiping it down from some brief rides I took and noticed the old/new marks. I'm having them do some more work in a few weeks so I can ask him to hit it again. I'm just on my soap box asking why don't they use something that can handle it?

There lies the problem, don't dry wipe it, wait to wash. News flash that is grit, not some fluffy dust.

 

[Cobra Jet]

The material of our rear panel with the GT emblem (or non GT) is some type of very soft plastic? I keep looking at it and see hazy spots, swirls even straight line light scratches in it. I had it treated with my ceramic coating but even the details guys said the material is so soft it's hard to keep swirls or haze from happening again. I've used some fine plastic scratch remover (a liquid super fine compounding product) for Audio equipment or detail spray but still see scratches.
Wondering why Ford uses a material that is so fragile. Anyone have any luck with other detailing products or methods?

The 2018+ decklid panel is more susceptible to marring than the prior 2015-17 panels.

Here's a DIY thread I put together a while ago for how to remove rear decklid panel scratches or blems:

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/trunk-lid-appliqué-scratch-repair-diy.122441/#post-2641817

 

[br_an]

Wondering why Ford uses a material that is so fragile

Bean counters

 

[br_an]

Car is 2 months away from being 3 years old. Ceramic coated and many many coats of ceramic detail spray.

Aw man I could scratch that up for you no problem. It's easy! Anyone can do it

 

[Kristian87]

I'm going to give mine a going over with a small rotary polisher (soft pad, finishing polish) when the weather improves. IMO the key is to be mindful when you are washing - make it one of the first panels you pass when you do your contact wash, same if you're drying with a towel, being gentle is key too.

Has anyone actually had theirs sanded and painted? If I could afford it, that's likely the route I'd take, but I'd like to have seen it done first.

 

[WD Pro]

Has anyone actually had theirs sanded and painted? If I could afford it, that's likely the route I'd take, but I'd like to have seen it done first.

I have a new OE Ford 17-17 blank panel that I am contemplating having cleared prior to fitment - I'm thinking that should be as good as having normal paintwork on it and allow some thickness for future buffing / polishing (if required)

WD

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