OEM Tonneau Cover Care

[jbluther]

Just bought a used factory bed cover. I was wondering if anyone had any tips for cleaning and maintaining the cover. Do you wax it? Use Armor All or something similar? Other techniques?



My cover is in pretty good shape, but does have a few scratches on the top surface. Is there anything I need to do to make sure those scratches don't get worse or cause any further damage? Does touch-up paint work for that or does it make it look worse?



Thanks for help in advance, all.

--

Jared

 

[Alan Peters]

I use 303. Its in a spray bottle similar to Armour All. I haven't used a product Mothers has called Back to Black, but I was planning on using it this weekend.

 

[Dingo]

Don't use any protectants, as the crap will run down the side of the bed when it rains. Back to Black does the same thing.



Clean it well with soap and water, and then use Turtle Wax Ice Polish.



Mine hasn't been washed in a week and a half:

<a href='http://www.fordrides.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=254' border=0><img src='http://www.fordrides.com/imagehosting/thum_14666dc1e291ce.jpg'></a>

 

[Scott Doughtie]

Dingo, no kidding about the protectant running down the side of the truck and tailgate. Had my truck washed Thursday and it all washed off and made a mess Saturday after the rainstorm.

 

[Todd Z]

I use leather cleaner then leather conditioner, DO not use the combo stuff, use separate wipes..



I NEVER have had it run yet.... and think about it, do your leather seats run if you clean them...NOPE....



Todd Z

 

[jbluther]

This is off my own topic but...



I used Back to Black on the edges of the bed and the tailgate handle (before I got the cover). It was a couple days before it rained, but I didn't notice it running or making a mess otherwise.



Back to Black does just that, makes faded or discolored black parts black again. I learned about it from the VW guys (VW black trim parts fade terribly). However, someone on the VW sites suggested peanut butter. Wipe it on, let it sit a couple minutes and then wipe off. Apparently the "blackening" products out there are peanut oil based. I haven't tried it, but someone out there might be adventurous.



Now back to taking care of the OEM cover. Thanks again for the info so far everyone.

--

Jared

 

[Woppy V]

has anyone tried to sand out scratchs? i have a couple that i would like to get out but wanta ask first.

 

[Richard L]

I think Back-To-Black and 303 protectant do not run, but I have never tried them.



I just wash and scrub it with a brush and rinse it well. I tried Armor-All and it looked good but ran down the sides of the paint after the first rain. I had the same problem with the vinyl top on an old Buick I had and it stained the paint.



...Rich