Cleaning the vinyl rear shelf

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Tommys 89 635
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Joined: Mon Oct 30, 2006 8:23 pm
Location: San Mateo, CA just South of San Francisco

Cleaning the vinyl rear shelf

Post by Tommys 89 635 »

Hi folks,

My 89 has the natur (tan) interior and throughout the years the rear shelf has started to tarnish (a dark brown).
Has anyone had the same problems? If so, I was wondering if someone was able to use a non toxic chemical to clean that off?

Thanks
Tommy
1989 635 CSI (Second owner since Jun 1995, driven daily and retired in 2013 with 295k to occasional driving)
2011 335D (Daily driver) with 103,550
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sansouci
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Re: Cleaning the vinyl rear shelf

Post by sansouci »

Tommy,
Could you post some pics. I thought the rear shelf was always carpeted or leather wrapped?
Sansouci
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plip1953
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Re: Cleaning the vinyl rear shelf

Post by plip1953 »

Even on a Highline, I agree with it being vinyl rather than leather. It certainly could be mistaken for leather as invariably is the headlining, when that too is vinyl expect for the very front section that incorporates the sun visors.

I'm afraid I don't know if any product will specifically clean it back to original, but something like this will mostly likely work.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Leather-Viny ... 57455?var=

or

https://www.industrialproducts-uk.co.uk ... gLMJvD_BwE

Over the years I've regularly used a Gliptone leather paint (maybe UK market only) that can be made to match any sample that you provide to them (if not already included in their extensive database), and the results have been excellent What seemed most effective it is to lightly dab with a sponge pad the dye onto the affected area and repeat this many times until the colour is uniform.
Phil
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bpoliakoff
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Re: Cleaning the vinyl rear shelf

Post by bpoliakoff »

SEM product for re dyeing vinyl should be available at any auto body supply store. Top product and I have matched color for many E24 upholstery colors
81 Euro 635 M90 with motronic. Currently under a complete nut and bolt restoration. Pictures at
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Tommys 89 635
Posts: 523
Joined: Mon Oct 30, 2006 8:23 pm
Location: San Mateo, CA just South of San Francisco

Re: Cleaning the vinyl rear shelf

Post by Tommys 89 635 »

sorry guys, i should have posted a picture but toward the back of the panel the natur has turned brown-ish from sun damage. I tried cleaning it with soap and water and even a magic eraser, got some of the dirt off but the vinyl started to rip so I gave up. I'm not in a rush but I'll try to find an upholstery shop to re-wrap it (the search is on).
Tommy
1989 635 CSI (Second owner since Jun 1995, driven daily and retired in 2013 with 295k to occasional driving)
2011 335D (Daily driver) with 103,550
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