My 2013 XJL has stains on the aluminum exterior window trim. It appears to me that the staining is not surface contamination and I have had no success in removing it, and I've tried pretty much everything. The photos below show the issue.

Seen in low light they look acceptable:

You can even see my reflection

In bright light its a different story:



This appears on both sides and to replace the trim I'm looking at $245 per side. So I've decided to try a gloss black vinyl wrap instead. This will match the pieces on the "B" pillars and I think will look good and also a bit more contemporary. If possible I'd to remove the trim pieces to wrap them off the vehicle but not if getting them off is another "project". I've looked at the service and repair manuals but could find nothing. Can anyone point me to some info on removal? I would also like any comments or suggestions regarding the wrap job. Thanks in advance.
Tom

 

My 2011 XJL has a similar issue although not so extreme. I too am thinking about wrapping that trim. Am curious to know if it has been done before and if there are any DIY details about it.

 

This is pretty close.

 

That guy did a good job of explaining the process. Thanks for posting. Was very helpful. Now this is on my list to do...

 

I have similar stains but on all the gloss black trim. It believe it is the presoak (acid) from the touchless car wash I go to only a couple times in the winter. I think it literally etched the trim. Never had this problem on ANY previous car even at the same wash. Below is a pic of the trim behind the side mirror. Any ideas how to restore would be appreciated.

TJ

 

Wow that looks..uh...not that bad.

The plastic wings on mine were a bit dull but not etched like that.

I would try this to polish that plastic. Cheap on Amazon. Stuff works great at removing serious scratches and scuffs from plastic parts. Really good for clear coats too.


I used it on mine and they shine like new. I have even used it to remove scratches from microwave door, fridge door, lots of stuff. Always keep a bottle in the garage.

 

Thanks for the Meguirs tip but for this project I no longer care it doesn't shine as I am going with the "Chrome-Delete" project. Here is another, good video which is identical to the XJ trim configuration. I think a combination of the techniques used in each video is perfect. To this video I would add masking the paint and use the Knifeless Tape instead of the x-acto knife.


Having endured Florida summer sun for several seasons now, I'm finally having my windows tinted with nano-ceramic film tomorrow and my wrap project will start next week. Time to order some stuff.
I'll report back.

 

I tried Meguires Plastix on just the bottom portion of the mirror trim with great results. I'll wait and see how it holds up before I do all the damaged trim.

TJ

 

Yeah that stuff is good too, just a little less abrasive than the clear coat polish so might take some more elbow grease. Glad it worked out so well for you.

Based on my experience you can trust that the results will not fade. Go forth and polish away the rest of that nastiness!

What that stuff will not fix is the metal trim surrounding the side windows. That problem is due to the metal under the clear coat changing. No amount of polish will fix that. Wrapping seems to be the best solution.

 

I had chrome delete done on my 2012 and it worked great. It's a common thing now and most companies use Avery or 3M brand. I had mine done in Satan Black.