[HeatherTex]

Hi all,

I have an 08 dark gray Mustang with silver racing stripes on the trunk, roof and hood. Not long after they were applied in April, I started noticing brown spots that looked almost look like rust on specific parts of the vinyl. It's the most obvious on the roof right above the windshield and on the upper half of the hood. It hasn't come off with any sort of car washing and it doesn't seem like anything that's actually on the stripes (sap, for instance). I'm beginning to wonder if maybe it's the adhesive that's showing through.

Do you guys have any ideas as to what this might be? I called the delaership and they didn't seem to have any idea what I was talking about but I'm planning to take it in this coming week in the hopes that they can give me some advice.

Thanks in advance!

[stlwagon]

Try wiping them down with a white vinegar and water (1part vinegar to 5 parts water). If that doesn't work, you might have to try a solution of CLR to see if that removes it..

[IdriveFords]

Yep. That's a problem with silver vinyl and sun. I have seen it alot in Phoenix. My striper will not apply silver stripes for that reason. See if the installer will replace them with a darker color. Even some pewter colors have spotted out here. It has something to do with the metalic in the stripe.

[HeatherTex]

Rats, I was afraid of that. Thanks for the help! I'll ask the Ford place why they thought light colored stripes were a good idea in a place where it's 7000 degrees every day.

Thanks again!

[65205]

I hope you are able to remove the stains on your stripes. I have silver stripes and live in Texas. I'm lucky to be able to keep the car garaged, but she is out in the sun at times. I think that the Zaino polish I use has really kept the stripes looking like new. They do not have stains or cracks. The vinyl stripes should be protected like the paint. Good luck to you.

[JudisStang]

Before you replace them, on a small spot try a light cleaner wax... if it works, wash the car, polish it, wax it and seal it...