• Hey there Guest!
    If you enjoy BCF and find our forum a useful resource, if you appreciate not having ads pop up all over the place and you want to ensure we can stay online - Please consider supporting with an "optional" low-cost annual subscription.
    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Subscribers don't see this UGLY banner)
Tips
Tips

Armorall and Vinyl/Rubber Damage

Editor_Reid

Moderator
Staff member
Platinum
Country flag
Online
A recent post alleging that Armor All actually accelerated drying and cracking of vinyl and rubber prompted me to contact the company and see what they had to say on the subject. I have used their products for many years without detectable problems. In any case, here is their response:

<font color="blue"> November 21, 2006

Mr. Reid Trummel
3439 NE Sandy Blvd
Portland, OR 97232-1959

Reference Number: 4727453

Dear Mr. Trummel,

Thank you for contacting us about Armor All Protectant - Original. We always appreciate hearing from our consumers.

ARMOR ALL Protectant is a water based silicone emulsion specifically designed to protect and beautify polymeric materials such as rubber, plastic, vinyl and leather. The protectant fights deterioration caused by ozone, oxidation and ultra-violet radiation.

While we are confident that ARMOR ALL Protectant is both safe and effective, we are also aware that nothing can prevent the eventual failure of polymeric materials. Deterioration of these materials can start within one year of service. The rate of this deterioration is dependent upon many factors, including exposure to the elements, the amount of care given to the surface, and the original quality of the material. I hope this information answers your concerns and that you will continue to use ARMOR ALL with confidence.

Again, thank you for contacting us.

Sincerely,
Patti Copper
Consumer Response Representative
Consumer Services
</font>

You can make up your own mind on the subject, but I for one plan to continue to use their products.
 

Keoke

Great Pumpkin
Country flag
Offline
Well Reid, I don't speak for the rest of us. But the last thing in this world I want on my Connolly Leather, Rubber parts or Vinyl is a water-based material.--Regards-Keoke- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hammer.gif
 

healeygal

Jedi Warrior
Offline
I attended the Meguiar's Car Care seminar at their headquarters in Irvine, CA with the Jensen Healey group a few months ago, and the instructor said (rather disappointedly) that even with all the bad press Armor All gets re vinyl/rubber damage, they are still the leaders in that product category. I thought that was interesitng. Personally, I love the stuff, and applying it is my favorite car-care activity! I know...I'm weird...

Sharon
BN1
 

SHG

Jedi Warrior
Country flag
Offline
I never knew leather was polymeric. But if Keoke says it's bad, who am I to disagree. As soon as I finish up my 50 year supply of Armor All, I'm switching to 303.
 
Offline
[ QUOTE ]
I never knew leather was polymeric. But if Keoke says it's bad, who am I to disagree. As soon as I finish up my 50 year supply of Armor All, I'm switching to 303.

[/ QUOTE ] aha shopping at "cosco" again are we? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif ive never seen anything go bad for the use this stuff.
 
Country flag
Offline
I stopped using Armor All about 1978; I had just treated (and buffed) the vinyl seats in my Healey and then went for a long Sunday evening drive for dinner with Ray Cavaino, Doug Rossi and our dates (three cars) up to Occidental, California. By the time we got there, my tan slacks and my date's dress were pretty much ruined.

Besides the obvious detriment of sliding all over the seat when cornering, the dye from the black vinyl (which was already a couple years old) was transferring to our clothes.

Nowadays, I use Meguiar's Qwik Detail to shine up anything painted, plastic or vinyl and Leatherique cleaner and conditioner for the leather seats in the Bimmers.

Y'all use it if you want, but looking back, I never did care for the too glossy appearance or its ability to attract dust.
 

bighly

Jedi Knight
Offline
Good info Reid thanks. I never put protectant on my tires as I just do not like the shiny glossy look. I prefer the dull natural rubber against painted spokes. I keep my vinyl interior parts clean with the space age protectant/cleaner spray that we get as freebies at events.
 

John Loftus

Darth Vader
Offline
I've had one bad experience with Armor All products. In the early 80's I used it on the interior of a VW Rabbit with a tan interior. The dash top turned brown after a day in the sun. I have heard other stories about problems with Armor All and German vinyls from that era so perhaps the issue is with the vinyl. Anyway, stopped using it after that. Also I don't like to use anything silicone-based around cars because of future repaint problems.

Cheers,
John
 

Keoke

Great Pumpkin
Country flag
Offline
Just you wait till I see you next time Sharon! Amoral /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nonod.gif---Keoke- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 

ron wilson

Jedi Hopeful
Offline
I have had several people tell me that I should not use Armor All as it will damage my vinyl. for over 20 years I have ignored their advice and used it on all of my seats top etc (also use it on my hot tub cover) and have never had a problem of any kind.
 

SHG

Jedi Warrior
Country flag
Offline
[ QUOTE ]
aha shopping at "cosco" again are we? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif ive never seen anything go bad for the use this stuff.

[/ QUOTE ]

ain't nothing wrong with cosco, especially the fancy one for rich guys in Stamford. we just love the 64 oz tubs o' caviar with the free box o' saltines. word of caution - armor all is not the way to keep them little fish eggs shiney. leaves an after taste. yuch.
 

Keoke

Great Pumpkin
Country flag
Offline
Hi Erog; The swimming pool dressing is 303 in disguise and it works a treat.---Keoke- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
OP
Editor_Reid

Editor_Reid

Moderator
Staff member
Platinum
Country flag
Online
[ QUOTE ]
Well Reid, I don't speak for the rest of us.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well Keoke, I do - just kidding! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif

Actually I am happy to learn of this 303 stuff and have sent off a check for $5 for their free sample kit (the sample kit is free; they want five scoots to cover postage). Looks interesting and I'm always open to new and better stuff.

Check it out at:
303 Products Free Sample Kit
 

Keoke

Great Pumpkin
Country flag
Offline
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]


Check it out at:
303 Products Free Sample Kit

[/ QUOTE ]

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif For Five Scoots!!- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nonod.gif---Keoke- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 

AUSMHLY

Obi Wan
Country flag
Offline
I started an earler post about tire dressing.
Today I tried 303.
Whom ever mentioned that product first ....Thank You!
Does not spin off and give a nice matte shine.
As much as I research everything, feel free to chime in here Randy, I'm glad I found such a great product so fast. Usually it's a lot more trial and error; spelled more shopping and frustation.
Thumbs up, five scoots? for 303. Roger
 

Keoke

Great Pumpkin
Country flag
Offline
[ QUOTE ]
I've used vaseline on the plastic dash bits and lanolin on the leather for yrs, works for me

[/ QUOTE ]

---Vaseline! that be for rubber things that are hard to fit.---Keoke- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hammer.gif- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
Similar threads
Thread starter Title Forum Replies Date
K TR2/3/3A An odd thought.....vinyl wrap a TR3? Triumph 8
BoyRacer Blue Vinyl Dash Material Austin Healey 3
mrv8q TR2/3/3A TR3A TRF vinyl seat reupholstery kit Triumph 7
J Wanted TR6 seat vinyl Triumph Classifieds 1
J For Sale For Sale - 2x TR6 seats in red vinyl - Best Offer! Triumph Classifieds 1
J For Sale Early 70s TR6 seats in new red vinyl, with new tracks, $500 OBO Triumph Classifieds 0
AUSMHLY BJ8 Leather interior - what pieces were leather/vinyl Austin Healey 13
B Victoria British leatherette/vinyl Austin Healey 8
wangdango BJ8 foot well vinyl panels? Austin Healey 7
Hangtown Healey overspray removal on vinyl Austin Healey 5
S TR2/3/3A Contact cement for vinyl Triumph 6
T Colorado Red Vinyl Interior Austin Healey 6
K TR2/3/3A Gluing vinyl to cockpit capping? Triumph 5
K TR4/4A TR4A vinyl top boot cover factory markings??? Triumph 0
K TR4/4A Black marks on a TR4A/TR6 vinyl top boot cover? Triumph 4
Kleykamp TR2/3/3A Vinyl covering on dash on TR3 Triumph 7
JimTR4 TR4/4A Top dash pad vinyl is "puffy" Triumph 2
TomMull Stickey vinyl steering wheel Restoration & Tools 7
2billydavies TR2/3/3A clips under the dashboard that hold the vinyl covering on Triumph 4
P MGB Vinyl window scratch/haze fix ? MG 3
D Re-fitting vinyl on center upper console bj8 Austin Healey 3
davidb AH 3000 - vinyl colour change Austin Healey 7
Sarastro General Tech Tonneau cover vinyl restoration MG 5
J TR2/3/3A Remove old dash vinyl. Triumph 2
D Bugeye dash vinyl Spridgets 19
maxwedge5281 dash vinyl replacement bj7 Austin Healey 13
JPSmit Product review - vinyl cleaner and tonites question Restoration & Tools 3
RichBall Looking for a piece of seat vinyl Spridgets 2
toysrrus Series III Rdstr. Top Bows [Grey] & Vinyl [Blk] Top For Sale. Jaguar 4
5 BN4 rear bulkhead vinyl trim Austin Healey 10
Lukens TR2/3/3A TR3A seat pan. Vinyl covered? Triumph 9
bertl TR2/3/3A TR3 Vinyl Triumph 10
NutmegCT TR2/3/3A TR3A sidescreen vinyl seal Triumph 13
T Vinyl Tonneau Cover Shrunk Triumph 8
S TR2/3/3A rear fender vinyl tr3 Triumph 6
M TR4/4A TR4A - need a windscreen frame vinyl trim kit Triumph 11
Rut Carpet and vinyl, Bugeye Spridgets 14
RickB Vinyl top refresh / renew? Spridgets 10
1 canvas/fabric top or vinyl? Spridgets 12
T Leather and vinyl glue Triumph 4
bighealeysource Vinyl repair for torn seat back Restoration & Tools 2
mgedit Glue for Vinyl on Dash/Glove Box Door Triumph 10
W Re-conditioning vinyl hood Spridgets 2
TR6oldtimer Looking for a source for Dry Vinyl Harness tape Triumph 5
bighealeysource dyeing vinyl piping on seats ? Austin Healey 10
Tinkerman TR2/3/3A Interior Vinyl on the Wheel Arches TR3A Triumph 9
boeingpilot Vinyl Dye Restoration & Tools 64
Tinkerman TR2/3/3A TR3A Vinyl Dash Covering? Triumph 8
J what should I use to clean 30yr old vinyl? Triumph 6
jvandyke vinyl trim on cockpit surround Spridgets 5

Similar threads

Top