Messages: 2871 Location: Texas
Registered: October 2004
OEM straps are so expensive to replace. Restore 'em!!!
Fri, 30 November 2012 15:32
No, unfortunately I didn't shoot any before and after shots, just a quick and dirty of one of the products I used wrapped in an Evo... ;-)
My UTC specific 781P OEM black croco was showing its age and I was considering relegating it to the trash can. Three problems... One, the white thread was very dingy, almost a grey/brown color instead of its orginal bright white. Two, in a couple of places the croco grain between the scales was worn from bending and a brown color was showing through the original black coating. Last, the strap had lost its original luster and the black was dull in shade.
The fixes... First, a Clorox bleach pen from the laundry room. The bleach squeezes out of the pen in a somewhat thick stream which I dripped onto a sheet of plastic. Dipping a toothpick into the bleach, I dabbed the strap's thread with the toothpick making sure it soaked the threads. After an hour, I gently rinsed the strap in cool water and wiped it dry with a cloth. Next, I did the exact same thing to the worn croco between the scales using black liquid shoe polish. The color was restored and the strap looked pretty darn good. Third and final step, a very quick rub with the product shown in the below pic. Any auto parts store has it available. Each cloth dispensed from the container is lightly soaked in Meguiar's secret indredient (whatever the heck that is) and after one swipe with the wipe, the strap now looks brand spanking new. I "swiped" my other straps also and was very pleasantly surprised how much nicer each one looks after a swipe and "polish" with a lint free cloth. I suppose "armorall" or something similar could produce a like result but Meguiar's is specifically made to do the job and it does it very, very well IMO. :-!
Ran outside and shot a Q & D wrist shot to help give you an idea of the strap now. I'm loving having a brand new 781P again! :-)
- O2AFAC67