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HOW CAN I REMOVE A POLISH OVERSPILL FROM BLACK TRIM? Q
Our new-to-us, 27-year-old Autohomes VW has suffered from clumsy application of polish, which has been left to dry, staining some black plastic trim on the cab doors and behind the rear wheel arches. I’ve tried several ‘universal’ cleaners, but they have made the stains more noticeable. Will I have to pay for the mouldings to be resprayed? I am hoping not, because money is tight!
Jim Sanderson
A
Gentleman Jack replies… No, I don’t think so. First, though, a general point for everybody – unless you have specialist knowledge, don’t use any cleaner that isn’t specifically for automotive use, except pure soap flakes. General household cleaners will often make matters worse.
The easiest way to remove dried polish overspill is to employ a quality pencil eraser (1). That said, there was a craze some years ago to ‘smarten up’ black moulded bumpers using the type of renovating shoe polish designed to cover scuffs, and this can react badly with proprietary cleaners and polishes.
I believe the trade use isopropyl alcohol to get rid of the shoe polish.
If all else fails and you decide to repaint them, I’ve had a lot of success on Practical Motorhome starter ’vans using Fortress Satin All Surface Paint and a good-quality brush. The paint is available from most DIY stores at about £14 for 250ml. Use wet and dry
abrasive paper to remove imperfections, and wash surfaces down with a sugar soap solution before painting.
If you don’t want to remove the trim, gently ease it away from the body using a spatula made from silicone and slide an opened-out breakfast cereal box into the gap to prevent any black paint from attaching itself to the bodywork (2).
The All Surface Paint covers well and there is no need to use a primer.
HOW CAN I RESTORE THE BLACK BUMPERS ON MY FIAT DUCATO?
Q
I have a Fiat Ducato, but the bumpers have turned grey. What is the best way to restore them back to black? There are several suggestions on the internet, but nearly all say that they do not last much more than a week or two before they need redoing. What would you recommend for a solution that can last longer?
Rob Rosenthal
A
Diamond Dave replies…
This is a perennial problem and one with which I too have an issue – the plastics on the Duchess are distinctly grey in colour. I’ve tried a few different products, with varying degrees of success, but not found one that gives a long-lasting colour.
I’ve read and heard of people using a variety of methods to restore plastics to black – everything from warming them up with a hot-air gun to rubbing smooth peanut butter into the plastic – with varying degrees of success.
As far as I can see, the problem stems from UV light affecting the plastic and some elements of the material simply evaporating over time.
I think the only solution is to try a variety of products, then use the one that gives you the best results, on a regular basis. Ask a professional vehicle valeter for recommendations.
WOULD A PRE-OWNED A-CLASS MAKE A GOOD FIRST VEHICLE?
Q
We’ve been watching Channel 5’s Motorhoming with Merton and Webster (about comedians/husband and wife Paul Merton and Suki Webster and their first-time motorcaravanning adventures). Would a pre-owned A-class make a good first motorhome?
Carl Bates
A
Nick Harding replies...
Why not? You know your budget. One thing is for sure: you’re very likely to appreciate the extra living space, better insulation, drop-down bed comforts and so on that the design of any A-class motorhome can provide.
However, finding one – especially the right one for you – could be the biggest challenge in the current climate.
Do take a test drive before proceeding with any purchase – older A-classes have a habit of developing creaks, and the wide view from the driver’s seat can take a bit of getting used to.
WHICH CAMPSITES CAN WE STAY AT WITH OUR NEW DOG?
Q
We’ve recently acquired a rescue greyhound – we’ve never toured with a dog before. We very much want to involve him in our travels, but could you recommend some dog-friendly campsites that we can visit?
Dean Baker
A
Paul Critcher replies...
You’ll be pleased to know there are plenty to choose from. In our Top 100 Sites Guide, 98 of the parks listed are pet-friendly!
While some places tolerate dogs, there are some that really go the extra mile to offer your pooches a warm welcome, with facilities to match. Here’s a selection from our Top 100:
■ Trethem Mill Touring Park, Cornwall
Web www.trethem.com
Six acres are dedicated to a dog-walk and recreation area, and this 12-acre site is perfect for the South West Coast Path.
■ Appledore Park, Devon
Web appledorepark.co.uk
Three dogs per pitch are welcome and you’ll love the dog shower after hikes on the moor.
■ Ross Park, Devon
Web rossparkcaravanpark.co.uk
With 20 of its 32 acres made up of green spaces, your best friends will love the four-acre exercise field and orchard.
■ Beech Croft Farm, Derbyshire
Web www.beechcroftfarm.co.uk
There’s a dog-exercise area; you can clean muddy paws in the Boot, Bike and Dog Wash.
■ Back of Beyond, Dorset
Web www.backofbeyondtouringpark.co.uk A dog-walk and 18 acres of private woodland where pets can explore off the lead.
■ Ballyness Caravan Park, Northern Ireland Web ballynesscaravanpark.com
Dog-lovers and their pets will take delight in the campsite’s eight-acre dog-walk.
■ Love2Stay, Shropshire
Web www.love2stay.co.uk
Dogs are welcome on the site and there is an excellent dog shower room.
■ Old Oaks, Somerset
Web www.theoldoaks.co.uk
A 300m dog-exercise area, a dog shower with free shampoo, and a dedicated washing machine and dryer for dog bedding.
■ Red Kite Touring, Wales
Web redkitetouringpark.co.uk
A special dog-walking area and the benefit of a dog wash for cleaning up after muddy walks.
■ Concierge Camping, West Sussex
Web www.conciergecamping.co.uk Dogs are welcome on this five-star site (3) – up to three per pitch – and there are plenty of great walks to be enjoyed just a short distance away. ■