The instuctions that came with my LeBra soft Tonnaue cover says not to use any kind of vinyl protectant. I used Armorall for years on the top of my CJ and it looked great after eight years. Does anyone know why they do not recommend any type of protectant.

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Y2K XLT F150 5.4, 3.55 LS, 4x2, tow package, Chestnut color, Lebra low profile soft top, Runs better everyday.

 

Try searching for the information.... I'm not sure of the exact reasons why you should not use Armorall, but I know that you shouldn't. There was a post a few weeks back that explained why you shouldn't.

In myexperience, Armorall has a tendency to dry things out if you aren't constantly applying it. I have a soft tonneau from Ford, and I just wash it and then dry it with a soft cooton towel. It looks great and have had no problems so far.

I wish I remembered the exact reason, but I suffer from CRS.

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1999 F-150 XLT Supercab
Black factory steps
Flareside Sport Package
Oxford White
Full tint
Bug Shield
CD player
17" wheels, K&N
Ford Soft Tonneau Cover
Gibson Super Truck
"Did it myself" Undercoating
Herculiner
"Freak on a Leash"

If you've ever purchased online, please visit my new site and post your experience: Online purchasing experiences good and bad.

 

When I got my Sport Master soft cover I was told not to use any thing on it or i would void my warranty. So I would say if they say don't use anything on it why risk it.

 

I think the silicone and teflon are the nasty parts. Both these are in Armorall and similar products. It breaks down the internal polymer structures of plastic, vinyl etc. It could be the worst thing you can do to your truck!

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'97 F-150 Lariat,4.6, S/C, 4X4, SB, 17"wheels, no mods.

 

I wasn't going to get in this one, but this is not true:

"It breaks down the internal polymer structures of plastic, vinyl etc."
(Armor-All comes in a plastic bottle)

I wouldn't apply Armor-All to the bra just because the instructions say not to. I can't claim to know their exact reasoning behind this, but I'd put money on it it's for physical reasons, not chemical reasons. I'd call them and ask.



[This message has been edited by all44chem (edited 04-23-2000).]

 

Guys,

I assume this can be related to the issue here.

When I bought my Extang Classic tonneau cover, the specific instructions from Extang and the installer was not to use Armorall under any circumstances. It eats away the stitching rendering the cover useless. Apparently Extang has researched and done extensive testing regarding this.

I follow their instructions to the letter.

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Dunbarton "The Middle Aged Kid" '99 XLT SC SB 4x2 4.6 auto 3.55 ls The occasional Z-71 Eater! Wedgewood & Denim, SuperChipped, Airaid FIPK, HD electrical and cooling, power seat, Rhino Liner, Extang Classic tonneau cover, Mobil 1. Man, I got it all! (New Jersey)

 

Thanks for the info guys guess I'll just follow the instructions just wash & dry and save some money in the process.

 

I had a soft tonnaeu on a previous truck, it too said not to apply Armorall. The reason it gave was that it would cause the cover to shrink. I applied Armorall to it anyway and it never shrank or showed any signs of deterioration.

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Brent

Black 1998 F-150 XLT Flareside STX
4.2 V-6, 5-Speed, 3.55 Gears


[This message has been edited by Brent (edited 04-23-2000).]

 

54regcab,

Its been my experience that if you started using it when the vehicle was new, especially on the dash, keep using it. The wor5se thing you can do with ArmourAll is stop using it and let the sun beat down on the unprotected area.

 

Is it OK for tires and interiors ?
I've used it for years and it's been great on all my other cars/trucks.

 

I used to use it on my motorcycle seat. It made it look great, but after a while it started to breakdown the rubber. If you didn't wear jeans, you'd notice black on your pants. I had to replace the seat cover. I wouldn't use it on any soft rubber surface.

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1998 F-150 SC 4X4, 5.4, ORP, Red clearcoat, K&N, Chrome push guard, roll bar & tube side steps, Smoke bug guard and tail light covers, Black bed mat & Ford mud flaps.
www.wrtc.com/oldbook/Truck5.jpg

 

Indy fan is right on. If the cover can't breathe, there may be trouble. Years ago, a buddy of mine had a Chovy Camaro that he adored. Put a bra on it, washed the car religiously (without ever removing the bra) and armoralled everything rubber and plastic after a wash. After a couple of years, he decided to remove the bra. Believe it or not, all the nose paint came off with the bra! Turns out that the armorall sealed the pores, then all the moisture, salt, grit, etc, got trapped underneath and softened the paint past the point of failure. These bras are great, but based on his experience, I've always removed them with every wash and cleaned them separately, allowing them to fully dry before re-installing them.

Just my two Abe Lincolns, and I hope this helps.....

 

Actually the answer is much simpler than all that. According to the instructions on the Le Bra the vinyl is supposed to be able to "breath" to allow the underside to dry, the Armor All supposedly seals the pores and doesn't allow the fabric to breath.

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1999 Lariat Super Cab, S.B. 5.4L, 3.55 LS
and everything but the leaky slider window.
Bright red w/ gold 2-tone, Leather Captain's Chairs
Mods: Duraliner bedliner, Bugflector II, Hide-a-hooks.
& a leeetle chrome tip on the exhaust.