The Damnable black plastic

[B17E1943]

Hello, everyone - new guy here -

I joined a while back but this is my first post.

I have an '02 1500 shortbed 2WD - I LOVE IT!

I am a LONG time GM guy, and I never thought I'd like a modern Chrysler product, but this truck popped up at a time when we REALLY needed it and we couldn't resist.

Build sheet:

P9 Cloth 40/20/40 Split Bench Seat
DV Dark Slate Gray
AL4 Free V8 Group
APAS Monotone Paint
A36P 4.7L Eng(EVA)/5Spd M/T NV3500(DDC)
BAZS 136 Amp Alternator
BCES 600 Amp Maintenance Free Battery
BRRS 4 Wheel Disc Rr Anti-Lock Brakes
CBEP 40/20/40 Split Bench Seat
CGDS Front Height Adjust Shoulder Belts
CGWS Next Generation Front Air Bags
CGZS Passenger Air Bag On/Off Switch
CKJS Black Vinyl Floor Covering
CSPS Passenger Assist Handle
CU3S Behind the Seat Storage / Bin
DBBC All Manual Transmissions
DDC 5-Speed HD Manual Transmission
DMDS 3.55 Rear Axle Ratio
DRBS Corporate 9.25 LD Rear Axle
EAGC All Gas Engine
EVA 4.7L V8 MPI Engine
GACS Tinted Glass Windows
GJDS Rear Fixed Window
GNAS Rear View Day/Night Mirror
GPUS Manual 6 x 9 Black Mirrors
GVAC All Vehicles W/O Power Mirrors
HAAS Air Conditioning
HGBS Dash Liner Insulation
I43S Route 43 - Benecia, CA
JAYS Instrument Cluster w/Tach
JCBS 120 MPH Primary Speedometer
JHAS Var Intermittent Windshield Wipers
JJAS Cigar Lighter
JJBS Dual Note Electric Horns
JJJS 12V Auxiliary Power Outlet
LDAS Underhood Lamp
LMAS Halogen Headlamps
LPES Cargo Lamp
MBFS Bright Rear Bumper
MCLS Gray Upper Fascia
MCTS Bright Front Bumper
MDAP Front License Plate Bracket
MFUS Bright/Black Grille
MHAS Black Windshield Moldings
MURS Dodge Badge
MWDS Removable Tailgate w/Caliper Latches
MXBS Front Air Dam
MXCS Front Air Close Out Panel
NAE California Emissions
NBKP EVAP Control System
NBUP Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV)
NFWS 26 Gallon Fuel Tank
PBJA Atlantic Blue Pearl Coat
QBJS Atlantic Blue Pearl Coat
RAAC All Radio Equipped Vehicles
RBKP AM/FM Compact Disc Radio w/Chgr Ctrl
RCDP 4 Speakers
RDDP Fixed Long Mast Antenna
SBAS Power Rack and Pinion Steering
SCFS 4-Spoke Steering Wheel
SFBS Front Heavy Duty Shock Absorbers
SGBS Rear Heavy Duty Shock Absorbers
SHAS Front Stabilizer Bar
TBBS Full Size Spare Tire
TBMS Tire Carrier Winch
TSRS P245/70R17 BSW All Season Tires
TZHP Michelin Brand Tires
WF1S 17" Steel Spare Wheel
WF2P 17X8.0 Steel Chrome Clad Wheels
WLYC All Steel Wheels
WMJP Center Hub
XBSS Pickup Box
YAAS Build To U.S. Mkt. Specifications

I have tried a couple things to revive the black plastic that is EVERYWHERE on these trucks - Turtle Wax Trim Restorer - absolute CRAP - and Mother's Back to Black - somewhat better - but not the cure I seek.

What do y'all recommend to revive this stuff? It's not TERRIBLE, but I would liike it to be black, at least.

And - one more question, if I may ... I am sure I will be told to do a search, but I don't want to wade through a thousand pages ...

What is a really good mileage chip for my 4.7? I LOVE the power, but the mileage is pretty damn terrible. I don't mind sacrificing some HP for better gas mileage.

Thanks a lot!

The For Sale sign is from a couple days before we bought it.

 

[DavidRam]

Welcome to RF!
This stuff really worked for me --> http://www.amazon.com/Forever-Black-Bumper-Trim-Dye/dp/B000FOIJXQ

Thread about it: http://www.ramforum.com/f7/anyone_else_have_badly_faded_black_grey_plastic_trim-63796/

 

[MADDOG]

I'd avoid a "chip" and get a programmer, such as a DiabloSport Predator (used are available for a very good price) and there are some for sale here. There is a 87 octane tune you can use with the programmer to help with mileage, proper air/fuel ratio and improved timing.

Mileage on a 4.7 has always been a bit marginal as the truck is pretty heavy and it takes quite a bit to get it moving.

 

[ST-8]

My truck looks pretty good for a near 12yr old truck til you see the faded plastic like you mention. Mines pretty rough, would like to paint to match the body color one day

 

[JonBoy]

For the black plastic, I had great results with krylon fusion spray paint. I used it on the grille of my previous chevy. I don't recall having any issues, even after florida love bug season.

 

[B17E1943]

Thanks, Gentlemen.

I will try that stuff, David - and I will take your advice a bit later, Michael.

Thank you, JonBoy - if nothing else works, I will try that.


Appreciate it, guys.

 

[B17E1943]

One more question, if I may ...

I know it has probably been covered a thousand times - but again - I don't feel like wading through 1,000 posts.

I am thinking about going with a "full" synthetic oil to keep my 4.7 running strong as long as possible.

So ... I've heard good things about Mobil 1; Redline; Royal Purple; etc.

I'm leaning towards the Mobil 1 because it isn't $10 a quart, plus it has good reviews.

Then comes the oil filter ... I lean towards the NAPA Gold because it has served me well on other vehicles, plus it is made by WIX, if I'm not mistaken. WHICH NAPA Gold filter is the best one to use?

Feedback is MOST welcome - Ladies and Gentlemen, your opinions are VERY much appreciated!

Thanks!!

 

[Chris E]

I run amsoil in mine and just about everything else I run. You'll get a lot of opinions and I don't think you'll go too far wrong regardless of what you use.


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[Chris E]

Also forgot to mention I use the Napa gold filter.


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[derekp]

I use Mobil 1 and a wix from O'Reilys. I get the oil pretty cheap at Walmart.

 

[dmacell1]

I used that "wipe new" product on my daughters 04 neon and even though it took two applications the plastic looks brand new now. Just dont let it get wet for 24 hours or it will spot up.
I keep the plastic on my ram coated with turtle wax ice and it still looks as good as new.

 

[HemiLonestar]

Get a Superchips and go with synthetic, keep that little 4.7 going as long as possible. Also make sure it has a chance to get up to temp to burn off any condensation...one of the biggest enemies this engine has.

I used that "wipe new" product on my daughters 04 neon and even though it took two applications the plastic looks brand new now. Just dont let it get wet for 24 hours or it will spot up.
I keep the plastic on my ram coated with turtle wax ice and it still looks as good as new.

THIS!! I used to use Mother's Back to Black, but tried this on a whim. Holy ****! Used it on both my vehicles. Smells funny, sucks if you get it on your hand or if it spills, but it works.

 

[B17E1943]

Get a Superchips and go with synthetic, keep that little 4.7 going as long as possible. Also make sure it has a chance to get up to temp to burn off any condensation...one of the biggest enemies this engine has.



THIS!! I used to use Mother's Back to Black, but tried this on a whim. Holy ****! Used it on both my vehicles. Smells funny, sucks if you get it on your hand or if it spills, but it works.

Thanks, HemiLonestar - I got sidetracked for a while, sorry I didn't respond sooner.

I do get her up to temp, I know that's important for ANY engine.

I went with Mobil 1 High Mileage Full Synthetic 5W-30 and a NAPA Gold filter the other day - she seems to like it. The usual start-up tick seems to have lessened a bit.

I tried the Mother's Back to Black again, since I had some left - put it on really thick and left it on for 24 hrs and it worked pretty well. I am going to try the "Forever Black" next time.

The Superchips will have to wait a while ...

Thanks!

 

[05daytona]

Here's a product from Eastwood that you can't beat. It's a little expensive but well worth it in my opinion. Eastwood Plastic Resurfacer Matte Black Aerosol

 

[OilCityOperator]

Might sound odd but I use leather conditioner on all my plastics and even my plasti dipped badges and grill. Shines it all up like new.