My interesting three year experiment with 303 Aerospace Protectant

[sc_rufctr]

I've used Leatherique on many occasions in the past and it's a good product but I'd like to try 303 for a change.
I've also used Obenauf's for smaller items and that works very well.

[sc_rufctr]

More from the "Car Cleaning Guru".

At 13.20 he's using 303 again.

[KNS]

^^ I do agree with the video in that too many people these days are simply smearing leather conditioners and creams into modern, coated leather. He only touched on treatment of older leather. I would emphasize that older leather, especially in dry climates needs periodic conditioning.

The bad thing about coated or sealed leather these days is that it doesn’t breathe. Isn’t that one of the best reasons to have it? In my BMW 128i my back gets sweaty in warm weather - doesn’t happen in my old Porsche. I do use 303 for the 128 leather but leather product for the 911.

[sc_rufctr]

I agree... It's pretty much the same as sitting on vinyl unless the leather is perforated.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

More from the "Car Cleaning Guru".

At 13.20 he's using 303 again.

Interesting accent on the guy. We watch a lot of British TV, and this one is a bit different than what I'm used to hearing. I think the closest that comes to mind is the actor Christopher Eccleston. There are some similarities.

I want this guy to detail my car. I'd say that I wished he listed the products that he used, but since he's in the UK, it would probably be a huge pain to get them over here. Now I need to go hunt down some good cleaner, sealer and protectant for the Boxster.

[WPOZZZ]

Originally Posted by masraum

Interesting accent on the guy. We watch a lot of British TV, and this one is a bit different than what I'm used to hearing. I think the closest that comes to mind is the actor Christopher Eccleston. There are some similarities.

I want this guy to detail my car. I'd say that I wished he listed the products that he used, but since he's in the UK, it would probably be a huge pain to get them over here. Now I need to go hunt down some good cleaner, sealer and protectant for the Boxster.

I was thinking Eccleston, too, when he was in GI Joe.

[sc_rufctr]

I stopped by the auto parts shop today. Review soon.

[drcoastline]

Great test McLovin, been using 303 on the rubber, plastic, vinyl parts on our boats for years. It's available off the shelf at Walmart and most marine super markets, hardware stores. Another good product unrelated to 303 is Boeshield T-9. Developed by Boeing for aircraft as a rust corrosion inhibitor and water proof lubricant.

[berettafan]

Awesome test OP, thank you so much for that!!!!


FYI 303 on modern 'leather' will make it slippery as heck particularly if you buff it.

[T77911S]

kudos to you for doing the test.

I was hoping you might have done a section with another product to also compare but thanks of the lead on the 303. never heard of it.
my 930 has always been garage kept but I am still worried about the rubber on it.

I just tried the mcguires spray on wax. it seems to work pretty good although I am not going to do a 3yr test on it.
I have had issues with other waxes on my front hood and this one I don't seem to have any problems. it may not last as long as others but it is easy.

[Evans, Marv]

I'll give it a try. That was a pretty impressive test. Like "drcoastline" says, Boeshield T-9 is a fantastic product - been using it for years on everything from bearings to the steel surfaces on my table saw, drill, etc. Good for lubricant, penetrating fluid, mild antiseize, corrosion inhibitor, & whatever else you can find to use it for.

[Sunroof]

The 303 protectant is a must for protecting sunbrella! This product is a no brainer when it comes to protecting (waterproofing) anything sunbrella fabric, especially on a boat (mainsail cover, helm cover, winch covers, bimini tops, hatch covers, etc, etc). I have been using 303 on my sailboat for many years, but never considered using it anywhere on the Porsche.

So, based on what I am learning here, I will start with my rubber bumperettes and rubber trim on my 1973.5T and then in the interior areas.

Great stuff.

Thanks

Bob

[Eric Coffey]

Yep, good stuff. Been using it for 15+ years. They make a version specifically for fabric (or at least they used to), which was great for 911 cab tops.
I know they were bought out by Eagle a while back, so hopefully they haven't (and won't) monkey with the formula.

Leatherique is good stuff as well, but it's certainly more greasy/oily. Definitely more geared towards the restoration/rejuvenation (hydration) of older leather. Not even sure that it has a UV protectant in it (?).
Plus, it's really only useful/effective on older cars with non-coated leather. Leather in most modern cars is typically "coated" with a heavy plastic coating/polymer for durability.
So, using Leatherique in that application is basically a waste of time/money. You are better off using straight distilled water to hydrate the leather in newer cars.

The only other stuff for plastic/vinyl/rubber with a UV protectant in that I would bother with would be Vinylex (a Lexol product), but I prefer 303 over that. YMMV...

[sc_rufctr]

https://www.goldeagle.com/brands/303-products/

I'll be giving this a try as well.

• Strengthens and restores lost water repellency
• Recommended by Sunbrella®, leading outdoor fabric manufacturer
• Protects against both water-based and oil-based stains
• Does not alter fabric color, feel, flammability or breathability
• Safe for synthetic and natural fibers

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by drcoastline

Great test McLovin, been using 303 on the rubber, plastic, vinyl parts on our boats for years. It's available off the shelf at Walmart and most marine super markets, hardware stores. Another good product unrelated to 303 is Boeshield T-9. Developed by Boeing for aircraft as a rust corrosion inhibitor and water proof lubricant.

That sounds great, I'll have to look for that!

Originally Posted by Sunroof

The 303 protectant is a must for protecting sunbrella! This product is a no brainer when it comes to protecting (waterproofing) anything sunbrella fabric, especially on a boat (mainsail cover, helm cover, winch covers, bimini tops, hatch covers, etc, etc). I have been using 303 on my sailboat for many years, but never considered using it anywhere on the Porsche.

So, based on what I am learning here, I will start with my rubber bumperettes and rubber trim on my 1973.5T and then in the interior areas.

Great stuff.

Thanks

Bob

That's where I started using it. I've tried a lot of products, nothing is better on boat canvas and vinyl than 303. Plus it's nice to know that it has a sun-blocking UV element, the sun is public enemy #1 for a boat.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Eric Coffey

Yep, good stuff. Been using it for 15+ years. They make a version specifically for fabric (or at least they used to), which was great for 911 cab tops.
I know they were bought out by Eagle a while back, so hopefully they haven't (and won't) monkey with the formula.

Leatherique is good stuff as well, but it's certainly more greasy/oily. Definitely more geared towards the restoration/rejuvenation (hydration) of older leather. Not even sure that it has a UV protectant in it (?).
Plus, it's really only useful/effective on older cars with non-coated leather. Leather in most modern cars is typically "coated" with a heavy plastic coating/polymer for durability.
So, using Leatherique in that application is basically a waste of time/money. You are better off using straight distilled water to hydrate the leather in newer cars.

The only other stuff for plastic/vinyl/rubber with a UV protectant in that I would bother with would be Vinylex (a Lexol product), but I prefer 303 over that. YMMV...

Are you talking about the Leatherique cleaner or oil? The oil is really only a yearly maintenance thing, the cleaner is good for regular detailing. We use it on my wife's minivan and other newer "normal" cars, it works great without any oily residue or greasiness. Also does a great job of restoring the leather smell.

[masraum]

OK, things I need,

sealant and protectant for interior leather including the dashboard

303 fabric guard for convertible top

boeshield for metal stuff

[masraum]

washed and cleaned the car yesterday, had bottles of 303 regular and 303 fabric guard, the interior and exterior got the regular and the conv top got the fabric guard. THe 303 smells good which is a plus.

[Seahawk]

I have been using 303 since this thread popped up.

Great on exterior trim and dash...really great.

Not shiny at all, looks the business.

[Tobra]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

Very valuable, great test, I've been doing the same thing with Cerakote in terms of UV stability. Black in a south facing window for over a year has done nothing to it.

If it is inside the window this is not a valid test