Drivers door trim gooey

[WBraico]

Just noticed on my new 2007 Ram 2500 the rubber coated trim piece right at the bottom of the window is sticky. And when I lean my arm out with the window down I end up with what looks like black grease all down the bottom side of my arm. WTH did Dodge use on these trim pieces? First I thought it might have been caused by me wiping down all these rubber and plastic parts with an exterior protectant or something? But it's primarily my drivers door, but I have seen a couple other spots on other doors that the coating is starting to break down and getting gooey. My 2nd gen never had this problem they would just start rusting from the bottom side lol.

 

[jghflys]

I have used alcohol to clean rubbery parts that get sticky. I do not know if it will work in your case.

 

[BigPapa]

I’ve never heard of the rubber trim getting gooey on their own. It’s got to be something you’ve put on it or that you used one product then come back with a different product that reacted to the previous product.

 

[WBraico]

I've just owned this truck for a couple months now, not sure if the previous owner used Armor all or something like that. I normally don't put anything on rubber to shine it up, but I had some "Z best" non greasy rubber/plastic treatment to protect against the sun now that were hitting the warm summer months. I never experienced this in the 2nd gen which had a similar rubber coating on these trim parts.

 

[seafish]

There may be better products available now, but Ive always only used "303" on my vehicle plastics and rubber and have had good results preventing UV degradation.

Here is the hype...

"Originally engineered for aerospace and aviation applications, 303 Automotive Protectant provides superior UV protection for any rubber, vinyl, and plastic surfaces of your vehicle, such as your dashboard, windshield wiper blades, and even your tires. Unlike many protectants that leave greasy residues, 303 Automotive Protectant dries to a clear matte finish without that sticky, shiny slick feeling. 303 Automotive Protectant not only protects against fading, discoloration and cracking from harmful UV rays, but repels dust and stains, too. Simply spray on and wipe dry for a beautiful, matte finish. Best of all, each application will last up to 30-45 days. Great for use on a variety of surfaces such as: vinyl, plastics, synthetic & natural rubber, leather, PVC, gel coat & fiberglass. Ideal for use on your dashboard, other vinyl/leather interior surfaces of your car, tires, windshield wiper blades and more! Not for use on unfinished leathers (such as suede), fabrics (canvas), floorings, clear plastics, gauge panels, or headlights."

 

[WBraico]

Absolutely right! I use 303 on everything plastic on the Toy hauler hauler and cross my fingers and hope my plastics don't disintegrate, since I have it stored out in the desert at Parker AZ. Good stuff

 

[WBraico]

Problem solved, (I hope) lol. well I purchased some vinyl decal material (Oracle 651) in a matte black finish. It's the same material decals are made from and should last about 5 to 7 years. So I cleaned the surface if the sticky mounding with denatured alcohol, then cut the adhesive to the exact width and length if the window trim, applied the film and it looks and feels like a new OE trim now. Let's hope it holds up for the long haul.
I posted some photos of the lower window trim, sorry about the bad night photos.