Penton Owners Group

General Discussion => Penton Talk => Topic started by: skiracer on August 28, 2011, 05:54:45 PM

Title: Plastic Restoration
Post by: skiracer on August 28, 2011, 05:54:45 PM
Has anyone had any luck restoring plastic parts?  I have a 1980 that I would rather save the fenders than to buy reproductions.  I am also looking to do something with the plastic tank too.... Any suggestions?  Thanks, James

1976 MC 5 Original Owner
1982 Suzuki PE 175
1976 Husqvarna 175GP
2002 KTM 200 EXC
2007 KTM 250 XCF
1981 KTM 250 (Project)
Title: Plastic Restoration
Post by: Mike Hufnagel on August 29, 2011, 07:18:10 AM
There are a few companies out there that will restore plastic tanks, so I would assume fenders too. Haven't used any of them but will over the winter.

74 Yamaha TY 250
75 Jackpiner w/ 250 eng.
82 KTM GS250II (import)
82 KTM 495 (2)
98 KTM 300mxc
00 KTM Duke 2
06 KTM 950 Adv.
08 Suzuki DR70Z
Title: Plastic Restoration
Post by: OhioTed on August 29, 2011, 09:57:19 AM
James,

If you want to take a shot at it yourself, this product: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/9/197/7414/ITEM/PC-1-Plastic-Renew-and-Restoration-Kit.aspx actually works pretty well.

Just like any "bodywork" however, the results are entirely dependent on how much effort you're willing to put into it.  

Basically, Plastic Renew is a process of sanding the parts down to eliminate surface irregularities, in ever-decreasing grits, then applying a wax/epoxy-type coating, which is then buffed out.

Give it a shot.  For twenty bucks it's worth trying.  Just start out working in one small area in order to gauge the effort and results.
Title: Plastic Restoration
Post by: TedG on August 29, 2011, 08:27:53 PM
I have had good luck with ultra-fine polishing compound and a foam pad fit to a drill.
The foam pad and the relatively slow speed of the drill worked without a bunch of elbow grease. And is doesn't want to burn up the plastic like a buffer would.
Title: Plastic Restoration
Post by: skiracer on August 30, 2011, 07:23:49 AM
Thanks Ted, I tried it on another project, and was not too happy with it.  It looks good until you was the bike a couple of times, and then you have to re-apply it.  James

Quotequote:Originally posted by OhioTed

James,

If you want to take a shot at it yourself, this product: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/9/197/7414/ITEM/PC-1-Plastic-Renew-and-Restoration-Kit.aspx actually works pretty well.

Just like any "bodywork" however, the results are entirely dependent on how much effort you're willing to put into it.  

Basically, Plastic Renew is a process of sanding the parts down to eliminate surface irregularities, in ever-decreasing grits, then applying a wax/epoxy-type coating, which is then buffed out.

Give it a shot.  For twenty bucks it's worth trying.  Just start out working in one small area in order to gauge the effort and results.
Title: Plastic Restoration
Post by: skiracer on August 30, 2011, 07:25:02 AM
Thanks!  I'll try it!  James


Quotequote:Originally posted by TedG

I have had good luck with ultra-fine polishing compound and a foam pad fit to a drill.
The foam pad and the relatively slow speed of the drill worked without a bunch of elbow grease. And is doesn't want to burn up the plastic like a buffer would.
Title: Plastic Restoration
Post by: JCHubbard on August 30, 2011, 09:22:26 AM
After the buffing and elbow grease you might want to use some Mop and Glow to help protect it as well...I've used it in the past with very good results...
Title: Plastic Restoration
Post by: Scott Rumford on September 06, 2011, 11:01:05 AM
Has anyone tried to "bleach" the fenders, and if so what water to bleach mixture did you use?