Plastic Restoration

[skiracer]

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)

[Mike Hufnagel]

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

[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.

[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.

[skiracer]

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

quote: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.

[skiracer]

Thanks!  I'll try it!  James

quote: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.

[JCHubbard]

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...

[Scott Rumford]

Has anyone tried to "bleach" the fenders, and if so what water to bleach mixture did you use?