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Post by Chuck78 on Nov 25, 2019 7:14:42 GMT
So I have heard references (like this old PE175 parts bike now sorta-runner project that I'm looking to buy) of sanding and using razor blades to remove the top layer of plastic off of our old bodywork, and then sand and wet sand and wet sand finer grits to get the plastic looking acceptable again. Does anyone have any comments on how successful or laborious this process is, and how the finished results look? What grits do you start with, progress to, and end with? 220 or 250 starting? Wet sand up to 400, 600, 800? Higher to 1000 grit wet sanding? Soapy water best? Or just tap water?
I've also read of some chemical treatments that are supposed to rejuvenate and freshen up the plastics for a better appearance and flexibility. Does anyone have any products to recommend for this? Painting plastics really doesn't sit too highly in my preferences.
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Post by ESR80PE on Nov 25, 2019 7:33:44 GMT
Its labor intensive and takes time but is successful. Usually i make a decision before starting to determine if the part is restorable. Sometimes they are just way too oxidized and you have to scrape away 2mm of white plastic to get down to good yellow stuff and then by the time you are done you end up with a paper thing fender gtaht is all floppy. But if they are not too bad then yeah, scrap off a bit of dead plastic with blade or start with coarse sand paper first. Each item you need to assess on an individual basis. Some stuff needs to be started with coarser than 320 some you can start at 320. On average i go 320, 400, 800. depending on what i do after will determine if i go to 1200 or not. I got some good souring pads and foam sanding pads that enable me to not go so fine. Sometimes i may go to 1200 and then use a cutting polish. There's more than one way to do this. Some guys uses lots of grades, some don't. Many guys have found that Jif is a great product to use for PE plastics. Its a bit of suzuki guys secret tool for plastics www.ebay.com.au/itm/JIF-CREAM-ORIGINAL-REGULAR-CLEANER-MAXIMUM-STAIN-CLEANING-SINK-KITCHEN-375mL-/312831239329?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c10#viTabs_0In USA and Europe its called Cif or Vim
I tend to not use soapy water. I generally find i don't need it but i have used it from time to time. I just don't regard it as essential.
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moxie
New Member
Posts: 7
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Post by moxie on Jul 29, 2020 2:57:26 GMT
Believe or not.... best kept secret is WD40 on plastics. It’s more of a solvent than an penetrating oil. Cleans and protects plastics. Wouldn’t spray directly on decals. Hope that helps.
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