Topic: Rubber/Plastic Renewal

[Blackhorse]

Did a search and didn't find much. What procerdures, processes, and chemicals does everyone use to renew their plastic and rubber parts back to new? I'm working on a CB550F airbox and would like to restore it to as close to new as possible.

[Really?]

Plastic can be polished.  This will give you an idea of the process and what you will need.  It covers many things including plastic.  http://www.caswellplating.com/buffs/buffman.htm 

I have used this on plastic with very good results.  Signal and brake lenses come out almost like new.  http://meguiarsdirect.com/detail/MEG+G12310 

I have use a wire wheel on some rubber and it turned out good but I do not recommend it. 

[Gordon]

Found these threads:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=62502.0

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=49393.0;all

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=29707.0

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=14999.0

[Blackhorse]

Thanks TipperT. The Mequiars may be a better way to go since I want to restore the lustre but I don't want to polish the plastic.

I read on an auto forum that clean power steering fluid is great for renewing rubber. The fluid is designed to keep the seals in the system soft and pliable so it should do the same for other similar rubber parts. Any one else ever try this. The more positive feedback i get the more likely I am to try it.

[Blackhorse]

Thanks Gordon, looks like I need to work on my search engine skills

[dewjantim]

Blackhorse...... I clean all my plastic and rubber parts thoroughly and then use a lot of Armour All on them. It is best to let the parts sit in the sun until it soaks in or dries.... then load it up again. All my rubber and black plastic parts look new on all my bikes. This is cheap and it works. You can wipe off all the excess after the second application and it won't be greasy.... or as greasy anyway....... ...

[Gordon]

Thanks Gordon, looks like I need to work on my search engine skills

No problem.   It was more just remembering the specific threads and where they were than searching, anyway. 

[Really?]

Interesting threads Gordon!  I had not seen those before.

[Magpie]

I've used Mother's Back To Black on rubber with good results and a nice finish.
Cliff.

[Really?]

I have had mixed results with Back to Black.  Sometimes it works really well, sometimes it works really well and then a few weeks later it looks bad again, sometimes it does nothing, sometimes it is just way too much work.  I do have a bottle and do use it but that is when it works on something for me. I always give it a chance.

[Blackhorse]

dewjantim......I've used armorall myself with some success and some failures. I have found that if you don't do a thorough enough cleaning it will brown on you. It is petroleum based and not all platics respond well to it. But, thanks for your input.

[fmctm1sw]

Search on peanut oil and wintergreen oil.  Went through this a month or so ago...