Author Topic: plastic chainguard renovation  (Read 2227 times)

Offline mickwinf

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plastic chainguard renovation
« on: November 18, 2023, 03:46:36 PM »
My chainguard off Lazarus was a bit battered so sanded it down to a reasonable smoothness but has left the plastic quite dull even when polished with plastic dressing. I don't really want to paint it so has anyone got any tips?
Love the 500 and 550 have a 500 called Lazarus under restoration

Offline Cb750r

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Re: plastic chainguard renovation
« Reply #1 on: November 18, 2023, 03:58:17 PM »
There’s a few things you could try, the motocross guys often use a heat gun to "refresh" dull plastics. There’s lots of YouTube info on reviving car bumper trim that might help too.

I just had to do a repair on an ABS plastic ski box. I used acetone on a cotton rag to clean the substrate. It slightly melts the top layer and really made the plastic look new. Beware it does  melt/dissolve the ABS so not a soaking wet rag, and not an aggressive wipe down!

Your mileage will vary!

Offline Nurse Julie

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Re: plastic chainguard renovation
« Reply #2 on: November 18, 2023, 03:58:38 PM »
Use a hot air gun to heat it up and it will make the oils come to the surface. Keep the airgun moving along the length of the chain guard.
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Offline Moorey

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Re: plastic chainguard renovation
« Reply #3 on: November 18, 2023, 04:00:57 PM »
 Have a look on ytube for vapour finishing abs or whatever plastic it is. Usually its on the mold mark.

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

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Re: plastic chainguard renovation
« Reply #4 on: November 18, 2023, 06:10:46 PM »
It's none invasive - I used a gell revivor.- looks okay Auto Glyn .
« Last Edit: November 18, 2023, 06:13:23 PM by McCabe-Thiele (Ted) »
Honda CB500 K1 (new pit dug out ready)
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Offline Sesman

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Re: plastic chainguard renovation
« Reply #5 on: November 18, 2023, 09:57:07 PM »
Plus one on the heat gun method.

Offline mickwinf

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Re: plastic chainguard renovation
« Reply #6 on: November 18, 2023, 10:23:08 PM »
Will try the heat gun method, already tried autoglym Ted
Love the 500 and 550 have a 500 called Lazarus under restoration

Offline deltarider

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Re: plastic chainguard renovation
« Reply #7 on: November 19, 2023, 10:18:29 AM »
I don't know how bad yours is, but parts like these (tooltray, airfilterelementcase) can be restored to new by just cleaning it with peanut oil (arachide oil).

Offline Bryanj

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Re: plastic chainguard renovation
« Reply #8 on: November 19, 2023, 08:03:19 PM »
Last weeks Bangers and Cash restoration team showed getting the shine back on an argo with a heat gun

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

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Re: plastic chainguard renovation
« Reply #9 on: November 19, 2023, 08:14:07 PM »
Last weeks Bangers and Cash restoration team showed getting the shine back on an argo with a heat gun

Whats an argo?
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Offline Rozabikes Tim

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Re: plastic chainguard renovation
« Reply #10 on: November 19, 2023, 08:36:12 PM »
6 wheel amphibious tub thingy. Only know that now because I watched it too. The one they did was bought by a group supporting Ukraine where it now lives!
One day I'll have the time to restore it, not just talk and dream....

Offline Laverda Dave

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Re: plastic chainguard renovation
« Reply #11 on: November 19, 2023, 10:20:54 PM »
Last weeks Bangers and Cash restoration team showed getting the shine back on an argo with a heat gun

I watched that👍. Does using a heat gun cause the plastic to go brittle in the long term?
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Offline davidcumbria

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Re: plastic chainguard renovation
« Reply #12 on: November 19, 2023, 11:15:10 PM »
Motorex protect and shine.recommended by triumph for black plastic. Looks great but needs repeat application.
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Offline Bryanj

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Re: plastic chainguard renovation
« Reply #13 on: November 20, 2023, 08:24:55 AM »
Dont know about brittle, but if the people who work on Argos all the time did it i would think it would be ok.
You have to be gentle with the heat and keep moving

Offline ST1100

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Re: plastic chainguard renovation
« Reply #14 on: November 20, 2023, 08:53:14 AM »
Motorex protect and shine.recommended by triumph for black plastic. Looks great but needs repeat application.
Bike Spirits Spray Cleaner & Polish...

https://www.amazon.com/Original-Spirits-Cleaner-Polish-Aerosol/dp/B007KPX7HQ?th=1

Wash, dry and de-grease part, apply, let soak over night, wipe any excess off with lint free (cotton) fabric in the morning...
(lasts about a year on dark gray and black plastics before it washes off/faints due exposure... but re-application works effectively after the first over night treatment)
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