after 11 years the hard black "plastic" (a loose term as I think its a form of hard black plastic) wheel arch surround has started to fade and is in poor condition along the top from sun damage.
Is there anyone with industry experience or a successful rejuvenation of the plastic.
any help appreciated
thanks in advance Baz
Desert Dweller said
05:12 AM Jan 4, 2019
This product works on clear & colored plastics. We use it on our caravan & boat.
Try Armor All or similar - works well on exterior black plastic bits on cars, but you have to apply it regularly to maintain the fresh look
Peter_n_Margaret said
10:43 AM Jan 4, 2019
What has been proposed are maintenance suggestions. What you are witnessing is a breakdown of the plastic due to UV attack. That is irreversible. The best you can do is to camouflage it and maybe reduce further breakdown.
Sadly, it comes down to a poor choice of material made by the manufacturer in the first place.
Cheers,
Peter
Eaglemax said
12:10 PM Jan 4, 2019
If you need it replaced and it is no longer available from the manufacturer (many go belly up) there are after market ones available that might suit your application.
You can get specific paint primers for most plastics and then get them sprayed in a good two pack paint. This will place a protective layer over the plastic and give you a good few more years of life.
Failing that, take them to a reputable fibreglass fabricator and they can probably flop a couple of glass ones off for you. Even do it in carbon fibre if you love some bling.
Baz421 said
02:45 PM Jan 4, 2019
Thanks all,,, yeh I had used several products over the years but UV is a killer as mentioned.
I'll try Vuplex but if it doesn't improve finish, I guess I'll paint em.
Don't really want to go down replacement road if it can be helped.
Cupie said
12:01 AM Jan 5, 2019
The ones on my 20YO Jayco started to crack & were very fragile so I purchased a new set quite cheaply.
Not bad spare parts service for such an old van.
I rejuvenated the fibreglass cover over the gas bottles with a bit of fibreglass repair on the bottom & a coat of clear spray stuff from Aldi over the whole unit. Came up like new and still good 12mths later.
Yuglamron said
10:32 AM Jan 5, 2019
I had those Plastic type Mudguards on my boat trailer. Got pretty ugly from the salt and sun. I water blasted them and took them to the local body shop.Asked them to give them a spray with whatever they were using at the time. Ended up with Mazda Velocity Red.
Most of the Auto paints these days are formulated to cover the plastic trim on vehicles. Bumpers etc. Depending on the auto shop it's a small job for them to give them a blow over and shouldn't be a big cost. Worth asking before you shell out for replacements.
Baz421 said
11:09 AM Jan 9, 2019
Thanks for responses,,, still working on best solution
Aus-Kiwi said
03:37 PM Jan 14, 2019
Take off if you can or sand back . Prime with etching primer . Then paint it similar colour ? Or any colour you want . Follow directions of paint co. May have to final coat with clear . Depending on paint type ?
Baz421 said
10:08 PM Jan 14, 2019
Aus-Kiwi wrote:
Take off if you can or sand back . Prime with etching primer . Then paint it similar colour ? Or any colour you want . Follow directions of paint co. May have to final coat with clear . Depending on paint type ?
Was almost resigned to the fact. Found a "cleaner" at Super Cheap,,, (not home here now) label said 303 something, did a test before it got too hot today,,, 4-5 applications and it's looking good. Has a slight abrasive effect and shiny finish.
Super Cheap have a special primer for just this type of problem and then top coat.
I'll apply some more elbow grease when cooler (was 40 here today)
Thanks I'll try both and see how it goes,,, learn something new every day eh.
I won't use heat gun as too close to sealant I think.
Tested a small area with Dexron,,,, amazing result easy to apply,,,,, soaks in immediately and looks great,,, blends in with good section,, can only see difference if close up.
Thanks Aus-Kiwi
-- Edited by Baz421 on Wednesday 16th of January 2019 06:46:58 PM
Thanks I'll try both and see how it goes,,, learn something new every day eh.
I won't use heat gun as too close to sealant I think.
Tested a small area with Dexron,,,, amazing result easy to apply,,,,, soaks in immediately and looks great,,, blends in with good section,, can only see difference if close up.
Thanks Aus-Kiwi
-- Edited by Baz421 on Wednesday 16th of January 2019 06:46:58 PM
Dexron??? The only Dexron that I know of is the transmission oil?
Thanks I'll try both and see how it goes,,, learn something new every day eh.
I won't use heat gun as too close to sealant I think.
Tested a small area with Dexron,,,, amazing result easy to apply,,,,, soaks in immediately and looks great,,, blends in with good section,, can only see difference if close up.
Thanks Aus-Kiwi
-- Edited by Baz421 on Wednesday 16th of January 2019 06:46:58 PM
Dexron??? The only Dexron that I know of is the transmission oil?
Is that what you used?
Yep. Unreal eh. Was on u tube link
Cupie said
11:47 PM Jan 16, 2019
Thanks for that .... I agree ... bloody amazing. I'll try it on an out of the way spot on my rear 'light assembly'.
Baz421 said
04:20 PM Jan 20, 2019
Well thanks to Aus-Kiwi's suggestions I can report that the Dexron trial has so far been excellent.
Easy to wipe on and it soaks into plastic a bit especially the UV damaged sections.
Hi all
after 11 years the hard black "plastic" (a loose term as I think its a form of hard black plastic) wheel arch surround has started to fade and is in poor condition along the top from sun damage.
Is there anyone with industry experience or a successful rejuvenation of the plastic.
any help appreciated
thanks in advance Baz
www.waxit.com.au/products/vuplex-plastic-cleaner-375gram
Sadly, it comes down to a poor choice of material made by the manufacturer in the first place.
Cheers,
Peter
If you need it replaced and it is no longer available from the manufacturer (many go belly up) there are after market ones available that might suit your application.
Google caravan spats eg https://www.caravansplus.com.au/millard-single-spat-new-style-p-14068.html
I purchased my retro ones from caravansplus. I'm not affiliated with them except I purchased most of my part from them building my caravan.
TonyD
-- Edited by Eaglemax on Friday 4th of January 2019 12:12:08 PM
Thanks all,,, yeh I had used several products over the years but UV is a killer as mentioned.
I'll try Vuplex but if it doesn't improve finish, I guess I'll paint em.
Don't really want to go down replacement road if it can be helped.
The ones on my 20YO Jayco started to crack & were very fragile so I purchased a new set quite cheaply.
Not bad spare parts service for such an old van.
I rejuvenated the fibreglass cover over the gas bottles with a bit of fibreglass repair on the bottom & a coat of clear spray stuff from Aldi over the whole unit. Came up like new and still good 12mths later.
I had those Plastic type Mudguards on my boat trailer. Got pretty ugly from the salt and sun. I water blasted them and took them to the local body shop.Asked them to give them a spray with whatever they were using at the time. Ended up with Mazda Velocity Red.
Most of the Auto paints these days are formulated to cover the plastic trim on vehicles. Bumpers etc. Depending on the auto shop it's a small job for them to give them a blow over and shouldn't be a big cost. Worth asking before you shell out for replacements.
Thanks for responses,,, still working on best solution
Was almost resigned to the fact. Found a "cleaner" at Super Cheap,,, (not home here now) label said 303 something, did a test before it got too hot today,,, 4-5 applications and it's looking good. Has a slight abrasive effect and shiny finish.
Super Cheap have a special primer for just this type of problem and then top coat.
I'll apply some more elbow grease when cooler (was 40 here today)
Cheers
Thanks I'll try both and see how it goes,,, learn something new every day eh.
I won't use heat gun as too close to sealant I think.
Tested a small area with Dexron,,,, amazing result easy to apply,,,,, soaks in immediately and looks great,,, blends in with good section,, can only see difference if close up.
Thanks Aus-Kiwi
-- Edited by Baz421 on Wednesday 16th of January 2019 06:46:58 PM
Dexron??? The only Dexron that I know of is the transmission oil?
Is that what you used?
Yep. Unreal eh. Was on u tube link
Thanks for that .... I agree ... bloody amazing. I'll try it on an out of the way spot on my rear 'light assembly'.
Well thanks to Aus-Kiwi's suggestions I can report that the Dexron trial has so far been excellent.
Easy to wipe on and it soaks into plastic a bit especially the UV damaged sections.
After 3 light coats looks great.
Thanks again Aus-Kiwi