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Post Info TOPIC: HOW TO REJUVINATE PLASTIC WHEEL ARCH ON VAN
Baz421


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HOW TO REJUVINATE PLASTIC WHEEL ARCH ON VAN
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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



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Why is it so? Professor Julius Sumner Miller, a profound influence on my life, who explained science to us on TV in the 60's.
Desert Dweller


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This product works on clear & colored plastics. We use it on our caravan & boat.

www.waxit.com.au/products/vuplex-plastic-cleaner-375gram

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Nevd


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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

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Peter_n_Margaret


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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

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Eaglemax


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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

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Greg 1


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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.

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Greg O'Brien
Baz421


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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.

 



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Cupie


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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.



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Yuglamron


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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.



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Baz421


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Thanks for responses,,, still working on best solution



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Aus-Kiwi


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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 ?

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Baz421


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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)

Cheers 



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Aus-Kiwi


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Heat gun if your game ? youtu.be/FdiTTRLx6m4

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Baz421


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Aus-Kiwi wrote:

Heat gun if your game ? youtu.be/FdiTTRLx6m4

Thanks I'll try both and see how it goes,,, learn something new every day eh. 



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Why is it so? Professor Julius Sumner Miller, a profound influence on my life, who explained science to us on TV in the 60's.
Baz421


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Baz421 wrote:
Aus-Kiwi wrote:

Heat gun if your game ? youtu.be/FdiTTRLx6m4

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

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Why is it so? Professor Julius Sumner Miller, a profound influence on my life, who explained science to us on TV in the 60's.
Cupie


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Baz421 wrote:
Baz421 wrote:
Aus-Kiwi wrote:

Heat gun if your game ? youtu.be/FdiTTRLx6m4

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?



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Baz421


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Cupie wrote:
Baz421 wrote:
Baz421 wrote:
Aus-Kiwi wrote:

Heat gun if your game ? youtu.be/FdiTTRLx6m4

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

 



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Why is it so? Professor Julius Sumner Miller, a profound influence on my life, who explained science to us on TV in the 60's.
Cupie


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Thanks for that   ....  I agree ... bloody amazing.   I'll try it on an out of the way spot on my rear 'light assembly'.



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Baz421


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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



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Why is it so? Professor Julius Sumner Miller, a profound influence on my life, who explained science to us on TV in the 60's.
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