reparing faded fenders

[86125m]

hey guys I've read about y'all restoring old fenders with sand paper and would like toknow the steps to actuly do it.

[ebaccm26]

I prefer to wet sand them because the plastic really builds up on the sand paper and being able to clean the sand paper off keeps you efficient. You need to use your own judgement as to what grit to start with depending on how deep of scratches you have or how bad the fading is. Then you just need to work your way finer and finer, really not that much to it. Beware though that if you want to bring the plastics back to a shine you have to work your way to some extremely fine grit and it will take A LOT of time.

[generallee2005]

Wet sanding is by far the way to go, I sanded mine in the guest bathroom tub. A little dawn soap, warm water, a small cooler with cold beer, a nice comfy seat, & good music, because you'll be there until your arm falls off! I started with 220 wet-or-dry & went up each grit until I reached 2000 on the rear fenders, on the headlight frame, I think I was able to start at 400. Just sand in the same direction while using the same grit all over, then when you step up in grit, sand at just a small angle off compared to the previous grit, when you run water down the plastic the water shows you where you need a little more work. When you get to 2000, its more of a polishing action. The higher the grit, the faster also. I followed that up with a buff, using an automotive buffer & a three step 3M polish system for automobile paint. All in all, it took about a month from start to finish, simply because it was such a slow process, but the results speak for themselves.

[350xorbust]

Believe me when I say, by the time your done, you will have wished you had taken them to your local decal maker and had them wrapped...like the modern bikes are wrapped. It may cost more, but they could be done in a day or two, not a month, and a work out like youve never had!!!

[ebaccm26]

I followed that up with a buff, using an automotive buffer & a three step 3M polish system for automobile paint.

Ah yes I forgot this step, I also usually follow up with a buffing although 3M does make a plastic specific polish which is what I typically use.

[DohcBikes]

Step 1. Pay someone else to do it.

Theres no step 2.

:D

[barnett468]

Step 1. Pay someone else to do it.

Theres no step 2.

:D

OMG...I think ny spleen jist burst.
http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-laughing025.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)


MR CLEAN should be along to help you. His stuff looks nice.

[ironchop]

Step 1. Pay someone else to do it.

Theres no step 2.

:D

I go through the Fender Exchange Program...or FEP, if you will...at ZMPerformance

I send them some cash and they EXCHANGE that cash for a shiny fender that also happens to be new.

because I have a set of white/green rear T3 fenders and a green/brown gas tank I have been buffing on with 29,000 grit for a week and a half and they still look like a warm summer turd. I say simply "screw that". I`d rather work an extra Saturday to pay for a new set than to try this again.

to the guys that DO....good for you, you are a better man than I with much fortitude and focus.....I, on the other hand, am lazy and easily distracted.

[BOB MARLIN]

The headlight restore kits they sell at the auto parts store work good for bringing out the shine. I don't know what the compound is that comes in the kit, but it works well.