*** White chalky residue on Honda ATC250r gas tank ***

[bkvette3]

http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/bkvette3/HPIM1471_zpsysjjzkxg.jpg (http://s961.photobucket.com/user/bkvette3/media/HPIM1471_zpsysjjzkxg.jpg.html)

Hello all,

How does one remove the white chalky film that is on my Honda ATC250r plastic tank?? :wondering

Thanks in advance.

[atc007]

Wet sand and buff. That bike is def worth it! Nice stable ;)

[bkvette3]

Wet sand and buff. That bike is def worth it! Nice stable ;)

Thanks atc007.

Wet sanding and buffing is definitely what I want to do in the future with the tank. I have too many projects on the go right now - just in the middle of restoring a '75 Honda Z50. I guess I am looking for a quick fix to clean it up and make it look better without ruining/damaging the plastic tank.

[shortline10]

Try rubbing some transmission oil on it ;)
Old marine trick for faded plastic and fiberglass .

[DohcBikes]

Honda pro polish

[trikeguy2014]

WD-40 will do the trick for a few days

[bkvette3]

Thanks guys - for the tips.

I have been asked to display my "trio" at a local car show next weekend and I want the tank to match the rest of the trike. I have the "R" detailed out but the tank is dragging it down. What causes this chalky residue anyways?? My trikes are always stored indoors.

Cheers.

[TrickShot]

http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/bkvette3/HPIM1471_zpsysjjzkxg.jpg (http://s961.photobucket.com/user/bkvette3/media/HPIM1471_zpsysjjzkxg.jpg.html)
Whats the story with the 200ES in background, is that 300 on fender?

[bkvette3]

Whats the story with the 200ES in background, is that 300 on fender?

Hello, Trickshot - I had to look twice myself - it does look like "300" but it is a "200" decal. I purchased my '84 200es about three years ago from the original owner (70 year old farmer). The original left side rear fender was cracked. I purchased a nice set of '84 200M rear fenders and installed them. I just have not removed the old decals. I left the "200" on but removed the "M" part. I have yet to install NOS OEM 200es rear fender decals that I have.

[DohcBikes]

That's a mighty small pipe for a 300! :D

Seriously, try the pro polish

[bkvette3]

That's a mighty small pipe for a 300! :D

Seriously, try the pro polish

Hello DohcBikes

Thank -you. Is that available at my local Honda dealership?? I am not familiar with pro polish.

[DohcBikes]

Is that available at my local Honda dealership?? Yes. The results are temporary but repeatable. You won't be disappointed.

http://pi.roostin.com/images/items/large/PHO/PHO000O/X001.jpg

[bkvette3]

Yes. The results are temporary but repeatable. You won't be disappointed.

http://pi.roostin.com/images/items/large/PHO/PHO000O/X001.jpg

Thank-you, sir. Much appreciated. Learn something new everyday from the guys who have been in this game longer than me.

I am off to the dealership on Monday to pick up a can.

Best regards.

[DohcBikes]

Thank-you, sir. Much appreciated. Learn something new everyday from the guys who have been in this game longer than me.
As a former technician at a Honda ATV dealership, this was what we used to shine up the pre-owned, reconditioned units that were traded in and later sold. Glad to help, post up your results.

[bkvette3]

As a former technician at a Honda ATV dealership, this was what we used to shine up the pre-owned, reconditioned units that were traded in and later sold. Glad to help, post up your results.

Will do and thanks. If anyone cares or is interested - I just added some pics of my ATCs' in my profile under albums.

Thanks again, everyone for your help and tips.

[atc007]

WD-40,Armor all, diesel fuel,tranny fluid,they will all make the tank red until it washes off/dries up. Honestly, in the time it took in this thread and the trip to the dealer Monday. You can have that tank very nice in no time. If you don't have a buffer, aluminum polish will take it off and leave a decent shine. If you do have a buffer and any kind of decent car wax/plastic polish. 1500 wet/2000 wet, that tank and buff it. Less than an hour,it will be dark red,and stay that way. Everything else is covering up and leaving it there.. Your bike ;)

[DohcBikes]

I'd bet that if anyone buys and uses the Honda polish they'd never consider using diesel or anything else to clean and polish plastic ever again. Its that good. Regardless of the immediate need, it's nice to have around.

[atc007]

I second that. It's good stuff.

[keister]

I use Honda polish too. It is great - especially for a quick detail on my street bike.

There is another (better, believe it or not) product called SC1 that I have been using more frequently.
It is called "New bike in a can." It is actually a clear coat and gives you the option to wipe it off or leave it on. Both are excellent choices.
The first time people see it go on is mostly a jaw dropping moment.

HOWEVER, if that were my R, I would slather it in WD-40 and scrub with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.
Do the seat too (no I am not kidding).
Then the day before the show, hit all metal surfaces (especially the carb and motor) with WD40 and let it sit overnight.

Yes, I do buy WD-40 by the gallon and put it in plastic spray bottles.
All the advice in this thread is good advice, just letting you know what I would personally do.

[oldskool83]

wd40 and steal wool. Make stuff like very nice.

[DohcBikes]

Yes the maxima sc1 is fantastic as well, forgot all about that product but that's what my brother uses on his bike

[keister]

wd40 and steal wool. Make stuff like very nice.

Whoa?! On a plastic tank? I use steel wool and WD40 alot too, but plastics.... That's news to me

[bkvette3]

As a former technician at a Honda ATV dealership, this was what we used to shine up the pre-owned, reconditioned units that were traded in and later sold. Glad to help, post up your results.

Hey, DohcBikes - you were not kidding, my friend - Honda Pro polish is incredible. Just a little polish sprayed on a microfiber cloth and the tank is looking real good. Hardly any effort at all.

http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/bkvette3/HPIM1478_zpsse08itwj.jpg (http://s961.photobucket.com/user/bkvette3/media/HPIM1478_zpsse08itwj.jpg.html)

http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/bkvette3/HPIM1479_zpssm3ebeok.jpg (http://s961.photobucket.com/user/bkvette3/media/HPIM1479_zpssm3ebeok.jpg.html)

Rubbed a little on the 200es

http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/bkvette3/HPIM1480_zpsu0d2ndui.jpg (http://s961.photobucket.com/user/bkvette3/media/HPIM1480_zpsu0d2ndui.jpg.html)

And splashed a little on the ATC70 - plastic was slightly dull but it turned out nice - really impressed.

http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/bkvette3/HPIM1481_zpsslv0lza8.jpg (http://s961.photobucket.com/user/bkvette3/media/HPIM1481_zpsslv0lza8.jpg.html)

http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/bkvette3/HPIM1482_zpsoofp9vkz.jpg (http://s961.photobucket.com/user/bkvette3/media/HPIM1482_zpsoofp9vkz.jpg.html)

A pic of the 200es from a month ago.

http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/bkvette3/HPIM1467_zps3t9gqvkl.jpg (http://s961.photobucket.com/user/bkvette3/media/HPIM1467_zps3t9gqvkl.jpg.html)

Thanks again everyone for all the tips and tricks - much appreciated.

bkvette3