I have used boiled linseed oil and paint thinner, toothpaste, steel wool, wd 40, turtle wax, starting fluid, I mostly used this stuff in just little spots. The only thing I have found to work is a heat gun, but I don't like how it makes my plastic hard and brittle like.

So my question, is there anything else that might work?

 

Their are some good methods on Youtube showing how to do it.

 

I'm surprised linseed oil didn't work for you. Thats the most common one I see on youtube and if you read the comments some might even include a long term update that the plastics still look good.

 

Yea, I was really surprised too when it didn't work. But it works good on the black plastic, and makes the "pink" plastic shiny! I was hoping that I wouldn't have to sand it in any way but I might have to. I was just wondering if there is anything else I could try?

 

Sanding and buffing can make the plastic look like new, but man is it a job. Depending on how bad it is, you can start with 220 grit and go up. If it is not too bad (just faded) you can probably start with 600 grit or even finer. Finish with 1000 or 1200 grit. Then it is ready for buffing with a polishing compound. I use a wool pad and a low rpm polisher. Take your time and be careful not to get the surface too hot. Like I said, it is a pain, but they will look like new.

 

good information. thanks for insight

 

Thanks for your time and info, I might have to try your solution Nachop. But like you said it is a pain so I was hoping to find something a little more simple, but I think I am out of luck. Thanks again everyone!

 

Take it a step at a time. Don't try to do the whole machine in a day or even a weekend. This will keep you from getting burned out and frustrated. Believe me, I know. I will post a pic of a gas tank that I buffed out when I get a chance.

 

Ok that would be great!

 

Sorry it took so long to get these posted. The red tank is from my 85 ATC250r. It was badly oxidized. The black fender are from my TRX700xx. They were scuffed up and scratched. As you can see, they are still a bit dull and need another buffing, but I am satisfied with the way they are. I really wished I had taken before and after pictures.