Keeping plastic from getting scratched????
Mar 14, 2001 | 12:26 AM
#4
Pro Rider
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
On a Yamaha, the only way to keep from getting scratched is to not touch it with ANYTHING. The Polaris plastic is heavier and thicker than most others. Just keep the big tree limbs and your feet off the plastic and it should look nice.
Mar 14, 2001 | 12:38 AM
#5
Pro Rider
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 459
Likes: 0
Nature of the beast I am afraid. The other guys are right, there is no way to keep it scratch free.
Wash it with clear water, and dry it with the softest cloth you can find, and you will likely see fine scratches (I did on the first wash).
If you expect to ride and enjoy your machine, expect scratches.
When you get it back home wash it up and dry it. Then wipe it down with Lemon Pledge (my preference). Don't be cheap with the stuff. Spray it everywhere and spend some time wiping. Spray it on all plastic, metal, and rubber, basically everywhere. The machine will look pretty darn sharp when you are done.
Some like to do the big wipedown with ArmorAll. It works great too but I didn't like the dust it attracts on the first ride. Many here have said that Mop and Glow is the best. I have yet to try it. Some spray the complete machine down with WD-40 and wipe it. Provides shine, lube, and rust protection at the same time. Again I didn't like this option for the oilyness and the dust it will attract.
One thing is sure, any of these applications will make it easier to clean the crud off after your next ride.
As I said, scratches are the nature of the beast. Coming from the snowmobile and classic car world, where the machine could be kept highly polished and scratch free, scratches were hard to accept on the new ATV. Once I realized there was no way to avoid them, I started to ignore them and enjoy my rides.
Try the methods above, you won't be disappointed.
DJ
Wash it with clear water, and dry it with the softest cloth you can find, and you will likely see fine scratches (I did on the first wash).
If you expect to ride and enjoy your machine, expect scratches.
When you get it back home wash it up and dry it. Then wipe it down with Lemon Pledge (my preference). Don't be cheap with the stuff. Spray it everywhere and spend some time wiping. Spray it on all plastic, metal, and rubber, basically everywhere. The machine will look pretty darn sharp when you are done.
Some like to do the big wipedown with ArmorAll. It works great too but I didn't like the dust it attracts on the first ride. Many here have said that Mop and Glow is the best. I have yet to try it. Some spray the complete machine down with WD-40 and wipe it. Provides shine, lube, and rust protection at the same time. Again I didn't like this option for the oilyness and the dust it will attract.
One thing is sure, any of these applications will make it easier to clean the crud off after your next ride.
As I said, scratches are the nature of the beast. Coming from the snowmobile and classic car world, where the machine could be kept highly polished and scratch free, scratches were hard to accept on the new ATV. Once I realized there was no way to avoid them, I started to ignore them and enjoy my rides.
Try the methods above, you won't be disappointed.
DJ
Mar 14, 2001 | 12:54 AM
#6
Range Rover
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
Gas and a scotch pad then coat it every now and then in w.d 40 to keep it from drying and getting brittle and that's it.To answer your question , there is no way to keep from scratching plastic.
Matt
2000 500 Scrambler coated all over in W.D40
Matt
2000 500 Scrambler coated all over in W.D40
Mar 14, 2001 | 12:47 PM
#7
Trailblazer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Bmxatv, are you referring to the post about how to get the scratches out? (as opposed to preventing them) I remember reading about a product you applied to the plastic and then sanded it. Anyone know what this stuff is?
