Restoring painted, faded, oxidized motorcycle plastic.

This is a procedure i use to restore motorcycle plastic. i get great results i am happy with. Take your time when restoring plastic. The first time use this procedure on something you do not care about until you master it. If you are restoring a tank, be sure to remove the petcock and rinse the tank out thuroughly with soapy water. Leave the cap and petcock of until you are done restoring.
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[@jerrycleveland2812]

Excellent advice for polypropylene (soft) dirt bike plastics. I've done scraping and sanding all the way to wet sanding with 2000 grit sandpaper and then heat-treating the plastic surface but the real key is the lambswool buffer shown in this video. I got a 7-inch buffing pad and a lambswool buffer at Harbor Freight for my angle grinder just to polish vintage motorcycle plastics. Phenomenal! Finished up with Meguiar's new Hybrid Ceramic Liquid Wax and my 36-year-old plastics are improved 1000%. Thanks!

[@TNTMOTO]

You are correct the lambswool buffing wheel is what makes it shine.

[@rubberneckrides5940]

That turned out amazing, I’ll definitely use this method. Thanks

[@donsass2443]

Excellent tutorial on your procedure for plastic resto. It definitely is a labor of love, when it comes to us vintage moto guys👍🏁

[@TNTMOTO]

Don Sass Thanks. Gives me a good feeling inside when I restore these old machines that made the sport what it is today.

[@len4709]

Nice video! I have a 88 Honda trax300. Replaced the rear fender because it was original and too damaged. But the front was replaced maybe 15 years ago but totally needs this. I'll be working on it! Thanks again for your very informative video!

[@cj64crosser]

Brilliant, I'm impressed 😃 I'll be having a go myself now! Thank's for the insight. Best regards Chris

[@robertwoods2505]

That final result is just incredible. Great job!

[@floridagliderpilot7525]

This is awesome... I'm restoring the 1980 KD80 I learned to ride on as a kid so I can give it to my daughter ... plastic is white and oxidized. This will work!

[@SVTsupercharged]

Use bleach or Ajax, it works really well on white plastics.

[@lukeinkson]

How did you go? I'm about to pull my own childhood KD80 out of the shed and do the same!

[@jamesb3092]

True artist you are! Thanks for sharing your technique!

[@nahvideos857]

Thank you so much for the great info and tutorial! I’m restoring a Honda ATC 350X and will do this procedure for sure! Doing it this way definitely takes time but I’m sure you have way more pride in the finished product.

[@TNTMOTO]

When new plastic is not available anymore, this is about the only way to do it. 350x is something i am going to look for in the future. be a great restoration project.

[@tyroneclarke1666]

Thank you for showing us how to repair soft plastic. Hard plastic buffs up easily but not the soft stuff. Regards🇦🇺

[@billschafer4147]

Great informative video. I have an '87 CR500 that's gonna need a lot of this. Definitely time intensive. But we gotta do what we gotta do. Thx

[@AdrenalineRushMX]

CR500 NICE

[@dearbooze]

Great how-to video. I'm restoring an 84 CR80R partly because of your videos.

[@TNTMOTO]

Thanks, thats great to hear. CR80 is a great little bike. They rip.

[@KevinPatz-pn2gs]

Great info! I usually start on the plastics first before the wife sees the latest POS I just snuck in the side yard!

[@irod2821]

Luv the heat gun trick. Great job, thank you for sharing👍👏👏

[@carterkunz5730]

Awesome man, great video! Very detailed and informative. Great song choice too

[@johncopetti1253]

Very informative and beautiful work. Thank you

[@maw2044]

Thank you, I asked about this process on a couple of moto sites and I got some good advice but not the details you gave. I cannot wait until I give it a try to see what my gas tank will look like on my Honda 87 CR500. Thanks...

[@davinlyda1461]

Sanding the plastics is the best way to restore them. I have done a few sets of plastics this way and they always turn out great. This process works great on newer plastics just so you know. Keep up the good work!

[@PerfectedToast]

Davin Lyda how should I go about it? Wet sanding with high grit?

[@davinlyda1461]

Yes high grit. I like to use soap water. As for the grit I start at 400 and work my way up to 1500. And then I polish it with car buffer

[@rageagainstthetoymachine2410]

did you just straight up sand them or did you start with a razor blade like the guy in this video? wanna do this but I'm a little nervous about the blade but I'm confident I could sand them/heat gun em no problems..

[@davinlyda1461]

It just depends on how bad they are and how much time you want to spend on it. I have done some where I don’t use a razor blade and some where I do. It just depends on how bad it is.

[@roadjokers6467]

Davin Lyda do you see a bunch of scuff makes when you sand it ?

[@jamessharp9790]

Wow man I’ve been humbled ! Fantastic work bro ! Respect!

[@depechdm]

Thank you for sharing all of that hard work do. The results were just amazing!

[@TNTMOTO]

Thank you very much for watching

[@nurseratchet8535]

Nice work. Thank you for making that instructional video

[@SoaringEagle1]

Awesome!.....My 1984 Honda XR 200R is gonna love this......(me too when done).....Thanks.

[@robertsothmann8110]

That fender looks beautiful!

[@TNTMOTO]

Yes the process works well. The more time you spend on it the better it looks

[@bradleypollock3732]

Awesome video you’ve inspired me to start restoring one of my own bikes. Keep up the good work 👍🏼

[@TNTMOTO]

Thank you. Good to hear.

[@patrick5407]

I don’t often comment on videos but I must say this was so helpful I’m going to use it

[@TNTMOTO]

Great to hear.

[@trevorjameson3213]

This is excellent information, thank you for making this video!

[@TNTMOTO]

Your welcome. Hope yours turns out great.

[@wl4901]

The quality of your vids have gone up since you started. Keep it up

[@delinquense]

Especially considering that you live at the end of a runway ...😆

[@MichaelWittner]

Pretty awesome. I'll make suggestion try using buffing compound I've used it and it works perfect. With the buffer much faster.

[@gibsonpaul1]

Great video, this method works great, thanks!

[@mattandkatchristie2552]

Man u made it brand new!!!! Wicked job bro!! My daughters 1990 rm 80 is in need haha i may try im pretty handy..thanks for vid!

[@TNTMOTO]

Biggest thing is take your time, dont rush it. you will be happy with the results.

[@guesswho2237]

People don’t realize how much time this takes. Great job and good video

[@TNTMOTO]

If you cant buy new plastic, it is the only option.

[@nathanadams6648]

Thanks, Have many vintage bikes and did not know this.

[@johnbruce7928]

WOW,awesome I gotta get busy,THANKS!

[@highlinebyjmac4733]

Really nice man cool video I’m gonna try it on my banshee I’m gonna start a 2000 grit then buff

[@TNTMOTO]

if you dont have any deep scratches or oxidisation 2000 and buffing will make it shine.

[@twoshortty]

Awesome video super informative🤟🏽

[@billsmith9610]

Cool. I used to do this 30 years ago. It was in magazines back then and i did a lot of bikes . Started to just buy new.

[@TNTMOTO]

Can't get same quality plastic for the early 80's bikes. Late 80 and on UFO makes the closest

[@MotoFamMayhem]

@@TNTMOTO I think Cyrca makes pretty good AM plastics also IMO

[@TNTMOTO]

@@MotoFamMayhem You cant get good quality and fit plastic for some years anymore

[@budandbean1]

Totally agree! I tried hard to get some replacement plastic even close to the same consistency and deep color as the originals to no avail. Have started using this process with several sets of plastics so far and getting ready to try it again... Right now I have a wonderfully intact, non scratched or gouged but horribly sun faded, set of plastics for a 1978 Yamaha YZ80 and I’ll be starting to work in them this weekend. I’ve been watching eBay now for close to ten years looking for a NOS set of plastic for this bike, particularly a rear fender to no avail... Thank you so much for a really exceptional video!

[@bjorker40]

Excellent work

[@savyourselffreedom2149]

Very good mate I learnt alot cheers

[@keithseeberan]

Quality finish man!

[@mapquestHs]

Thank you for this video!

[@BosephusBigelsworth]

Fantastic tutorial! Thanks for making and posting.

[@TNTMOTO]

BosephusBigelsworth your welcome. Hope yours turns out great. Take your time.

[@dillonbentley3832]

Thanks man. I’m gonna try this with my black plastics that have turned almost grey from the sun.

[@TNTMOTO]

Interested to here how it works out for you. I have not tried black yet but should work the same

[@wmlbiker1]

nice tricks and technique, thanks!

[@dennisnichols8771]

Good job on the CR500 plastic.

[@TNTMOTO]

Thanks. If you are following my CR500 restoration, i will have the frame back from the powder coater hopefully by next week.

[@justinritter7925]

Great job man! I cannot wait to try this on my '87 CR500 plastics!

[@odanne29]

Awesome video.

[@scottscott5301]

Super job thanks for sharing

[@jordoman100]

i find a block plane or a spokeshave on the most shallow setting works great. liked and subscribed. :)

[@TNTMOTO]

Thankyou, I will look into that.

[@snowman0129]

Best video of plastic fairings restoration! Best outcome too lol

[@TNTMOTO]

Thank you

[@snowman0129]

@@TNTMOTO you're very welcome sir. Here's to hoping I can recreate it !

[@thecumminsram]

Hey great tutorial I will use this way on the 1987 xr100 I just got

[@TNTMOTO]

Thank you. hope it works out well for you

[@TR-cs4tf]

Great vid. I have been similarly restoring plastics for a while but never used heat until the end. Also buffing with sheep's wool looks like a good way to bring out the shine. I will add both steps on my next resto. Thanks.

[@TNTMOTO]

Let me know how the process works out for you. Always interested to hear what it has done for other's plastic.

[@Drigo103]

Wow bro that was impressive.. I have 11 bikes to do ooooofff!!!!

[@TNTMOTO]

Be careful with the heat. Its not required but helps speed things up

[@nicolesnoeck1909]

Great video, thanks for that.

[@MTL_Rider]

Very time consuming for a $30 fender but I guess it would be a good project for those winter months. Good job on the restore!

[@TNTMOTO]

You cant buy these fenders anymore. the ones that are reproduced are no where near the same quality, plastic or fitment.

[@AnderssonChr]

Really nice video, thank you! I've seen the heating method used a lot, but some people say that the plastic might become brittle over time. Anything you've noticed with your restorations? I have some large ATV fenders in really bad and scratched condition. I just ordered sand paper ranging from 220 up to 3000 for my orbital sander and I have some rougher paper as well. I was thinking of removing the deep scratches with 120 or 240 and work my way up, maybe ending with some wet sanding around 1200-2000 grit is the finest I have. Heat it up once or twice as well as and use the wool pad. Have you used any protection when done? I have some left over Cerakote Plastic Trim Restorer which I used to restore some faded black plastics on my car. I was thinking I could try that to keep it looking good for longer.

[@TNTMOTO]

I have only ever had cracking with tanks that were stored with fuel in them

[@matthieu6645]

Nice job man! 😍😍😍

[@TNTMOTO]

Thanks

[@gtisid]

great technique although recently i have been using 0000 wire wool which gives the same finish as the 2000 grit. buffer clamped Ina vice and fender to buffer . never used a heat gun yet as i can’t afford to burn the thing

[@spjones00]

That was a great video, very helpful.

[@dixoncider7256]

nice work!

[@slagletoby]

It’s Dicken’s bro! Dicken’s Cider 🍺

[@sabiduria_ancestral7]

Great video man

[@TNTMOTO]

Thankyou

[@Micscience]

I learned my lesson. I won't waste time removing the paint it isn't necessary. Just sand the paint down smooth the full paint removal is just extra work.

[@carnivore10]

Good video....thank you!

[@scotthancock3405]

I bought an 83 CR 125 which is covered in spray paint. It even had red racing stripes like you did .

[@TNTMOTO]

Scott Hancock lol. Aircraft paint stripper works great. Only takes minutes

[@keithcarlson6038]

Good information. I hope most of this applies to a 2006 bike. As you said, the plastic formulations are probably different. I don't know how or how different though. My DR650 has some bad scratches in the back fender... I started sanding them out from 150 grit up to 2000 and it's still very faded looking. Apparently I'm missing the heat gun step. I'll have to try that.

[@TNTMOTO]

Will do a new video when it gets nicer out. I have moved to using a palm sander which speeds the process up. I have tried different compounds ds without heat and I was not happy with results. Heat seems to work well.

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

I’m going to attempt this on my quad.

[@TNTMOTO]

Just take your time. Don't rush it

[@richardtschida2321]

Not sure if the camera does it justice, but it sure looks great.

[@tiloalo]

Crazy work 👍

[@TNTMOTO]

Thankyou

[@rayv882]

I like how your heat gun electric cord is almost in your Blue bin of water👍

[@TNTMOTO]

Extension is plugged into a GFI Circuit Breaker like your Bathroom plugs.

[@scottchittock7898]

You put a lot of time into your work, and the bikes always look amazing at the end of it! I will probably have a crack at restoring the plastic on my XR250R when I get onto fixing that up, but too bad it will still have a couple of chunks missing out of the edges when I'm done, I don't know how to fix that without buying new plastics. Also, where do you buy your OEM graphics from? Especially the number plate backgrounds because I can't find them

[@TNTMOTO]

Thanks for the positive comments. Ebay is where i get my graphics

[@scottchittock7898]

I'll look a bit harder next time...

[@TNTMOTO]

if you cant find what you are looking for leave a message on my tnt moto facebook and i will see if i can find some for you

[@delinquense]

Wow. That's a lot of work for one piece. I think I'll just buy one....

[@TNTMOTO]

Some plastic is no longer available so you are left with no choice.

[@MotoFamMayhem]

Oh my goodness that was alot of work!!! It certainly may even look better than new, but it seems like the time invested could never return a profit. Rather you are creating museum quality artifacts from scrap plastic parts!!! I commend you sir!!!

[@terryrosenthal3692]

I'm watching your video in order to restore my plastic kayak. It looks very good. Did you add any polishing compound when you start buffing at the 13:00 minute mark, or is your pad dry? Thanks for you help.

[@TNTMOTO]

It was a dry pad but since this video i have been using a compound for last few polishings.

[@mrdurom1036]

Very nice audio quality...

[@TNTMOTO]

Sorry was using my gopro 5 without a external mic

[@andyp9131]

Did this around 6 years ago to my garden furniture it brings the oils to the top

[@tomnekuda3818]

Good job! Do you use any polishing compound during the buffing stage?

[@TNTMOTO]

No i do not, but others do and they have had success with it. I think i may consider it in the future to add a protective layer to the finish.

[@eschrader]

Any ideas if I should be afraid of light sanding on a yamaha WR 500 gas tank? They supposedly had a coat of lamination around them to hold the graphics on better.

[@TNTMOTO]

I don't have an answer for you. But that is a rare bike so don't take any chances.

[@stanley_013r]

Fantástico ✌️

[@TNTMOTO]

Thanks for watching.

[@larrydavis5246]

Awesome

[@matthewturowski8281]

Great video. My technique is very similar, minus the heat gun which I'll start using. One question-after doing the 400 grit sanding and heat gun, do you use the heat gun after every grit until you get to 2000 or do you only use the heat at 400 grit and 2000? Definitely requires a lot of elbow grease and time, but this is the only way you can get the plastics looking good.

[@TNTMOTO]

Matthew Turowski I only use the heat gun after 400 and between every 2000 sand.

[@kingcrumpet]

@@TNTMOTO So at the end you would go 2000 grit sand, heat, buff and repeat or no heat at the buffing stage? Would heat help after the final buff or not?

[@TNTMOTO]

kingcrumpet yes i did go 2000 heat then buff. If the appearance was not quite as glossy as i wanted then i would repeat the process. Its a good idea to quick heat causing a very light film after every final sand to just seal those fine 2000 scratches. in the new year i am going to experiment with a compound on the buffing pad rather than dry to see if it offers any advantage.

[@kingcrumpet]

@@TNTMOTO Ok, thanks a lot. Love your work.

[@TNTMOTO]

kingcrumpet thanks and hope yours turns out great.

[@Ridevenice]

Great video. Do you go directly from 400 to 2000 grit? or do you use different grits in-between? Thanks!

[@TNTMOTO]

400/600/800/1000/2000

[@kgkip1532]

i like your dirt bike idol

[@alainnadeau3421]

Very informative thx. Tackling my yt 60 plastics this weekend. Did you have to put heat to the underside? Thx

[@TNTMOTO]

I don't bother trying to get the underside to have that glossy look. It wears to fast with all the dirt,dust and mud.

[@alainnadeau3421]

@@TNTMOTO I will send pics, thx. Happy holidays

[@alainnadeau3421]

I couldn't add my finished pc. Turned out well

[@MathieuTechMoto]

Very good informative video with impressive results ! you could upgrade your mic setup because it sounds very muffled, Thank you for the video

[@TNTMOTO]

Yes sorry about that. it was on my new gopro 5 and there mic is terrible. I will be making a new video in the future with a better setup.

[@Topnikko]

Beautiful work. Do you offer this as a service? I'm considering buying an IT 465 that needs restoration and would love to send the plastic to you.

[@TNTMOTO]

Sorry no

[@silverstone9122]

Wow tremendo 😱 thanks

[@burstcasino]

Do you use the heat gun on each level of sanding or just at the end with 2000? I have a good start on my 86 RM250 but still have a lot of restoration to do. Thanks

[@TNTMOTO]

After 1000

[@StanleyKubick1]

very cool, thanks for sharing! will results be similar on white plastics?

[@TNTMOTO]

Yes unless they are stained. But you could try dying them white again.

[@muhdindraaris2534]

always looking forward to your videos. a fan from singapore.

[@TNTMOTO]

Thanks. Always appreciate a fan and positive comments. new videos soon.

[@dgmenace73]

Question: will this process work on mid 80's (mine is 86 Suzuki DR200) that the plastic has bad oxidation. Very rough feeling damage to the plastic. It kind of feels like rough fiberglass but if it is, it very flexible fiberglass. Just curious if you have ran into plastic like I am describing and if this will work? I am assuming if I can sand enough of it off, I should be able to get to some better plastic?

[@TNTMOTO]

Yes it will work

[@dgmenace73]

@@TNTMOTO thank you!!!

[@free-birdrocker8809]

Is there a difference between Ufo replacement plastics...example the front Cr fender, and the stock one, or are they both the same..

[@TNTMOTO]

UfO makes good plastic but its not oem

[@jack-oo4sd]

thank you jls

[@brettmccullough1054]

will this technique work on crazing that appears due to age? i have what looks like scratches in a wave pattern across the fenders. they feel slightly rough but are incredibly difficult to sand out. i get the impression that they're quite deep but they don't look it. have you seen this before and will the knife and 400 get them out?

[@TNTMOTO]

are you on facebook? send me photos. either through my emai or facebook tntmoto

[@brettmccullough1054]

@@TNTMOTO sent you some pics on FB Messenger.

[@TNTMOTO]

Replied on Facebook

[@jeremycolston8383]

Would this work with a metallic flake? Have a battery side cover that is scratched bad from the keychain.

[@TNTMOTO]

Are you talking about a street bike cover that is painted?

[@larrysupersport]

TNT, Great work on the plastic, can you do a video on restoring an old 2stroke tank. How do you get the brown out?

[@TNTMOTO]

If the tank is stained from the fuel from the inside out, you cant get that out. But if its stained from the outside in you may be able to sand the brown off being carefully not to remove to much plastic.

[@joee8795]

I’m looking to do something similar, I have an 09 RMZ450 that I want to instal a graphics kit onto but I fear that the current condition of the plastics isn’t smooth enough to let the graphics Kit stick properly....and if I don’t have to fork out more $ just for new plastics that would be great! LOL For my situation it seems like the Fork Guards and side Number Plates are in the worst condition (scratched etc..). I feel like maybe 1k - 2k grit and some heat might do the trick for the majority of the plastics, but with those items listed above I might need to start at the razor and 400 grit 🤔 The plastics don’t need to “look mint”, they just need to have a surface suitable enough for laying graphics properly! Great video!

[@TNTMOTO]

Yes i would start with 400 if you are trying to remove deep scratches up to 1000. After that its just about getting it shiny so if you are just covering completely with graphics, stop at 1000. probably do not even need to heat or buff. Heating brings the color back and buffing is just to bring the glossy appearance..

[@joee8795]

TNT MOTO I appreciate the reply sir, thank you! I only thought maybe heat the plastic just to “seal” it, I thought that maybe un-heated plastic after sanding might be too porous for the decals to stick properly.....? I know that 1k grit is super super fine and the porous level is probably damn near microscopic after sanding but I dunno, maybe I’m just overthinking LOL Thank you again though, this has been very helpful, stay safe and cheers from 🇨🇦

[@Staffy78]

Do you use buffing compound on the lambs wool buff when you buff the plastic?

[@TNTMOTO]

This was a dry buff but i have used compound and i have not seen a difference in how long the shine lasts after use.

[@Staffy78]

TNT MOTO cheers for the response mate! Guard looks brilliant and I will be using this technique on my early 90’s Kx guards!

[@truthseeker8073]

That’s impressive man. I just got a 96 xr100 that’s pretty beat. I wanna restore the plastic. It’s white though, will it be harder to die this with white?

[@TNTMOTO]

Skip the heat gun with white. The white should not have faded color

[@TaekwondoDragonClub]

I followed your process however i cannot get rid from the sand paper stretches from the 400 grit. Didn't go through the polishing process yet.

[@dprojecto1839]

Useful video! Do you know how to restore a white XR600 fuel tank? Is it possible to restore the whitness? Best regards from Azores, Portugal

[@TNTMOTO]

same procedure but if your tank is really yellowed it probably will not work because the fuel has stained the tank from the inside out. best bet is to tidy it up and apply stickers to it or save up the money and get a new Clark tank.

[@dprojecto1839]

@@TNTMOTO Thanks for the advice! Subscribed

[@rbmistouri]

Hello sir. Thank you for your valuable information / quality videos. Can you tell me the name / manufacturer of the polishing wheel you use to finish your plastics after the heat gun stage? Again thank you and greetings from the south of France.

[@TNTMOTO]

Look this up on ebay "CAR POLISHING BUFF BUFFING BUFFER POLISH WHEEL KIT FOR ELECTRIC DRILL 1/4" SHANK "

[@rbmistouri]

TNT MOTO Thank you so much. It's sheep wool that you use and I'm looking for too. Good success in your future projects.

[@4637bigred]

Fantastic work. Have you found anything that protects it once you restore it ?

[@TNTMOTO]

As far a putting a coating of some sort on it i would just buff a good polish on it like Mequiars