Plastic / Paint Question

[treyflee]

I'm looking at getting an extra set of plastics for my bike. Kinda want to get a custom paint thing done, but don't want to use my originals.

Has anyone tried to fix/sand plastics that have been scraped/scratched? I mean between Ebay and Buellster, looks like I could get all the pieces relatively cheap, but some would probably have scraps etc. that need to be addressed before painting.

Also, if I'm going to paint them, I don't see why all the extra pieces would need to be the same color to start, but if someone has any thought son that, I'd appreciate it.

 

[flaya564]

I believe i used jb weld in the deep gouges and sanded down to a fairly even finish.

 

[ramjr55]

I tried the WD 40 and sand paper thing it took the sractches out but cloud the plastic. I tried buffing but it never got back to original form. I'm looking for a plastic molding company in MD now.

 

[dave_xb12r]

It is possible to buff it to the original shine, but it just takes forever. I recommend the novus system. If you can't get scratches out, you can always prime it, then use bondo. I've seen some solid color paint jobs that looked way better than factory plastic finish.

 

[lleubbx]

Kinda want to get a custom paint thing done

is not after the original shine, just want a paint job

but some would probably have scraps etc. that need to be addressed before painting

like flaya said:

jb weld in the deep gouges and sanded down to a fairly even finish

and paint it

 

[ramjr55]

What about translucent though that's what I'm working with.

 

[dave_xb12r]

I've never done it, but I would assume it would work

 

[Stevenc150]

What about translucent though that's what I'm working with.

I've got transluscent too - Novus starting with the coarse and working your way down to fine. Don't know how bad yours are, but works awesome on shallow scratches.

 

[Buellysses]

Are you planning on painting the whole thing? Or leaving some of the transparency?

If you are painting the whole thing then just use fiberglass bondo and finishing glaze.

 

[treyflee]

Mine will be all painted, no translucent stuff. Thanks for the help.

Basically I can use fiberglass, bondo, etc. to fix any scratches and then get it painted. I just don't know how it would turn out on the plastic pieces, but sounds like it should work.

 

[Buellysses]

I've suggested it before, but I wouldn't use anything more aggressive then a 120 grit sandpaper. I used an 80 grit for rough-up before I painted. It took FOREVER with bondo and glaze to get the scratches out of it, that's after I managed to get all the little "hairs" off that the sandpaper created.

 

[BadS1]

Body filler will work fine. I just helped on this project and it hold fine. Quite a bit had to be used to do all the 3d work in this SV1000. It will hold fine. The XB stuff really doesn't flex or vibrate bad enough to have issues.

 

[Bolt]

Very nice work! How long did that take?

 

[BadS1]

Everything is hand carved. To be honest I'm not really sure how long but I can take a guess. I'd say theres over 1000 hours in it. The bike was actually going to be for a girl. Lots of money spent in paint.

 

[Bolt]

Amazing-I've been wanting to customize the front end of my scg-I'm inspired! That's carved bondo? My ideas are more personal but info on your technique would help-

 

[BadS1]

Its all different sign building material. Those are acatually the turn signals at the the ends. The fly screen is 100% carved. The frame has carving,tail piece, and tank. Its one of a kind for sure.

 

[Bolt]

more pics?

 

[BadS1]

Heres all I can show for now. The bike is suppose to be in either Super Streetbike or Two Wheel Tuner this next issue.

 

[Bolt]

Thanks ,that's an impressive job,ill be looking for the article or review in those titles you listed-
A little(or alot!) of imagination can go a looong way-