Restoring Plastic

[mylesw]

Hello

Quite a few of the plastic components (regulator, fuse box, fresh-air vent pipes etc) have overspray on them following a respray by the previous owner of my TR4. Does anyone know what the best way is to clean these items?

Thanks

Myles

 

[Tinster]

Myles,

A light touch with a single edge razor blade
and a tube of polycarbonate plastic, creme polish.

The poly creme is so gentle you can use it on prescription
eyewear. About $5.00 a tube.

d

 

[trrdster2000]

Hi Myles,
Rubbing compound works on lightly oversprayed bits and lacquer thinner works for heavy stuff, but you must be careful and not get it too wet, just get a rag damp, when you get finished cleaning use the compound to shine it up. Don't use a real heavy compound. If you are real good with a buff wheel and liquid car wax that also works great, but be sure and try it on junk first as it requires a slight touch not to melt the piece.

Wayne

 

[Geo Hahn]

You may even find something under the kitchen sink that will work and is pretty gentle... Soft Scrub, Bon Ami and Comet come to mind.

As suggested, test first on a hidden spot to see what results you get.

 

[kodanja]

Denatured alcohol works well without any damage to the plastic

 

[angelfj1]

be careful. some components are actually bakelite which is a linen based compound impregnated with phenol formaldehyde resin. it is organic and can be damaged by certain solvents. I have had good luck with WD40, very mild scotchbrite pads and elbow grease. dont use anything with an aggresive abrasive.

 

[Brosky]

You guys need to return to the bathroom. Crest toothpaste will do nicely and you don't have to be too aggressive.

And your parts will smell fresh and clean too!!!

 

[Tinster]

Crest toothpaste will do nicely and you don't have to be too aggressive.

And your parts will smell fresh and clean too!!!

A little known fact:

The grit in many toothpastes and raw product for many 'scope lenses,
is finely ground, pure SiO2 quartzite from Huntingdon, PA quarries.

That's near Raystown dam, Paul!!

d

 

[Brosky]

Another little known fact, exposed here on the BCF....

What a country, ladies and gentlemen!!!

 

[mrv8q]

Crest toothpaste will do nicely and you don't have to be too aggressive. And your parts will smell fresh and clean too!!!

I always save old toothbrushes, and use them in the garage to help clean parts, etc. I especially like the battery powered ones....

 

[CinneaghTR]

Bakelite collectors use Scrubbing Bubbles for their stuff.

Also, just to add to everyone's knowledge base, Westinghouse introduced bakelite-impregnated linen electrical insulation under the brand name Micarta.

 

[mylesw]

Thanks for your suggestions. When does buy "polycarbonate plastic, creme polish" from? I was in my local hardware store the other day and all I could find was plexiglass cleaner.

Thanks

Myles