Sun Damage & rust

[rick71]

MY Red X500 has to live outside, and I am very lax about putting the cover on (and the fact that moisture gets underneath and makes the scoot almost as wet as if the cover wasn't there).

Anyway... the black plastic is already fading somewhat. Does anyone have any suggestions for maintaining the plastic, and possibly restoring the deep black color? Armor All? Something else?

Also, the stock right hand brake lever tension control (the little circular piece with the numbers) is rusting, well, the numbers are. The left one, which was replaced after I dropped the scoot, isn't. Anyone have any suggestions on how to clean the rust and stop it from re-occurring?

Any and all help appreciated.

[art]

Hey Rick I'm not a big fan of armor all (It will make it look good for awhile then seems to break the plastic down over time)My experience with there early products,but have had some good luck with (Mothers back to black) and(renew tire and trim shine) Not sure on the rust,something went wrong at the plant so outer protection is failing prematurely,maybe a good cleaning and a rust inhibiter. 

[rick71]

Thanks for the suggestion.

I think the stock handle may no be quite as high a quality as the replacement. And... I live about 3 minutes from the beach by car. There are times when you can see the salt build up on glass.

[art]

   That will do it, Salt will eat this metal up quick if unprotected. 

[sidthesloth]

For the metal parts autosol metal polish is good and protects the metal as well.

[Alex]

my brake lever dial thingy started to rust, and some of the nuts I took them off cleaned them and sprayed clear paint on them. Be interested in the black plastic re blackener. mine is getting affected by petrol spill. yes I know its my own fault

[wordslinger]

..that Mothers product has been mentioned with rave reviews...

..restores the lustre to even older model black plastic bumper covers on cars...

..i've yet to try it, but my a50 is starting to fade a bit...

..might check it out myself...

[winginman]

Turtle wax chrome polish will get rid of the tramp rust and put a protective coating on it.  However; if the chrome is actually eaten away there isn't anything that will put it back other than replacing it or having it re-chromed.

Turtle wax "Black Chrome" is a good product I have used for years for the black trim.  It is getting hard to find and I am about to finish off my last bottle.  Did some research and here is a link with similar products that may help.
http://www.ehow.com/list_6301267_products-turtle-wax-black-chrome.html

[Hoolander2]

The best thing you can do, living near the salt spray is to wash your scooter frequently!  I used to live near the beach and have seen how it ruins everything metal -- cars, bikes, just everything. 

How about getting one of those wash products that you hook to your hose that leaves a protective coating.  ie: those that say they leave no spots or something to that effect.  No need to use very high pressure, just a gentle hose down but do direct the spray upwards into areas that are hard to get at because the salt air/spray gets in everywhere.

Even plain water is better than nothing.  You know when the wind has been from the direction of the ocean for a while -- best to wash right away then. 

Probably not telling you anything new here. 

[winginman]

Hoolander2 is onto something there.  I use the Mr Clean product, got it at Walmart.  Put soap in it, spray down, filtered rinse then a final filtered ionized rinse that sheets and dries without spots.  Works well and takes little effort. 

[wordslinger]

Works well and takes little effort.  

..i need some of that in my life...

..imma give it a try...


.. ..

[TechGuy]

Many people with chrome near the beach swear but Vaseline on the chrome to keep a layer of protection to prevent rust.

303 is a better spray than ArmorAll. I have seen it for sale at various places... pools supply store, plastic stores, good auto supply stores...



I used Forever Black and the plastics stayed black for over a year:

[wordslinger]

303 is a better spray than ArmorAll

..looks like it is!!!

..how long does the application last??