Black plastic on back side of faring? Turned into minor restoration

[Kansas kymco]

I have a older GV that has spent it life outside in the sun. As a result the black plastic is grey. Was thinking about taking it off and spraying it with paint for plastic. Have any of you dine this and how did it hold up?

[CROSSBOLT]

I got some vinyl renewer from auto parts that made my Yager like new.

[Kansas kymco]

I got some vinyl renewer from auto parts that made my Yager like new.

I have used it on a couple of scooters and it does work great but this plastic is to far gone. I tried it but still extreme discoloration so I figured I would paint it with a  plastic paint.  I figured I could take my D/A sander with 400 grit for a clean surface.  Just curious if anyone has done this. Another idea is to sand the plastic and use a clear coat if I can get down to black plastic.

Unlike the rest of my collection this scooter has never seen a garage. 

[Iahawk]

as a 'detail' guy, nothing more disappointing than black trim faded to light gray...

I recall reading about someone using Vaseline petroleum jelly on old, faded motorcycle switch housings. Slather it on and let it sit for a day or 2 before removing...some swear by using a heat gun, but many say that is only temporary.

Lots of expensive liquid and gel trim restorers on the market..you hear mixed results. One thing that is supposed to work well is ceramic coating. Griot's Garage and others sell ceramic trim restorer wipes.supposed to work very well.

Ultimately your paint idea may be the best. Using a plastic specific spray paint could be a great, inexpensive, long lasting alternative. With the light usage your scoot will get it may last forever!

[Kansas kymco]

as a 'detail' guy, nothing more disappointing than black trim faded to light gray...

I recall reading about someone using Vaseline petroleum jelly on old, faded motorcycle switch housings. Slather it on and let it sit for a day or 2 before removing...some swear by using a heat gun, but many say that is only temporary.

Lots of expensive liquid and gel trim restorers on the market..you hear mixed results. One thing that is supposed to work well is ceramic coating. Griot's Garage and others sell ceramic trim restorer wipes.supposed to work very well.

Ultimately your paint idea may be the best. Using a plastic specific spray paint could be a great, inexpensive, long lasting alternative. With the light usage your scoot will get it may last forever!

Iahawk the Rust-Oleum product Wipe New is a miracle worker for faded plastic and have used it on many of scooters bringing the plastic back to looking like new.  This scooter however is beyond the capabilities of that product.  I think painting is my only alternative.

[Iahawk]

here are some pics from Kansas Kymco of the Grand Vista with the faded plastics..

[Iahawk]

yep, that plastic has seen its share of sunshine. I notice that on a lot of the 50cc Chinese scoots the college students ride here in Iowa City...the ones that sit outside all year long.

Bet it will look like new with a fresh plastic paint job!

[Kansas kymco]

The cheap Chinese scooters look worse in 4 years then this in 14 years . I will send Iahawk pictures as the restoration continues.  Everything painted will be repainted. Will upgrade the lighting to led's and install a air horn as well. 

[CROSSBOLT]

Oh, yeah, that's bad! You gotta fix that!

[Kansas kymco]

This scooter was purchased as a parts scooter. I want to see if I can restore it and if not I don't have much invested. The alternative in this cold weather is to sit in front of the television and over eat. 

I know it will seem odd to some to tackle such a project when I already have nice scooters. Does it make economic sense to do so, not really since you can purchase clean low mileage scooters for bargin prices. I already have the GV so decided to utilize it.

[Iahawk]

more pictures of the Grand Vista 250 from Kansas Kymco! I think it looks like nice scoot just in need of a little polishing up.

[JJJoseph]

I've used Black Epoxy Appliance spray (durable but only available in black, white & silver), and I've also used dark grey Plastic Bumper spray (flexible and durable).  Both with good results.

[Kansas kymco]

I've used Black Epoxy Appliance spray (durable but only available in black, white & silver), and I've also used dark grey Plastic Bumper spray (flexible and durable).  Both with good results.

I purchased Fusion plastic paint in a matte finish. I didn't want gloss. Plastic bumper spray would have worked good as well.