How to: Resotre Oxidized Exterior Plastics

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SwampHound

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How to: Restore Oxidized Exterior Plastics

Hey guys, been a while since I posted on the forums. Last time I asked you guys for some help when looking to buy one of these trucks. Ended up picking up an OBS Yukon, and have been doing work on it ever since. I thought I might try to return the favor and help you guys out and post some of the things I've done to get it all cleaned up.

Over the years, the plastics on the outside of our trucks are going to fade and oxidize due to prolonged exposure to the sun. There are a lot of products that can restore the luster to plastics, but they don't last very long and mostly only affect the surface of the plastic.
Another method I've seen to restore plastics is to sand down through the oxidized plastic and then proceed to go with the above method.

I've had the best results using a 60/40 mix of Paint Thinner to BOILED Linseed oil.
It's a simple process that isn't very time consuming to execute.
All you need is:

1 Pint Boiled Linseed oil (Has to be boiled, or you will end up with a super gooey mess)
1 Pint Paint Thinner
2 Rags

Mix up your paint thinner/oil combo, then grab a rag and lightly dip it in the mixture; you don't need much.
Rub it into the oxidized plastics, and if there is any left over, take your second rag and wipe away the excess.

It it will take several coats to take off all the oxidation, unless you, say, get your rag sopping wet and lather it on with some serious elbow grease. In which case your going to have to wait several (4-6 minimum) hours for it to soak in good.

Here is a comparison of the plastics on my rear bumper.
Untouched:

http://i.imgur.com/11cOOM9.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/OAsPjlO.jpg?1
After:

http://i.imgur.com/OR3Cd2Q.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/Oj08OnG.jpg?1

Make sure your plastics are good and clean before you start, and make sure your in a well ventilated area as well, as this mixture gives off some fumes and is easily flammable.

And that's about it. I've used this stuff before on different plastics and it lasts a long time.

Luke
 
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redemn93

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make sure to check in after some time to see how long it lasts. turned out great though.
 

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