Great video Mike really unfortunate that the plastics where dull and hopefully it doesn't effect the final product of the build too much other than that's it looks amazing
A heat gun will bring out the shine. I've even used a propane torch. You have to be careful, of course. Just sweep it like a spray can and keep the flame a few inches away from the plastic.
Ive polished/restored Boeing aircraft cockpit window panels and worked at a bodyshop restoring paint for jobs way back in the day... but everytime I polish plastic I want to bang my head against the wall. Its a different beast. A graphics kit and stickers always turn out to be your best friend hiding the imperfections that haunt the OCD lol
Rotten luck mike im shocked how they came from factory as well. With your channel being as popular as it is and validated as it is I wonder if you could try contacting suzuki and maybe see if there is a solution or support from them on this issue maybe some freebies idk man just a thought
MUST READ !!!!!! best stuff for what you're trying get for that shine is (Krylon K01305 Gallery Series) it is a clear coat blender for plastic ... trust me this stuff is amazing !!
I bought the Z400 plastics from Powersports Nation. Our quads are connected, looking for a decent price on plastics for a year, your video led me to that purchase. Love the builds, good work.
FYI, I watched a video on plastic models as I build sometimes. Some people use furniture polish to make models shine. A thought for the z400 plastic your having trouble with. Love the channel. Going to badlands, Atica,In in June for Badlands bash, if ya go maybe I'll see ya there. Laterz...
I have used boiled linseen oil and paint thinner mixed to refinish plastics, also pcr plastic renu off amazon. This involves sanding. But the SC1 spray- new bike in a can is my go to
A product that i’ve used on scratched plastics that really brought out a ton of gloss was the Cerakote ceramic trim coat wipes. They sell them at walmart and I used it on my raptor 660 that was in a barn for over 15 years and it went from faded plastics to looking brand new. It was so glossy I could see my reflection clearly and everything. Hope this helps!
I would try to put some high gloss clear paint protection film on an area to test how it looks. It will be more durable and won't scratch up like paint. You can always remove it and reapply if you need in the future.
Every time I've polished plastic I found the colder I can get the material that I'm trying to polish the better it polishes the warmer the plastic is the harder it is to polish but it also depends on the type of plastic
Hey Mike try a heat gun to the plastic, The star buffing wheel heats up the plastic and thats how you get the shine so it might be worth a shot, you still have your failsafe if it dosent work. Just a thought.
Would taking a torch or heat gun work? And I mean just lightly hitting the surface enough to melt the scratches without warping the plastics? Not sure if it'll work good but just a possible idea.
My initial thought is I bet they come from the factory that way because the stock graphics are placed directly over the area that is dull. Which in theory, if the plastic is a little dull/rougher the graphics might adhere better?
Haha hey Michael when you first put out your headlight video I tried to restore all my plastic and I’m still in the process and I can’t figure out how to get mine to shine up either so ig were in this together if you figured something out I would love to know what you did
I have tried this exact same methods on my Suzuki ltr 450 plastics in white plastics with the same outcome. I think suzuki plastics in particular just dont respond well to polishing never had the problem on other atvs. I believe the best results i got were a wool pad with a rotary polisher on higher speed and only using water the heat of the wool pad and friction alone was able to get the most shine back. It just seemed anytime I put a compound on it would take the shine right away so just try a wool pad and spray bottle of water. Hopefully that works did for me
For paint correction I have always used the 3M system, always had amazing results with it including on plastics. It’s expensive but I’ve used a lot of others and never had as good of results as I have with 3M products , but like I said it’s expensive. One bottle is like 90 bucks
In my personal experience with atv plastics on my own kfx 400 I use a rotary buffer with a wool pad and mothers “mag+aluminum polish” I know wheel polish is crazy but it works I do 2k rpm very light pressure and it brings up super glossy
dude i love that blue it really pops . that blue with billet and chrome all OVER 🤤🤤. too much thought about the plastics . they will be scratched to shit in 2 laps of me on it anyways 🤣🤣. maybe just a sweet looking full coverage graphics kit on those side panels that looks something like a special edition factory show bike would have . similar to the side graphics for a 250r if you can picture what im picturing .
Maybe like a wipe on ceramic would give you a hard layer to build up polish on. I would put the graphics on and just try wipe on products. I’ve done that on sport bikes and it looks good and hold up okay. Meguires makes like a ceramic kit. A pre ceramic, the actual coating, and then I use their “sickening compound” and it works really well to just protect from scratches.
After decals are on, Try buffing some turtle wax or whatever kind of wax into it. 🤷♂️ or maybe automotive ceramic sealer. It could be that this plastic is porous for whatever reason and the porosity needs to be filled in to get a good shine.
MIKE READ THIS!!! If you haven't tried it already, use a wool pad with NO COMPOUND OR POLISH AT ALL! I've had great results using absolutely NO PRODUCTS. But if the plastic is somehow flawed from the factory then slap those custom graphics on them and move on. But I feel your pain.
I love your channel, I love the way you talk and show stuff, I learn a lot from your videos man, thanks. I don't own a quad, but I would like to have one, some day. Keep up the good work:)
I use 60% paint thinner and 40% boiled Linseed oil to restore all my plastics! I just did my 1990 Yamaha Phazer II snowmobile and it looks show room brand new. The harder places to restore I use a buffing wheel. Love Partzilla for OEM parts, except for the wait time on some parts! BulTaco !
@@Berm_Blaster By mixing the thinner and the boiled Linseed oil together in one container. I use a spray bottle then wipe with a clean towel, or you can just use a towel and the mixture. The harder spots I do like a pre-soak if you will and a wheel!
@@thebigmando I haven't run into that problem. It may be something that is being done wrong in the mixture. No issues here yet and I've been doing it for years.
I been restoring the frame on my Z, I could really use those manufacturer and specs sticker! I’ve been seeing a lot of plastic restore videos and thought about restoring the Full Bore plastics on mine from years of riding but idk I’m second guessing doing that now lol
I would just try a heat gun on the one piece. The factory shine is from the heat from the injection molding. Probably the only way to get it back is heat.
I haven't made it far into the video yet so you may try this on here but I had good luck on my Yamaha with a heat gun, carefully wave it over the spot and it brings the shine back.
Hit up D & A restorations on UA-cam for advice. U may have to wet sand to 2k grit then buff. Ur adding scratches when buffing. I heard of a trick is a dry wool wheel on a hand buffer, light pressure high speed on rpm, and prob slow movement on how much ground u cover. Don't just make quick passes.
Hey Sabo, what’s the chances you make a video for people who are looking to buy a used ATV? Would love to hear the insight of all the old sport bikes quirks, downsides, upsides, your recommendations in a single video! Thanks
I feel like the haziness is a manufacturing defect somehwere within the plastic material itself. Hazing and dullness is the outer layer of plastic. Since you've already removed that outer layer with no luck then i would guess theres a defect in the plastic material.
Is there a way to harden the plastic? Like putting it in the oven for a bit and then quenching them or something? Lol idk because it seems that you just need to make the plastic harder somehow then it will accept a polish
I’d say it’s just the imperfections in the process of making the plastics. Maybe just some glossy “clear bra” type overlay to protect it and give it the gloss finish Also have to say seeing the kfx450 next to a new kx250 is awesome
All the suggestions in the comments are great however those all work for the outer layer of plastic is hazed and oxidized. Clearly the issue is within the plastic since he has removed the outer layer already with no luck. Just going to hae to take it as it is, a manufacturer defect. Youd have better luck getting lightly used ones and restoring them to new.
I know I tried heat on old plastics I wonder if heat will work on new plastics,also I wonder if it’s not as smooth from factory for graphics to stick? Maybe ull read my comment
Id stop into a proper auto body supply store with the piece and ask them. If they are as knowledgeable as what we have here theyll give you some advice for the best shot.
Paint on plastic is a temporary fix. Then it will start chiping, flaking, spider wed look. Never lasts, then looks worse, then if you just rolled with the dull finish...
Man, these things kicked my ass!! What's your take? Do you think they're faulty?
Great video Mike really unfortunate that the plastics where dull and hopefully it doesn't effect the final product of the build too much other than that's it looks amazing
Lemon pledge works wonders on plastics
Mike I had the same thing happen to me to yellow 2003 Yamaha banshee plastics. The plastic is definitely faulty.
only other method you can try is propane torch but you gotta be very careful with that
@@iamfredibles he already tried that
A heat gun will bring out the shine. I've even used a propane torch. You have to be careful, of course. Just sweep it like a spray can and keep the flame a few inches away from the plastic.
Ive polished/restored Boeing aircraft cockpit window panels and worked at a bodyshop restoring paint for jobs way back in the day... but everytime I polish plastic I want to bang my head against the wall. Its a different beast. A graphics kit and stickers always turn out to be your best friend hiding the imperfections that haunt the OCD lol
Maybe after the stickers are applied you apply a clear gloss wrap on both plastics (left and right) to protect and gloss it up
Rotten luck mike im shocked how they came from factory as well. With your channel being as popular as it is and validated as it is I wonder if you could try contacting suzuki and maybe see if there is a solution or support from them on this issue maybe some freebies idk man just a thought
Maybe try a heat gun? I’ve seen a blow torch bring back sun faded plastic lawn furniture to a nice shine
I’ve seen that too
Worst case scenario, every experiment try on a small surface area in an inconspicuous area
MUST READ !!!!!! best stuff for what you're trying get for that shine is (Krylon K01305 Gallery Series) it is a clear coat blender for plastic ... trust me this stuff is amazing !!
gotta try that
I bought the Z400 plastics from Powersports Nation. Our quads are connected, looking for a decent price on plastics for a year, your video led me to that purchase. Love the builds, good work.
FYI, I watched a video on plastic models as I build sometimes. Some people use furniture polish to make models shine. A thought for the z400 plastic your having trouble with. Love the channel. Going to badlands, Atica,In in June for Badlands bash, if ya go maybe I'll see ya there. Laterz...
I have used boiled linseen oil and paint thinner mixed to refinish plastics, also pcr plastic renu off amazon. This involves sanding. But the SC1 spray- new bike in a can is my go to
The SC1 is great for temporary detailing
A product that i’ve used on scratched plastics that really brought out a ton of gloss was the Cerakote ceramic trim coat wipes. They sell them at walmart and I used it on my raptor 660 that was in a barn for over 15 years and it went from faded plastics to looking brand new. It was so glossy I could see my reflection clearly and everything. Hope this helps!
I would try to put some high gloss clear paint protection film on an area to test how it looks. It will be more durable and won't scratch up like paint. You can always remove it and reapply if you need in the future.
Every time I've polished plastic I found the colder I can get the material that I'm trying to polish the better it polishes the warmer the plastic is the harder it is to polish but it also depends on the type of plastic
Hey Mike try a heat gun to the plastic, The star buffing wheel heats up the plastic and thats how you get the shine so it might be worth a shot, you still have your failsafe if it dosent work. Just a thought.
Novus Plastic Polish! Can be found on Amazon. Best stuff Ive ever used. I restored a destroyed KX500 gas tank with it. Awesome stuff!!
Finally. I was looking for this comment before adding it myself
It may be like that for sticker bite! Ide say the side of the tank would be where they would try to keep from peeling
I've dealt with this with an 04 ltz400, same exact piece, the only way I found to fix the haze was to spray gloss clear coat on it
28:00 I knew that as soon as you showed it. I would keep sending them back
I’ve always had good luck with a torch or heat gun bringing old plastics back to life. It lightly melts the surface and restores the shine.
Would taking a torch or heat gun work? And I mean just lightly hitting the surface enough to melt the scratches without warping the plastics? Not sure if it'll work good but just a possible idea.
My initial thought is I bet they come from the factory that way because the stock graphics are placed directly over the area that is dull. Which in theory, if the plastic is a little dull/rougher the graphics might adhere better?
Haha hey Michael when you first put out your headlight video I tried to restore all my plastic and I’m still in the process and I can’t figure out how to get mine to shine up either so ig were in this together if you figured something out I would love to know what you did
Use Wurth's metal polisher to generally bring shine to some plastics.
Wonder if diamond powder would work 🤔
I have tried this exact same methods on my Suzuki ltr 450 plastics in white plastics with the same outcome. I think suzuki plastics in particular just dont respond well to polishing never had the problem on other atvs. I believe the best results i got were a wool pad with a rotary polisher on higher speed and only using water the heat of the wool pad and friction alone was able to get the most shine back. It just seemed anytime I put a compound on it would take the shine right away so just try a wool pad and spray bottle of water. Hopefully that works did for me
I love this restored oem z400 build
For paint correction I have always used the 3M system, always had amazing results with it including on plastics. It’s expensive but I’ve used a lot of others and never had as good of results as I have with 3M products , but like I said it’s expensive. One bottle is like 90 bucks
You need to get the less agressive compound to follow up after that
Excited to see the final outcome of the Z400! Great videos man.
In my personal experience with atv plastics on my own kfx 400 I use a rotary buffer with a wool pad and mothers “mag+aluminum polish” I know wheel polish is crazy but it works
I do 2k rpm very light pressure and it brings up super glossy
dude i love that blue it really pops . that blue with billet and chrome all OVER 🤤🤤. too much thought about the plastics . they will be scratched to shit in 2 laps of me on it anyways 🤣🤣. maybe just a sweet looking full coverage graphics kit on those side panels that looks something like a special edition factory show bike would have . similar to the side graphics for a 250r if you can picture what im picturing .
Maybe like a wipe on ceramic would give you a hard layer to build up polish on. I would put the graphics on and just try wipe on products. I’ve done that on sport bikes and it looks good and hold up okay. Meguires makes like a ceramic kit. A pre ceramic, the actual coating, and then I use their “sickening compound” and it works really well to just protect from scratches.
Please next a can am ds 450.❤
Just got home from an early morning service call and you uploaded this just in time to enjoy the weekend! Cheers everybody
U could also try gel coat compound or ceramic coating too
Clear coat, cut, polish and buff boom done
After decals are on, Try buffing some turtle wax or whatever kind of wax into it. 🤷♂️ or maybe automotive ceramic sealer.
It could be that this plastic is porous for whatever reason and the porosity needs to be filled in to get a good shine.
Polish removes material, wax fills in and adds shine.
You can only remove so much before you see that its no longer improving.
Maybe using an Eastwood 2k clear coat high gloss after using an adhesion promoter ?
Get it vinyl wrapped in gloss clear. Like vehicle wrap. Then apply graphics over it. Boom.
Try novus plastic polish. It works great, don’t use the final stage cleaner though
Always stoked to see you uploaded a video. Thanks for the hard work you put in to bring us these videos man. 🤘
MIKE READ THIS!!! If you haven't tried it already, use a wool pad with NO COMPOUND OR POLISH AT ALL! I've had great results using absolutely NO PRODUCTS. But if the plastic is somehow flawed from the factory then slap those custom graphics on them and move on. But I feel your pain.
I love your channel, I love the way you talk and show stuff, I learn a lot from your videos man, thanks. I don't own a quad, but I would like to have one, some day. Keep up the good work:)
Time to wrap it! Good luck and luv the vids! TY!
I use 60% paint thinner and 40% boiled Linseed oil to restore all my plastics! I just did my 1990 Yamaha Phazer II snowmobile and it looks show room brand new. The harder places to restore I use a buffing wheel. Love Partzilla for OEM parts, except for the wait time on some parts! BulTaco !
What's your process? How do you use the paint thinner and linseed oil?
@@Berm_Blaster By mixing the thinner and the boiled Linseed oil together in one container. I use a spray bottle then wipe with a clean towel, or you can just use a towel and the mixture. The harder spots I do like a pre-soak if you will and a wheel!
@@Charles53412only issue I’ve found with this is that it makes the surface slightly sticky. So it’s like a poor man’s SC1. It’s good, but not perfect
@@thebigmando I haven't run into that problem. It may be something that is being done wrong in the mixture. No issues here yet and I've been doing it for years.
Maybe try the acetone vapor machine. They get good results with headlights
Paint correction and polishing is so easy on paint or clear plastic. It's a pain in the ass on colored plastic for some reason.
I been restoring the frame on my Z, I could really use those manufacturer and specs sticker! I’ve been seeing a lot of plastic restore videos and thought about restoring the Full Bore plastics on mine from years of riding but idk I’m second guessing doing that now lol
You do beautiful work man love watching your videos
No compound with a wool fine pad at low to medium speed usually does it just make sure there is no residual compound on the plastics
Try a Heat gun or a Propane torch, maybe some Original Armoral after using the Polishing compound?! 😮😂
I used to soak my plastics in armor all or mothers on my old AMC Javelin AMX for days...
Usually worked out.
I would just try a heat gun on the one piece. The factory shine is from the heat from the injection molding. Probably the only way to get it back is heat.
I haven't made it far into the video yet so you may try this on here but I had good luck on my Yamaha with a heat gun, carefully wave it over the spot and it brings the shine back.
You need a haircut my guy 😂
Novus plastic polish always working on a lot of different plastics
Man I can’t wait to watch this thing ripping!!!!!
Maybe a gas flame gun , we use one to bring up the shine on plastics for the playgrounds we build .
Heat up the plastic a small bit where you apply those bumper pads. Itll help the adhesive stick.
Hit up D & A restorations on UA-cam for advice. U may have to wet sand to 2k grit then buff. Ur adding scratches when buffing. I heard of a trick is a dry wool wheel on a hand buffer, light pressure high speed on rpm, and prob slow movement on how much ground u cover. Don't just make quick passes.
yes travis knows , says ( same as I use) a dry wool / med speed
Yeah theres faded patches like the gloss coating is rubbed off
Hey Sabo, what’s the chances you make a video for people who are looking to buy a used ATV? Would love to hear the insight of all the old sport bikes quirks, downsides, upsides, your recommendations in a single video! Thanks
I feel like the haziness is a manufacturing defect somehwere within the plastic material itself. Hazing and dullness is the outer layer of plastic. Since you've already removed that outer layer with no luck then i would guess theres a defect in the plastic material.
Is there a way to harden the plastic? Like putting it in the oven for a bit and then quenching them or something? Lol idk because it seems that you just need to make the plastic harder somehow then it will accept a polish
I’d say it’s just the imperfections in the process of making the plastics. Maybe just some glossy “clear bra” type overlay to protect it and give it the gloss finish
Also have to say seeing the kfx450 next to a new kx250 is awesome
All the suggestions in the comments are great however those all work for the outer layer of plastic is hazed and oxidized. Clearly the issue is within the plastic since he has removed the outer layer already with no luck. Just going to hae to take it as it is, a manufacturer defect. Youd have better luck getting lightly used ones and restoring them to new.
Use a torch. Slowly heat it up and the shine will come back.
This is what I was thinkin. Or a heat gun.
Exactly what I do and it works!!
Darn zuki yellow haze!
you look stressed out brother, i would have a clear coat sprayed on them, good luck man!
i agree 👍
They make them like that to accept graphics better
Try a wool pad on a DA orbital sander.
have you ever tried the torch method on plastics?
Maybe try to clearcoat the plastics, that would work perfect
I know I tried heat on old plastics I wonder if heat will work on new plastics,also I wonder if it’s not as smooth from factory for graphics to stick? Maybe ull read my comment
Lin seed oil ! That'll make it shiny as hell bro
Have you tried heat? Either a heat gun or a torch?
Try flame polishing
It needs to be higher speed to build some heat, to get it shine.
Don’t feel bad I wasted a whole day today trying to change out a tube on my dirtbike, pinched the tube and patched so many times until I gave up lmao
Would have a torch worked?
No, using a torch removes the oxidized layer of plastic but doesn't make it gloss like they are when brand new
Id stop into a proper auto body supply store with the piece and ask them. If they are as knowledgeable as what we have here theyll give you some advice for the best shot.
Is there any chance you can spray it with clearcoat maybe you can have it look shiny by doing that
Paint on plastic is a temporary fix. Then it will start chiping, flaking, spider wed look. Never lasts, then looks worse, then if you just rolled with the dull finish...
Damn I feel ya pain lol. Lord knows i have had those long nights with a point thing to some but means the world to me lmfao
I just bought a z400 because of this but now sadly chasing the problem on why it’s mixing coolant and oil 😂
Damn plastic I think I seen a few more gray hair's there mike love the content ✌️
Maybe a last ditch effort, try using a true ceramic coating to see if they shine up
Heat Gun or Propane torch it. will shine up.
Look up flame polishing
Finally I new video for the 400!!
Use a heat gun..just be sure to heat evenly and don't get I too hot
I think this is a different plastic material. It's possible that it's a knockoff. But if the torch didn't even make it shiny then nothing will
Have you tried cerakote wipes?
Heat.
A heat gun would work well to shine it up
Wrap the panel in ppf film.
Try ceramic coating
why do you just put all the decals and ppf all the plastics to protect them and make them shiny
Not oem styrofoam with the great adhesive
Great video again Mate
Please you have to paint the entire engine blue to make it look retro.
Theres mispelled words on your replica factory stickers. Corperation is spelled corporation. Lol. #rebuildlife