While awaiting various parts for Project 33, a 1993 VFR750, I tackled the windscreen and chain guard refurbishment.
The screen had seen a lot of neglect but fortunately no severe damage, like cracks or gouges (right). It would need more than polishing, however, so I began with wet-sanding with a 5000-grit sponge, which proved to be not aggressive enough in this case. I switched to 1500-grit paper which is about as aggressive as I care to try on these plastic items. That seemed to do the trick, so I then worked my way through 2000, 3000 and finally to 5000-grit, on both sides of the screen. That got me to the cloudy finish shown below.
The screen had seen a lot of neglect but fortunately no severe damage, like cracks or gouges (right). It would need more than polishing, however, so I began with wet-sanding with a 5000-grit sponge, which proved to be not aggressive enough in this case. I switched to 1500-grit paper which is about as aggressive as I care to try on these plastic items. That seemed to do the trick, so I then worked my way through 2000, 3000 and finally to 5000-grit, on both sides of the screen. That got me to the cloudy finish shown below.
Next, the screen is buffed. In this case I began with Meguiar's Mirror Glaze 100, their most aggressive compound in the Mirror Glaze line, followed by Meguiar's Ultimate Compound for the final finish.
The end effect is a real transformation on this original windscreen. I've shown this process before, but each item is different, and may require a different approach. The point is to always begin with the least aggressive method, going more aggressive only as necessary. The part will tell you what it needs.
Next up is the faded and graying plastic chain guard. As a nod to originality, I want to leave the decals in place, so avoiding black dye or paint makes this much easier.
Again, beginning with the least aggressive approach, I clean/degrease the part, then lightly sand with 5000-grit to even the surface, remove imperfections, and help the Mother's Back-to-Black Trim & Plastic Restorer get a grip. Here, I've treated the upper portion of the part — the difference is dramatic.
The quality and look of your finished project is the sum of many large and small projects. These are two perfect examples of how all the little things come together to make the whole.
Again, beginning with the least aggressive approach, I clean/degrease the part, then lightly sand with 5000-grit to even the surface, remove imperfections, and help the Mother's Back-to-Black Trim & Plastic Restorer get a grip. Here, I've treated the upper portion of the part — the difference is dramatic.
The quality and look of your finished project is the sum of many large and small projects. These are two perfect examples of how all the little things come together to make the whole.
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