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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ best way to clean up white headlight surroundings?

Posted by: Gustl Feb 16 2006, 11:50 PM

just bought a set of white headlight surroundings on eBay
in general they're in good condition, but they're not really white ...
they've that typical "old and grey" touch as well as some color overspray

now I wonder what's the best way to get them clean white without distroying their surface
and without overspraying with white color
I'd love to keep the original white plastic look ...

any experiences?

Gustl

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Posted by: SirAndy Feb 17 2006, 12:07 AM

QUOTE (Gustl @ Feb 16 2006, 09:50 PM)
any experiences?

i *tried* to clean my "once they were black" ones with no success ...

i ended up painting them with flat black and then a clear coat. they came out looking great ...
Andy

Posted by: sk8kat1 Feb 17 2006, 07:19 AM

some numb nuts spray painted mine black -- warm soapy water , 2500 grit wet sanding paper , lots of scrubbing ...

getting them whiter .. I tried every thing... even one of those clorox bleach pens .. nothing seemed to realy work ... the more I sanded the whiter I got them but they are kinda weak to begin with so I didn't want to thin them too much

Posted by: STL914 Feb 17 2006, 10:16 AM

I just cleaned a set of black ones that had white over spray. Used regular dish cleaning liquid and a scowering pad and a lot of rubbing. Turned out pretty good, not perfect. White may be a bit more difficult, especially with the red paint. You could try letting them soak in hot water with a liquid soap to soften up the paint.

Posted by: rhodyguy Feb 17 2006, 10:32 AM

have you tried just soaking them in a bleach/water bath? GOOF-OFF might work on the paint if it doesn't melt the surround, but my guess is the red will be etched into the plastic. we have some products in the states for cleaning plastic outside chairs and what not. it works well on the funiture. i have 2 sets of white surrounds that need help. i will get some of the product and report back.

k

Posted by: sk8kat1 Feb 17 2006, 10:34 AM

hey guys my wife suggested one of those mr clean magic erasers after the paint is off .....I have such a good wife all helpful with the 914 stuff

Posted by: JmuRiz Feb 17 2006, 11:07 AM

I could not find a way to get mine clean and keep the finish on them. Ended up spraypainting them with white paint. Looks good enough, and easy to do touch-ups on, if needed.

Posted by: boxstr Feb 17 2006, 11:11 AM

The black surrounds are available from the Porsche dealer.
I was unable to get the white ones.
CCLINORDERUPTHEPARTS

Posted by: rhodyguy Feb 17 2006, 11:13 AM

you may be able to get 2 sets of white ones craig. orderuptheparts!!.

k

#1 worker bee

Posted by: sk8kat1 Feb 17 2006, 11:23 AM

YOU CAN ORDER WHITE ONES -- FROM WHERE!!!

AND HOW MUCH?

Posted by: rhodyguy Feb 17 2006, 11:26 AM

i know for a fact that 2 sets are located at 12502 40th ave e tacoma wa 98446-3231. near 128th st e and canyon rd.

k

Posted by: rdauenhauer Feb 17 2006, 11:50 AM

Ive got a set as well if someone is interested.

Posted by: rhodyguy Feb 17 2006, 11:51 AM

shocked[1].gif . eric?

k

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Posted by: davep Feb 17 2006, 11:51 AM

I found a power washer works good on white plastic patio furniture, but leaves a rough surface. After such a cleaning, I'd be inclined to use a white bumper paint. That paint adheres well to plastic and rubber. Chemical cleaners tend to damage the plastic. Basically, as has been stated, removing the discolored layer is really the only choice. It is not so much cleaning as refinishing.

Posted by: Jacco Feb 17 2006, 12:02 PM

Hey Gustl,

I've also been giving it some thought, and maybe it's possible to bead blast them with the glass stuff.
I've done it on plexiglass to get it to appear as semi translucent plastic, that worked very well and that was on thin plexiglass.

I could try it on a white set of mine, but that will be a couple of weeks from now to know the results since I do not have them here. I can use a bead blaster at the workshop of my university.

Might be worth a try

greets
Jacco

Posted by: Gustl Feb 17 2006, 12:33 PM

wow - lots of good tips - many thanks @ all

I'll try the one or the other way on the inner side to see the result
might take it's time but I'll let you know the results

Gustl

Posted by: itsa914 Feb 17 2006, 01:03 PM

Anyone try that Krylon paint for plastic stuff?