Sv: Elbilers kjælenavn

[BauDemo]

I am looking at a Think that has had some stickers for a long period of time. The result (as visible on the photo) is that even though the sticker is removed it is still very clear what it said.
Any ideas how to refresh the plastic?

[BauDemo]

Maybe something like this:
http://retr0bright.wikispaces.com/Using+Retr0Bright

Results:

[cra]

Isn't this the same problem as "picture frames on the wall"-mark? That the exposed plastic has been lightened in color by the sun, while the covered parts were not? In that case it should at least even out over time, I guess. The Commodore VIC-20 (I actually have mine handy at the moment!) looks to have "the opposite" problem; darkening by sitting exposed to UV rays, and probably it's fair share of dirt and grime.

Aging the darkest areas of your hood with UV light might work, but it would probably be hard to mask off the lighter parts.

[BauDemo]

Interesting.
I think the change in color is based on the same process of oxidizing the outer layer with the UV / sun light.
I did not have the time to read enough of the recipe to understand the principle, so I am not sure it will work. Just wanted to put it here for future reference and when I have some time I may try.
I am also concerned how this process will affect the darker parts - I don't have an issue with lighter color, if the whole car is like this, but I do not like the letters and other patches from previous striping visible on the car.
Alternative idea is to do a very quick run with heatgun - just enough to melt a very thin layer of the ABS panel surface. I have not tried this either.

[commiesoft]

I have no clue, but maybe you should look into Owatrol Polytrol ?? Will probably make the plastic
shine again, but I'm unshure about the rest

[hma]

Forget all that chemical stuff!
From several year of experience with waxing and preparing my cross country racing skies, I thought maybe the problem with the Think plastic part could relate, so I made a test ...

This evening applied my bronze brush, normally used to freshen the ski sole and to remove wax leftovers, with quite heavy force to the chassis in circular and diagonal patterns.

The parts, which had become -70'ish Datsun 120Y red; pink surface suited to file nails, and had unattractive sticker stains, actually got nice and fresh red again!
I topped the whole deal greasing the parts in Autoglym Bumper Care - did not even care to wash.

I'll guess this stuff can make hardcore car detailers cry, but it's some of the weird and fun sides of being a Think owner ;-)

[Poppe]

Without pictures it never happened 

[hma]

Without pictures it never happened 

Hehe, that's up to you

But remember, we are not dealing with a painted glossy surface, so the approach to maintenance  should be quite different.
The "pink" surface is a thin film which easily is removed by the bronze brush. The brush reaches down in the pores also, giving an equal treatment of the surface.
The same thing happens to skies with carbon graphite sole, when left with no protection wax during summer - or if overheated.

I you are afraid of damaging or making thing worse, try on a smaller spot on the lower part.

The attached image shows the backside roof (not rubbed) v.s. the top side rear door. Not very good example, but I can assure the difference is significant.

[BauDemo]

I finally got some time to get a brush and test it.
I only did half of the "motor" hood and wow!!
See the before and after photos.

I did not use the bumper care - just a bronze brush from intersport.

I will get some of that bumper care and test it too...

[hma]

Very cool BauDemo, that worked pretty well

[Mircado]

Brilliant!

Glycerol oil/vaseline (leave on for a few hours) is another trick for darkened/yellowed plastics, but I haven't tried that on the Think -- and now I don't need to, this seems much better!