Fading panniers/topbox

[nsr500v4]

Whats the best way to get the topbox black again? Mine is starting to fade and tried back to black and all the usual, even boot polish, but just keeps fading back, what do you lot use to keep them black? Is painting an option?

[Skippernick]

This is the stuff i use on all the trim on my bike. Its what they use on super cars.


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Meguiars-Ultimate-Protectant-Dash-Restorer/dp/B0044090GC/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1375013293&sr=8-15&keywords=meguiars


But like all this stuff its not a one hit wonder, you have to reapply!

[andybesy]

You could try Peanut Butter.

Seriously lol, see below:

Car Detailing "How to" - restore plastic with peanut butter!

[nsr500v4]

WTF....I don't like peanut butter! Might have to try that though....

[stevierst]

Mine has gone grey, but I don't worry about it tbh. I just thought that's the way it is.

[karlo]

Scuffcoat for kids shoes.

[pilninggas]

Use a hot air gun (do it on a test area first) turns greyed auto plastics back to black in seconds.  it's how car dealers do it.

[mickvp]

If you want something more permanent than all these back to black type products (of which there are many - my personal favourite being aerospace 303 protectant ) here are two semi-permanent options for you that last about a year or so each application:

Gtechnic C4
http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/gtechniq/c4-permanent-trim-restorer.aspx

And it being shown in use:

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=103881


Alternatively there is a similar product from a different manufacturer called CarPro DLUX:

http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/CarPro_DLUX_Kit_1.html

Again, a little review here:

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=276712


The likes of peanut butter, the use of a heat gun, and the plethora of trim dressings are all well and good, but I prefer to do it once and not have to do it for as long as possible afterwards, so products like the above suit me

[nsr500v4]

Some interesting options!

[redthunder]

I did the peanut butter "trick" on my givi top box as it was quite faded. Immediately there is a huge difference, the oils in the peanut butter bring back a nice shiny black and get rid of the "grey" fading.


But it doesn't last too long. I left the box in my kitchen for a week or two before refitting it as I didn't need it and by the time I did put it back on I may as well have not spent the time doing it, was back to normal.


Though it is cheap, I used an Aldi peanut butter which I got for peanuts 

[Slaninar]

Whats the best way to get the topbox black again? Mine is starting to fade and tried back to black and all the usual, even boot polish, but just keeps fading back, what do you lot use to keep them black? Is painting an option?

This has worked flawless for me:



Just ride, watch the road, scenery.

[Arfa]

I've used a tin of spray Back To Black stuff before now. can't remember the brand, but works well on all grey plastic.

I've tried veg oil on the car, which was suggested somewhere else. It works, things look black, but it's right sticky and collect dust and mank quickly and is soon pretty horrible. Wouldn't recommend it.

[Lawrence]

Just ride, watch the road, scenery.

 
It's behind you, you can't see it, what's the problem? 

[mickvp]

Just ride, watch the road, scenery.

 
It's behind you, you can't see it, what's the problem? 

so is your arse...doesn't stop you washing it though

[Skippernick]

Just ride, watch the road, scenery.

 
It's behind you, you can't see it, what's the problem? 

so is your arse...doesn't stop you washing it though

 

[Lawrence]

Just ride, watch the road, scenery.

 
It's behind you, you can't see it, what's the problem? 

so is your arse...doesn't stop you washing it though

I wash it but I've never polished it with back to black

[Chris]

I use Gtechniq C4 too and it is amazing stuff, having said that I've been astonished by all the Gtechniq products. I always used to use Meguiar's stuff but it just isn't anywhere near as good as Gtechniq.
 
Heard good things about Autofinesse revive, but not used it myself.
 
Chris

[mickvp]

avoid anything from AF mate. its rebottled shite.

EDIT.

actually. rebottled shite is a bit harsh. its just overpriced rebottled bollocks. some of it is OK as a product, the pricing is ridiculous though. (moreso when you know what the product was originally and compare them)

[Chris]

Hmm, the same could be said for many detailing products. I've only ever bought one AF product and it was great, the AF oblitarate I have is by far the best tar remover I've ever had and it's also one of the only ones I can get up here.
 
I do agree their prices can be pretty steep though!
 
Chris

[mickvp]

not many of the older detailing products (its mainly the "new" manufacturers that have cropped up the last 3 or 4 years that are into this rebottling nonsense).

The best tar removers Ive ever used are Autosmart Tardis, which is really good and well priced (about £18 for 5l), but it has a tendancy to eat spray heads as its a heavy solvent base.

Maxolen also produce a good citrus based tar and glue remover which is outstanding, but its also expensive (about £40-50 for 5l).

[Chris]

Not heard of maxolen before.
 
The problem I had was not being able to get tardis here so went for the AF and it's made a huge difference to that part of a detail for me, saved me hours and hours of time and energy already.
 
Chris

[mickvp]

A company called elite car care stock tardis and can ship it in the proper metal container..one to bear in mind

[Chris]

Thanks, that is good to know, I'd checked a few places I usually get products from but none of them would ship it.
 
Anyway, sorry to hijack the thread! 
 
Chris