Easy way to remove oxidation from plastic?

[Osprey39]

I'm trying to get my rig polished up and ready to sell but there are a couple of plastic side panels by the seats that have a lot of oxidation on them. They should be black but they are kind of grayish white:
20201219_171646.jpg

I tried buffing them with 3M medium cutting compound and had some success but it was a bit of a pain and with all the contours on these things, the worst is yet to come doing it that way:
20201219_171713.jpg

Is there an easy way to get rid of that stuff or should I just see if I can order new ones from Ranger?

[CatFan]

Some plastic like that can be greatly improved with a heat gun.

[Osprey39]

Some plastic like that can be greatly improved with a heat gun.

Can you elaborate a bit on what to do? I assume there's more to it than just heating it up?

[Generator]

You can also use the (wipe new). It would make that look new for a while. But your going to be replacing it before too long

[CatFan]

Can you elaborate a bit on what to do? I assume there's more to it than just heating it up?

Heat it just enough to melt the outer layer. You’ll see it turn darker. Doesn’t work on all plastics, but when it does it is impressive.

This was my before and after a few years ago. http://www.bbcboards.net/showthread.php?t=856862

Go to 1:35 in this video to see it in action.

You’ll see comments about releasing oils in plastic. Clearly made by people who don’t understand what plastic is.

[Osprey39]

Major props on the heat gun idea CatFan. It worked great. I'm going to have to take the panels out to do the job properly so I don't melt the carpet or the vinyl on the seats but it definitely worked. Here's a pic of a small area I did to test it:

20201220_105335.jpg

[CatFan]

Major props on the heat gun idea CatFan. It worked great. I'm going to have to take the panels out to do the job properly so I don't melt the carpet or the vinyl on the seats but it definitely worked. Here's a pic of a small area I did to test it:

20201220_105335.jpg

Glad it worked for you. It’s sure cheap and easy. Kind of feels like you are painting it black as you go!

[JohnnyO]

What a great idea, never crossed my mind.

[crank68]

It works ..... just be careful. Different plastics will react differently. It could go south quick.

[mikesxpress]

Easy, no heat, appears to last.
http://www.bbcboards.net/showthread....highlight=Trim

[EJ3]

Anyone have experience with Car Guys plastic restorer?

[Groma]

I used tire black lasts and looks good .

[5 BASS ASSASIN]

Heat it just enough to melt the outer layer. You’ll see it turn darker. Doesn’t work on all plastics, but when it does it is impressive.

This was my before and after a few years ago. http://www.bbcboards.net/showthread.php?t=856862

Go to 1:35 in this video to see it in action.

You’ll see comments about releasing oils in plastic. Clearly made by people who don’t understand what plastic is.

awesome post!! I’ve got a use for that! Many thanks for the tip/ video..

[Edziu23]

I have used Back to Black by mothers and it has held up well.

[sandsurf68]

I used this exact stuff (Car Guys* trim restorer) on the plastic fenders of my 2003 4Runner and it worked really well. Be cautious when applying as it is easier to apply multiple thin coats as opposed to glopping it on. Too much too fast and it has an oil-like residue/film that you don't want to brush up against. In the end, I would use again. Also helped to tape off edges to reduce overages as well. I've tried several, and ended up going with a black smooth roll-on bed liner (two-part epoxy type). Rinses off easy and hasn't faded at all (been on for about 3 years now).