TR674 Posted May 16, 2019 Report Share Posted May 16, 2019 Hello folks I am refreshing the upper steering column (new bushings and repaint). The plastic escutcheons are in good shape (no scratches or cracks), but badly faded on the upper surface. I have tried using cutting compound to cut back to the original black with poor results. Are there any good plastic cutting/polishing compounds you guys have used? Or could I try a very fine wet and dry to cut back the surface and polish with cutting compound? Regards Craig Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted May 16, 2019 Report Share Posted May 16, 2019 Hi Craig, Moss do new ones at not much money. Are they not available in Oz. Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ed_h Posted May 16, 2019 Report Share Posted May 16, 2019 The UV damage may be deeper than simple cutting can fix. You don't have much to lose by trying more aggressive abrasives. I think I might even start with 220 or so and go finer from there. Ed Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steves_TR6 Posted May 16, 2019 Report Share Posted May 16, 2019 Or try one of the cheaply available plastic headlamp renovation kits i tried this on the very tired looking headlamps of an old golf and it worked a treat. there was sanding, compounding then sealing if i recall steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rcreweread Posted May 16, 2019 Report Share Posted May 16, 2019 Craig - I think you are talking about the black plastic "cowls" which cover the mechanics of the indicator switch etc on the steering column - if so, there are some very good paints which go happily on plastic and I bet you wouldn't be able to tell the difference cheers Rich Quote Link to post Share on other sites
peejay4A Posted May 16, 2019 Report Share Posted May 16, 2019 4 hours ago, rcreweread said: Craig - I think you are talking about the black plastic "cowls" which cover the mechanics of the indicator switch etc on the steering column - if so, there are some very good paints which go happily on plastic and I bet you wouldn't be able to tell the difference cheers Rich +1. I used Rustoleum (I think) plastic paint and it’s lasted well. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mike C Posted May 16, 2019 Report Share Posted May 16, 2019 Try abrasive mag wheel cleaner. Works well on plastic headlights. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted May 17, 2019 Report Share Posted May 17, 2019 Light sand with 1500 W/dry and then paint with black cellulose works a treat, then a very light polish with Tcut and re-apply the decals. Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TR674 Posted May 19, 2019 Author Report Share Posted May 19, 2019 (edited) Thanks all. Cutting compound seems to be working with more elbow grease. I'll also try the headlight restorer. One other question - I've got the upper column back in, with side does the indicator cancelling clip fit on the shaft? With the ridge pointing towards the indicator switch or opposite? Edited May 20, 2019 by TR674 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Waldi Posted May 19, 2019 Report Share Posted May 19, 2019 If I recall correctly, it should be in between the 2 spring loaded fingers of the switch, so pointing horizontal towards the indicator switch. Waldi Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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