Controls

[Vtwin650]

How would I go about bringing back the original look of the right and left handlebar controls. This barnhawk has obviously spent a good part of its like in the sun, and now the controls are white-ish instead of black.

Is there a paint I can use or what?

Thanks,

[Doc]

ty black permanent marker or black shoe polish

[Soul]

some type of dye might also work.
I can find out more for you, lots of vehicles have a tough plastic fender that constantly gets sunfaded and there is something you can do to get them back looking new again, I bet they are similar.
I will try to remember to do that when I get the chance. Life, ontop of riding has been hectic lately.

[Blade_Zero]

Soul is right, you can use RIT dye on plastics, but you might wan't to try this stuff first.

Blade.

[Vtwin650]

thanks for the tips, I think I will try to track down the Black Again Plastic Cleaner - and if that does not work, on to the dye or perm. marker ideas.

[Tusk]

Motor Oil.

Believe it or not, put a couple drops on your finger and rub over the area. It's temporary, but cheap and sleazy-I mean- easy!

I did this for my hawk a while back and depending how much time it spends in the sun it may last a couple years. When it starts to fade again, just re-apply. I've also did this to turn signal arms on my old Grand Am.

[dagus]

Spray 'em with PlastiKote? That was my plan.

[Vtwin650]

I actually use WD-40 on my nicer hawk's controls. They are nice and black, but the WD-40 seems to clean them up nicely, and it last for weeks.

but the controls on the barnhawk are almost white!, it will take something
black to bring back the correct look.

[ponley]

S-100 makes a product that is like ArmorAll on steroids. It is called Engine Bright I think, it is for the hoses and other plastic parts on the engine but I have used it on saddle bags and seats and had great results.

[dagus]

So, for those "almost-white" controls, whaddaya use? I'm thinking that after 18 years, some of us whose Hawks have seen a lot of sun will need more than a little shine.

Anybody know how difficult it is to take those plastic housings off to shoot 'em with a coat of paint?

[harpo]

ty black permanent marker or black shoe polish

Hello all,

have been reading your lists but just now posting. Just tryed the black shoe polish, works great! Doesn't even really cover up the white lettering on the controls either.

Great forum

[Vtwin650]

plan on trying some of these tips on Saturday.

does the Shoe polish come off on your hands after you applied and buffed???

As for taking the plastic parts of the controls apart - I do not advise, I started to tear down the turnsignal side, and what a nightmare.
I was afraid of it not working properly once put back together so I quit.