tntmo 912 Posted December 30, 2023 My 85 Honda XR350R has been a fun machine, I want to pretty it up a little bit. I purchased some new decals and have some frame paint, but I really want to make the tank look better. It’s faded and dry/crusty looking. What method have you used that worked well? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dirt dame 561 Posted December 31, 2023 (edited) There are lots of how to videos on Youtube. Some involve heat guns, some don't. I chose this one because it had Rolling Stones music. Edited January 1 by dirt dame 3 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bfar33 174 Posted December 31, 2023 Personally I use Maxima SC1 until I just can't stand the way it looks anymore and buy replacement plastic. Lots of scuffs/discolorations from things like boots or soft luggage will come off with a 'magic eraser', which can be found cheap by searching for melamine sponges on Amazon. It will kind of dull the plastic though. Awesome bike, it will look good with a proper restore like dirt dame suggests and new decals. Just labor intensive. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mr.JAJA 382 Posted December 31, 2023 I used MacGuiert plastic polish on my TT600 tank. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tntmo 912 Posted December 31, 2023 This tank is beyond plastic polish, the video Mimi posted is probably the way to go. Including the music. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DSM8 361 Posted January 2 fire fix it with fire fire cures all problems, by either solving them , or eliminating them. either way its a win win Maybe get an aftermarket tank to run around with to safe the original one for future use? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zubb 1083 Posted January 2 Hotmelt glue this to the tank and resume your ride. Good to go brother. https://www.amazon.com/BMW-36-13-6-758-569-Insignia-Stamped-Ad/dp/B008GAFGK0/ref=asc_df_B008GAFGK0/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312141063511&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3667061289400974434&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031272&hvtargid=pla-427202949520&psc=1&mcid=1b23e42fb2023695b6005693dbba9894&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhc-sBhCEARIsAOVwHuRPKe7Z0-mDqz8pxf034XCczts62KNiyGief-Qh83sLiNOsqVL-tCgaAmzREALw_wcB Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tntmo 912 Posted January 2 2 hours ago, DSM8 said: fire fix it with fire fire cures all problems, by either solving them , or eliminating them. either way its a win win Maybe get an aftermarket tank to run around with to safe the original one for future use? Fire is an option. No bolt on aftermarket for this one year only model, probably could adapt something from similar year models Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DSM8 361 Posted January 2 1 hour ago, tntmo said: probably could adapt something from similar year models THIS ^^ TO save the original tank from breakage or maybe find one on Ebay etc. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tntmo 912 Posted January 2 14 minutes ago, DSM8 said: THIS ^^ TO save the original tank from breakage or maybe find one on Ebay etc. I had found an entire parts bike but was too lazy to drive 100 miles to get it. Hopefully I don’t regret that later. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tntmo 912 Posted April 30 (edited) Several months later I got this done. It was some work but I am pleased with the results. Edited April 30 by tntmo 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shutterrev 485 Posted April 30 Wow that's quite a refresh @tntmo 👍 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bfar33 174 Posted May 1 Holy moly, excellent results. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DSM8 361 Posted May 2 how about some details on the how, what method did you use. What are you doing to keep it shinny? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tntmo 912 Posted May 2 1 hour ago, DSM8 said: how about some details on the how, what method did you use. What are you doing to keep it shinny? Lots of elbow grease and several beers. I removed the tank, took the brackets and petcock off, washed it and removed the old decals with a heat gun and scraper. Filled up a large plastic tub with water and started sanding it with wet/dry sandpaper. I only had 400/600/1000 grit, should have got something a bit more abrasive to start but the 400 worked. After sanding, I used some polishing compound on a dual action polisher with a foam pad. Followed that up with PlastX polish. Applied the new graphics. It looks better in the photo than in person, but it's a huge improvement and I'm happy. Didn't want to do much more because I was concerned about putting too much stress on the old tank. I usually use 303 protectant stuff, guess I will apply some after a week or so. Want to ensure the new decals stay put. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tntmo 912 Posted May 2 Vintage Honda Refresh! Making My1985 Honda XR350R A Bit Nicer - #SuperEasySuperFasthttps://youtu.be/FlYLJ07412Y 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
