What's the best method for restoring the faded black plastic/abs on a 2006 FX4??

 

I think most paint them. I've also heard of people using a torch or a heat gun to heat up the plastic to restore it (not recommended unless you know what you are doing). If I were to do it, and couldnt afford to simply replace it, I would just prep the plastic and paint it using Krylon Fusion Black spray paint.

I need to do something about all the faded plastic on my 04 FX4. I just haven't decided what Im going to do yet.

 

Thanks for the advice. What would be the best miracle cleaner or something to shine it up? It almost looks like the previous owner put wax on it??

 

DON'T DO THIS. Lets try and keep those fumes out of your body.

If you can take a picture of what the back of the piece looks like, upload it and I'll find out what you can do. I'm looking for labels or numbers for us to determine what it is. My father develops a lot of the plastic materials and colors for Ford and I work in physical testing on said plastics. Usually the better quality stuff. If it's faded bad, then it might not be our material, (or it may be our lower quality stuff) but I can still find out what your best bet is. Let me know.

 

There's nothing wrong at all with doing that if you know what you are doing and you wear the proper Protective equipment. Not everyone is stupid enough to stand there and inhale toxic fumes (at least I hope not). Plus its not like you are sitting there completely melting the plastic, it is typically only heated up enough to take out the impurities. Its not like you are lighting the things on fire. This is very common in the ATV and Motocross world to take stress marks and scratches out of the plastics.

 

preventive maintainence, armoral!

 

I like that idea... I don't have the torch on plastic skills, I thought maybe there was a good polish or something that could shine it up.

 

Mothers brand Back to Black

http://www.mothers.com/02_products/06108.html

 

You are right. If PPE is involved, and you know what you are doing. Basically the plastic in question doesn't have a UV agent in it, meaning Ford skimped out. So it will continue to fade, regardless if you do this, or not.

I'd have it painted.

 

I did however also warn that if one didn't have the experience it wasn't a good idea anyways.

Your right, it would only be a temporary fix. Best bet, for long tern especially, is to do a good prep job and have it professionally painted by a body shop so they could used all of the proper adhesion promoters etc. for plastic. Spray paint will do but it wont last like true automotive paint would.