Cleaning and polishing questions.

How do I clean up all the dust and dirt around the wire bundle and connectors under the tank? It looks like soap, brush and water will work, but will the connections work after using water?
The black plastic airbox has greyish oxidation on it were the sun was on it, can this be buffed black, or should it be painted black?

 

I use a product I get at NAPA called "Tarminator" it is a mild solvent bug-and-tar remover, so it won't leave moisture behind. Applied with paper shop towels, q-tips, and patience. I seem to go thru a LOT of q-tips restoring bikes...

The airbox can be CAREFULLY buffed remarkably clean as can the rear fender. It took me a minute or two to figure out exactly what I was dealing with, then I discovered the results a FINGERNAIL could produce...

Scotchbrite. Very gently and carefully; you only want to remove the oxidation, NOT scratch the smooth surface underneath. Work slowly, deliberately, a square inch or two at a time. Once "done" you can then use a "scratch and swirl remover, safe for clear plastics" type polish to finish the job. GO CAREFULLY and it can and will look almost brand new. Take a look at the photo I posted in the "saddlebags on XJ550" thread that is running; that rear fender WAS really grey and faded looking.

 

I'll toss in a recommendation for a product here too for that airbox restoration -- Mothers "Back-to-Black". I've used it on sun faded black automotive plastics before, and the stuff is amazing.

 

REEAAALLLLYY? Looks like a stop at Autozone on the way home is in order... The scotchbrite polishing method is TEDIOUS at best.

 

For wire related cleaning, I like to use terminal cleaner I get from Oreilly. It's about $5/can.

+1 on Mother's Back to Black. That stuff is great.

 

Fitz,
I'll +1 on the Back to Black stuff. Works GREAT!

Also, i use a lot of Black Magic Professional Protectant.
It's silicone based, so you don't want it anywhere near where you might paint, but it's great stuff. Leaves a totally wet shine on anything you put it on.
Makes marginal black stuff look freshly painted.
Reapply as necessary.

I'm sure everyone here knows that original formula Pledge (yeah the dusting spray) works FA-BU-LOUS as a quick, cheap, in-between-washes detailer.

happy cleaning,
Christopher.

 

Another one worth a try -- Meguiars "Natural Shine". I've been using it for a few years. It has a similar effect to Back to Black, but IMHO last a bit longer. It's also a decent rubber conditioner... Doesn't leave a white residue and kinda helps to cover up previous failed attempts at buffing