Plastic tank badge "plating" refurbish

Hey, a quick question. Not specifically technical -- so bear with me.

The plastic "Yamaha" gold "plated" tank badges, specifically on my XJ900; is there any way or any product that can be used to refurbish the shiny gold coating on these? Anyone have any success with some creative solution?

Thanks.

 

I used a gold leaf prouduct that I got from a local craft store. Then repainted the black center and top coated with clear. They turned out real nice. It has been a few years ago they were done and they are holding up real well. I don't remember the name of the product, it was not real gold. It was a gold film that was glued on. The kit was around 15$ and had all the things needed.

 

Depending upon how picky you are; I feel it's a "finishing touch" that pushes the bike that much closer to brand new.

Consider replacing? Talk to chacal.

HCP145 OEM left side FUEL TANK EMBLEM "YAMAHA", black plastic emblem with polished gold raised lettering. For all XJ750 and XJ900RK models. Uses supplied adhesive tape to mount emblem.
$ 33.95

HCP144 OEM right side FUEL TANK EMBLEM "YAMAHA", black plastic emblem with polished gold raised lettering. For all XJ750 and XJ900RK models. Uses supplied adhesive tape to mount emblem.
$ 33.95

 

I would have bought new ones for the XJ1100 but he did not have any. It seems the XJ1100 badges are a little hard to find at a reasonable price.

 

Thanks all. I thought the replacements would be more expensive. I checked with Speed and Sport Yamaha in PA and they want just under $65 per side plus shipping. I AM interested and curious about the gold leaf. I would say just replace them too, but I am very concerned about damaging the clear coat/decals underneath them. If I heat them up with a heat gun or hair dryer are they then fairly easy to peel off?

And what to use on the remaining glue?

Thanks.

 

yeah the heat gun and patients will get the badges off safely. be carefull and go slow. the rest of the glue may come off with Goo Gone not 100% sure though, but it wont hurt the paint.

 

You can "garrotte" the old ones off. I used this technique when I replaced the side cover badges on my 550s.

Use a foot long hunk of reasonably high-test nylon fishing line, slide it behind the badges and slice/saw through the adhesive tape.

You can remove any remaining gook with mineral spirits it won't damage the clear coat (but it will take your wax off.)

BTW, Speed -n- Sport is a GREAT NOS source but they want an arm and a leg for everything. I always check NWVCP first.

 

Ah, now that's an idea! I will do that if I replace them -- which I am leaning towards at the present time. Thanks!

 

How about these? These are what I used on my bikes. They work great and look great!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... ESELX%3AIT

 

Well, they're nice, but I want to keep to the OEM theme as much as possible so I really need the raised plastic gold plated tank badges. But thank you for the suggestion!

 

I'm also having to refinish emblems. Not sure of best route - sidecover emblems were damaged and pitted, peeled away gold and are sanded smooth already, reusing them means painting or some kind of film. Want silver or chrome, not gold, to match paint scheme. Any ideas?

 

There's some on ebay in Chrome and Gold right now, just check the ebay XJ link. They appear to have studs that use some sort of screws though.

I need the stick-on ones and decided to get them from our XJ Forever Chacal. That'll complete my detail work pretty much.

 

I replaced all of mine but one which was fine somehow. In another weird mechanical miracle, the sidecover badges on my 650 Seca are perfect although the bike looks like it was dragged through a gravel pit.

There are a couple of automotive restoration plating places that have started advertising the ability to re-plate plastic parts. I plan to look into getting a whole set done in black chrome.