Tip: Cleaning up Cox Models that are covered in gunk

How about models were the old fuel has stained the plastic? How deep does the staining go? Could I be removed by. Light wet sand? I've got a shrike I'm trying to restore and I cleaned it exactly how you did. But there's some reddish spots(yellow shrike) that appear to be permanent.

I don't think you can get that type of staining out... I may be wrong though.

GO:

Start with the LEAST aggressive cleaning agent and move upward until possible minor damge seems about to occur.

SD

If you look up "restoring yellowed computer plastics" they talk about cleaning plastic and removing discoloration. Might be worth looking into...

"retr0bright" http://retr0bright.wikispaces.com/

Phil

It depends how bad it is, always try to test a less obvious spot first. I've wet sanded plastic before and it can work, start with 400-600 and move to a 800-1200 grit, finish with a rubbing compound. The problem then becomes you often end up with a overly glossy plastic, but if it will look better go for it.

I've found a dry clean piece of a really soft terry cloth towel and elbow grease will give you the best 'factory' shine.

As far a cleaners go, if it works use it, seems like everybody has their favorite. I would be careful of using fuel, I've done that before and had it discolor the canopies, but was able to rub out.

Mark Boesen wrote: It depends how bad it is, always try to test a less obvious spot first. I've wet sanded plastic before and it can work, start with 400-600 and move to a 800-1200 grit, finish with a rubbing compound. The problem then becomes you often end up with a overly glossy plastic, but if it will look better go for it.

I've found a dry clean piece of a really soft terry cloth towel and elbow grease will give you the best 'factory' shine.

As far a cleaners go, if it works use it, seems like everybody has their favorite. I would be careful of using fuel, I've done that before and had it discolor the canopies, but was able to rub out.

I actually used alcohol and it worked alright. I've actually got to get a new canopy for it so that's not an issue. Like I said, my main issue is the fuel stains. It's a first issue shrike without the aluminum bar so I'd like to see it back the way it was. I know they also reproduce the stickers.

the plastic on the Shrike is pretty soft, same stuff as the Rivets and others made during that time, maybe hit the stains with rubbing compound first.

I remember wanting one of those green Shrikes as a kid in the early 70's.

Mark Boesen wrote:the plastic on the Shrike is pretty soft, same stuff as the Rivets and others made during that time, maybe hit the stains with rubbing compound first.

I remember wanting one of those green Shrikes as a kid in the early 70's.

Unfortunately I already tried a rubbing compound. Didn't really do anything.

GO:

Rather than rubbing compoud try polishing compound which has a finer grit. Both are found in automotive parts stores.

SD

SuperDave wrote:GO:

Rather than rubbing compoud try polishing compound which has a finer grit.  Both are found in automotive parts stores.

SD

Actually I stand corrected. Did use a polishing compound. Maybe I'll try a rubbing compound before I resort to the sandpaper.

GO:

Tried ISOPROPHYL alcohol yet? It'll penerate and disolve "goo" rather than grind it away like an abrasive. It's best applied with a gause pad and rubbed into the goo.

I suggest giving it a try.

SD.

SuperDave wrote:GO:

Tried ISOPROPHYL alcohol yet?  It'll penerate and disolve "goo" rather than grind it away like an abrasive.  It's best applied with a gause pad and rubbed into the goo.

I suggest giving it a try.

SD.

That's what I originally used. It cleaned up everything but the stains. And used some purple power to clean out the inside of the body halves. Worked fine.

I recently found an old Shrike.  The yellow plastic is pretty badly faded in places.  Is there any way to bring the color back?  I thought about trying headlight polishing kit.  I have also seen some references to brasso or mr clean eraser sponges.  Any suggestions?  Thanks in advance!
Clint Moore

I've never tried but apparently you can color the plastic with certin dye But I've already polished plastic with automotive products it work just fine I had removed the discoloration with a fine sandpaper first  It is a work that must be done slowly with the hands.Above all, do not use a polisher machines just à good hand and patience first One thing you can do is. First use wD40 everywhere on the screws to disassemble them, the longer you leave them to act, the better. After soak in hot water Not To hot for à day than re aply  wd40 put  wd al over it for 24 To 48 h It restores lost flexibility of that tipe of plastiques it Prevent plastic from cracking I have already heard of a product made to restore flexibility to plastics but I do not know them. Just Takes the time to do things right and find the right ways

Thanks!