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Old 29-10-2015, 06:36   #1
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Can you restore old fenders?

I inherited several decedent fenders but cosmetically they are terrible. Is it possible to get them white again? I have tried the abrasive kitchen cream and scourer without success. I also tried Y10 which had no effect. Is the rubber perhaps stained?

I wondered if I could leave it to soke in white spirits or something harsh to remove the dirt?



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Old 29-10-2015, 06:41   #2
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Re: Can you restore old fenders?

The vinyl that the fender is constructed with has a sunburn.....not much you can do short of exfoliation.


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Old 29-10-2015, 06:54   #3
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Re: Can you restore old fenders?

If you can get this stuff in the NL, it works great for cleaning vinyl (fenders, dinghies): SuperClean - Dissolves Grease. Super Easy. Super Fast.
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Old 29-10-2015, 06:58   #4
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Re: Can you restore old fenders?

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If you can get this stuff in the NL, it works great for cleaning vinyl (fenders, dinghies): SuperClean - Dissolves Grease. Super Easy. Super Fast.
Will have a look. The regulations seem quite tight here. White spirits which I bought in a supermarket in the UK is apparently a restricted product here. I use it for degreasing.

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Old 29-10-2015, 07:04   #5
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Re: Can you restore old fenders?

If you've got nothing to lose, than sand paper might be worth a shot. That, or I can think up a couple of attachments to chuck into my drill to try on'em. Nothing heavily abrasive mind you, but yes, "exfoliative".

After which, it might be worth looking into compounds to reseal them with, & that will add a few protective layers of some type of chemically bonding "wax", aka protective, semi-ablative, sacrificial agent.
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Old 29-10-2015, 07:10   #6
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Re: Can you restore old fenders?

Nothing to lose really. I will have to change them out if I can't get them looking respectable.

I also tried methylated spirits and surgical spirits. Both were ineffective. I think I will end up having to cough up the money for new ones.

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Old 29-10-2015, 07:34   #7
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Re: Can you restore old fenders?

There's an attachment made to fit into the chuck of a drill, which, for lack of a better expression, looks akin to a 5-6" diameter wheel made out of interlocked synthetic pubic hair.
They work well for stripping all kinds of things, & aren't necessarily hugely abrasive. Yet they'll even strip rust. But... that said, I'd say that they'd be gentle enough to try on your fenders.

It's either that, or sand paper (or a wire wheel, used gently).

And there's the Kamakazie method - MEK (try acetone first), that or Muriatic, or Hydrochloric acid.

Albeit there's a KISS option as well. Call the manufacturer & ask them. That, & or anyone with a good chemistry degree.

Plus, odds are they'd fetch something @ a swap meet.
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Old 29-10-2015, 08:00   #8
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Re: Can you restore old fenders?

Acetone will clean them fast but it will remove some of the plasticizers and might make them sticky. Use acetone as a last resort. If it makes them sticky, toss them.
Gojo hand cleaner is often recommended and I'm told it won't make them sticky.
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Old 29-10-2015, 08:09   #9
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Re: Can you restore old fenders?

make covers to protect em from sun.
i found mine are not being stolen as much now they look shoddy. love the lived in look....
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Old 29-10-2015, 10:26   #10
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Re: Can you restore old fenders?

Any auto parts store will have white wall tire cleaner. Works great for cleaning fenders. Only trouble is the darn things don't stay clean!


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Old 29-10-2015, 10:37   #11
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Re: Can you restore old fenders?

paint brush & roller cleaner

better and easier than acetone
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Old 29-10-2015, 10:53   #12
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Re: Can you restore old fenders?

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...rs-150773.html
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Old 29-10-2015, 10:57   #13
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Re: Can you restore old fenders?

There is a product called "Super Tuff" I use it a lot. Even if oit doesn't work 100 % it is great on a boat anyway.
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Old 29-10-2015, 14:41   #14
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Re: Can you restore old fenders?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tayana42 View Post
Any auto parts store will have white wall tire cleaner. Works great for cleaning fenders. Only trouble is the darn things don't stay clean!


S/V B'Shert

I looked into those cleaners, isopropyl alcohol.

I seem to recall reading something about cleaning them but can't quite remember where. The other choice, available in the states, is Mr Clean white erasers.


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Old 30-10-2015, 05:38   #15
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Re: Can you restore old fenders?

Star Brite and several other manufacturers produce special cleaning formulas just for vinyl fenders. Read and follow the instructions.
Inflatable Boat Cleaner
Higley Quality Marine Products

Taylor Made recommends using mineral spirits to clean your fenders. You can also use any vinyl cleaner, such as Armor All.
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