So not really been doing much with the project, just waiting to get the bike back from the powder coaters, and trying to find the last few remaining parts I currently know I need. So on that subject I've got myself a replacement mudguard.
The original was cracked from the weight of the D-Lock that was hung from it and the replacement I found turned out not to be as undamaged as I first thought. Reed Pete (from the TZR forum) was going to sort me one from a FZR400 as its basically the same but without indicator mounting holes, but then howARD (from the TZR forum) was selling one so thats what arrived the other week.
It was in good condition, just needed a bit of a clean up. So after reading an article in Practical Sportsbikes about tidying up black plastic I thought I'd give it a go. Started by washing it using some Muc Off, followed by a wipe over to remove the remaining grease and dirt with cellulose thinners. Then the dangerous part, application of the heat gun.
The idea of the heat gun is to gently melt the plastic bringing the oils and brightness back to the surface. The risk is if you go too far and burn through the plastic or distort it. Just with this approach the plastic was freshened up a bit but not by a huge amount. So I then rubbed a little black trim restorer in and then reapplied some heat.
I'm pleased with the results though comparing side by side with the original in a photo the difference isn't that pronounced, I think more heat might help, but don't want to risk it.
Also repeated the process on the undertray which look amazing compared to the dirty and gunk covered streak of plastic that I removed from the bike months ago. Next the clocks...