controls restoration

[Surly]

I'd like to improve the look of some of my dash components and controls.

The gray, faded appearance of my brake lever clamp, starter switch and signal/headlight switch (well, the manual one from a 750) is not very becoming. I'd also like to clean up the handlebar clamp cover and gauge cover.

Ayn successful hints, tips, products?

[Hap Call]

I'd like to improve the look of some of my dash components and controls.

The gray, faded appearance of my brake lever clamp, starter switch and signal/headlight switch (well, the manual one from a 750) is not very becoming. I'd also like to clean up the handlebar clamp cover and gauge cover.

Ayn successful hints, tips, products?

For the switches, I suggest adapting the switches from a GSF1200 Bandit. I believe the handlebar diameter is the same as th early GS bikes, you'll have fresh contacts and it should be some simple wiring connections.

Hap

[nastyjones]

I agree with the choice of newer controls, & the Bandit ones are good ones. I just love the "feel" of these quality switches when you activate them. A big improvement over the older style.
If you want to keep your bike more stock looking, I would suggest simply painting them, even the plastic seems to come out fine.

Paul

[J_C]

What year bandit is that? Is that now? I'd never heard of adapting other controls... that might be pretty slick

[GSstiny]

If the plastic is just faded, you might want to try a potion called Mother's Back to Black. It takes a little patience to really work it in, but it works wonders.

[Jason Adam]

If the plastic is just faded, you might want to try a potion called Mother's Back to Black. It takes a little patience to really work it in, but it works wonders.

I was going to suggest the same. The stuff works great.

[Arion]

I'd like to improve the look of some of my dash components and controls.

The gray, faded appearance of my brake lever clamp, starter switch and signal/headlight switch (well, the manual one from a 750) is not very becoming. I'd also like to clean up the handlebar clamp cover and gauge cover.

Ayn successful hints, tips, products?

Similar to the Mothers Back to Black, I recommend using Forever Black. They sell it a lot for Jeep plastic and vinyl restoration. Being a Jeep owner as well let me tell you it wors great and its relitively inexpensive. Good for many applications. They sell it on Ebay all the time. Comes in a shoe polish style sponge applicator.

[Hap Call]

What year bandit is that? Is that now? I'd never heard of adapting other controls... that might be pretty slick

Pretty much any year Bandit 1200 (maybe even the 600). What you need to check is the diameter of the handle bar so that the switches will bolt on easily. The newer the switch generally the less contact wear, so try to get as new as possible.

Hap