waxing and paint clean up question

[Anonymous]

I am just wondering how I can keep my GS 700 looking good now that there looks to be a clear coating on my side panels pealing away from the paint, almost like a plastic coating or wax? These are the fiberglass side covers that I'm talking about. I'm wondering how or if this can be fixed since I would like to keep the bike in as original condition as possible. I also have several small scratches on the tank that I'm wondering if they can be buffed out or cleaned up somehow. Thanks for any thoughts on this.

[cloudbreakmd]

Unfortunately you could only remove the clearcoat that is peeling with some polish and elboe grease. This won't solve your problem but will clean the look up a bit. You probably need to just re-coat the panel with clearcoat.

[Billy Ricks]

The side panels are actually ABS or a similar material. The clear peels from the plastic decals that make up the graphics. You could lightly wetsand and recoat. Be careful sanding the decals. Once you cut through the surface the decals are white underneath.

[Anonymous]

Great, thanks Guys. Is there a clear coat that you would recommend to recover these areas?

[beby99]

If you don't have a spray gun and compressor etc. you could go
the cheap route and use VHT (high temp) clear coat in a spray can.
Can be found at auto parts store, Wal-mart. Suppose to be oil and
gas resistant.

[Anonymous]

Thanks very much, I'll try that.
Happy trails!
Eric

[Griffin]

The clear coat was peeling off the black decals on my GS700's side panels and tank as well. It was fine on the pearl painted parts, and the red decals however. I cleaned the black decals with alcohol, masked off the rest of the side panel(s) and tank, and repainted the black decals with dupli-color "clear" spray paint I got at Wal Mart. I put on four coats, lightly sanding between coats, and let it cure for a couple of weeks.

I then lightly hand-buffed the side covers with a rag and 3M rubbing compound, they look good as new. Unless you were looking for it, you'd never know it had been redone.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Griffin, I'll try that technique out. Seeing your picture on the post is great, I always love seeing our bikes out there.