250R "Tank Polishing"

[Mr. Clean]

Which fender is the out of the package and which is Restored?? :wondering :lol:

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5708.jpg

Its the one on the left. With the cost of front fenders, I was hoping the process would work and it did :Bounce

[the great gazoo]

WOW! Super nice job. Looks like it would take a lot of time, but really worth the effort. Nice work

[hang&rattle]

I got a question. I've seen your handy work on the 250r tanks on .org. Did the major manufacturers all have the same composition of plastics for say, tanks and fenders? What I mean is, is the 250r gas tank made out of the same plastic as a Tecate tank? Have you refinished a Tecate tank before Mr. Clean? Just wondering if it'd some how work for the Team Green fellas.

[fabiodriven]

What I mean is, is the 250r gas tank made out of the same plastic as a Tecate tank? Have you refinished a Tecate tank before Mr. Clean? Just wondering if it'd some how work for the Team Green fellas.

It would work the same with a sun faded tank, but not with the Tecate browned tanks. The brown tanks are caused by the gas fumes seeping through the plastic. It is ingrained in them, through and through. No amount of polishing will make them better.

[RapidRick]

So where do/did you describe the tank process???

[trikenut3]

All I know is I saw his trikes at Imperial and he's incredible !!

[trikenut3]

right side is restored ...tweeked under the 250r decal

[Brockey]

You out done yourself. That sure is clean. Now if you could polish out the cracks and stitching on my oem fenders. Lol.

[trikenut3]

buzzkill . Didn't realize you answered your own question ...sorry

[Billy Golightly]

Holy Crap Mike! Awesome work!!!

[Billy Golightly]

Holy Crap Mike! Awesome work!!!

[hang&rattle]

It would work the same with a sun faded tank, but not with the Tecate browned tanks. The brown tanks are caused by the gas fumes seeping through the plastic. It is ingrained in them, through and through. No amount of polishing will make them better.

Oh, man, your bringing me down! Lol! Ya, I see my red tank and did a little sanding, easy, but I don't want red, shoot. Green sucks, absorbed the brown. Way to go fabiodriven, your depressing me, lol. Oh well, the tank skin works and can have stickers now too. Maybe my stock rear fenders will be more salvageable, IDK.

[Mr. Clean]

Good show.

[fire1]

very nice work

[liltony910]

What kind of sandpaper did you use?

[bkm]

What would you charge to do the tank on my '86? It doesn't have any oxidation or scratches but I would love to get that factory shine back.

[tri-Z ripper]

just do it yourself read the thread about wet sanding plastics. or you can use metal polish and alot of elbow grease and get it done if you don't have any scratches or deep groves it shouldn't take long!

[bkm]

If I wanted to do it myself I would have never of asked how much he would charge me. I would rather pay him to do it because his work looks second to none. My luck I'll just jack it up. When I get ready to redo my "R", I want it looking better than new and a Mr. Clean anything, will get the look I am after.

[KASEY]

you will spend a big chunk of change buying all you need to make them look like the "MR. CLEAN 250R TANK" and i am pretty sure you will never achieve the results!!! it takes alot of love for the 250r to do this and do it right,,,,,

[Brockey]

Yep, I tried his methods on my 86. Well I got rid of the white and some stains. Then I got bored of it. It shines more than before, but no where near nice. Mr Clean is the pro.

[Mr. Clean]

Thanks everybody for the positive feedback, it is greatly appreciated....Saw pics of bkm's tank it will look awesome when done...its will be nice to start with a clean one.


So I finish those 2 tanks up yesterday and end up acquiring four more for restore (all the ones on the concrete) They look good in the pics but all but one has oxidation and cracking............and my good buddy told me yesterday he has another one as well.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5722.jpg

[Kfx-xc-racer88]

I'm gonna have to do the fenders on my 84' tecate when i get it in a week or so, its a red one not green... have you done any??

[Mr. Clean]

I'm gonna have to do the fenders on my 84' tecate when i get it in a week or so, its a red one not green... have you done any??

I believe they can be done. The hard part about the rear fenders (250r never tried tecate) is the recessed part and getting the buffing pad in there and keeping the fender "rigid" while buffing and having it stay put. PM me when you get them and start the process I will be happy to answer your questions.

[Mr. Clean]

What kind of sandpaper did you use?

3M

Finished up 4 more tanks yesterday. The one with the gas cap is for Mr. Kasey.


http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5768.jpg


http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5770.jpg


http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5773.jpg

[Xowner]

AMAZING! I think you have a stash of nos tanks you just switch out the the pics! Lol im just kidding. Keep up the good work!

[Billy Golightly]

You've definitely got this down to a science Mike!

[250x]

MrClean, I have a set of fenders I would like you to do for a restoration. Front and rear 1982 honda 110. I will pm you with mny info so you can call me. your work is perfect.

[atc007]

Can't get enough of this awesomeness!! Very good work!!

[Kfx-xc-racer88]

superb work!!

[honda200x1987]

Did you use 3M machine polish for the final step? Looks like you have perfected it, Great job!!!

[Dammit!]

One message I want everyone to read loud and clear here...

NEVER RATTLE CAN YOUR DAMN TANKS TO MAKE THEM RED AGAIN YA MORONS! :lol:

Sorry but I've spent too many hours fixing those spray painted abortions using this same process. A crappy restore job is a hundred times better and a Mr. Clean restore job, well you can see for yourself.

[Mr. Clean]

My question is , do you think the mr. clean trick will work on an IMS or Clarke 4.0 desert tank ? I have one lined up for 50$ but it`s pretty faided on the sides ! If it won`t shine up like the oem tanks i don`t want it , how much would the mr. clean treatment cost + shipping ? Please tell me you don`t use bodily fluids on this process !!!

Send me some pics of the tank and I can give you an idea of cost. Never done any other ones but OEM but dont see why it would not work......

I dont use any bodily fluids refinishing plastic.....however upon receiving a Mr. Clean tank I cant promise there wont be some type of release of fluids from the recipient :lol:

[Cave Rider]

Very very nice !!!!! When you get a chance my machines could use some of your lovin touch..hahaha!!!

[j4duncanr]

ive seen like 3 post asking how much would mr clean charge.i too am curious for my short tank kit when i get around to rebuilding it.soo how much please?

[bkm]

In order for Mr. Clean to give you a price he needs to see what he is working with. The level of work and elbow grease he puts into these Tanks, Fenders, Bezels, ect., is all different depending on the starting condition. I just sent him my 350x headlight bezel and oem front fender to work his magic. I can tell you that what he is charging, I would not even think about attempting to do it myself.

[Mr. Clean]

In order for Mr. Clean to give you a price he needs to see what he is working with. :p

Spot on!! I cannot quote a price without pics.


Did you use 3M machine polish for the final step?

I use wax, lately I use eagle one nano wax because it comes with a micro fiber towel.

[Mr. Clean]

Tank on the right is 99% complete, tank of the left is in process and is ready for compound to be finished up tonight.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5779.jpg

[250x]

absolutely professional quality work.
Question though, after being restored, how will the graphics stay? if wax isused, it would make it prone to graphics falling off correct? or no?

[Mr. Clean]

Question though, after being restored, how will the graphics stay? if wax isused, it would make it prone to graphics falling off correct? or no?

Before applying the 250r or any vinyl decal the plastic surface should be prepped with the same process. I use a wax/grease remover and then a gentle soap/water solution to soak the vinyl decal, and plastic then apply......squeegee the soap/water and peel the mask leaving the decal.

[dcreel]

I just got my tank in the mail from Mike. It looks absolutely stunning to say the least. Thank you very much, you definitely get my vote for restorations from now on. The tank was definitely packaged for a drag down the street by the USPS too. Thanks for that too. The saddest thing about the pictures is that there is no sun out to show just how much this tank shines.. :Bounce

Needless to say I am packaging up another tank to send to you. Thanks again.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w182/dcreel/003-27.jpg
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w182/dcreel/002-32.jpg
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w182/dcreel/001-42.jpg

[Mr. Clean]

I just got my tank in the mail from Mike. It looks absolutely stunning to say the least. Thank you very much, you definitely get my vote for restorations from now on.

Thanks Doug, glad you are happy with the tank!!!!

Finished three more tanks, headlight garnish and front fender yesterday

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5905.jpg


http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5906.jpg

[bkm]

Do I spy with my little eye's a certain 350x headlight garnish:drool:

[Mr. Clean]

350x headlight garnish 350x fender

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5908.jpg

Tank #4

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5915.jpg

Tank #5

Unreal the oxidation.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5916.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5918.jpg

Step 1....Mr. Clean............

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5922.jpg

Step 2...........Wet sanding.........

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5926.jpg


Compound......and then some polish and wax.........tanks respond much better than fenders to this process.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5932.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5936.jpg


Pile of 250r parts finished this weekend.....stay tuned for the next installment...."How to Maintain your newly Polished 250r Tank"............

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5942.jpg

[bkm]

350x fender

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5908.jpg


I am absolutely giddy.

I have a pair of white 350x oem rear fenders that have zero cracks in them but have been painted. I was wondering if I could pick your brain about how to go about refinishing them when the time comes?

[Mr. Clean]

Edited your quote buddy.


the mr. clean trick will work on an IMS or Clarke 4.0 !!!

Looks pretty good, not quite like OEM......shipping from here to San Diego prolly run you 10-15 bucs each way depending upon how much the USPS lady digs "The most interesting triker in the world"

I remember a dune trip where my tent did some minor damage to your truck due to some high winds in Mother G......so with that in mind I owe you....Let me know if you got and want that BBW tank refinished.....

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5949.jpg

[Mr. Clean]

Got some of my worst tanks refinihsed.

:pics:

Tank #1

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5955.jpg

Tank #2 In process and polished

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5958.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5960.jpg

:drool:

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5961.jpg

Tank #3 In process and polished

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5964.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5969.jpg

:drool:

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5973.jpg

[Mr. Clean]

This is by far the worst tank I have ever started with. It was painted and dry cracked really bad, but still came Clean...

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5971.jpg

Lacquer thinner bath, as the pics progress it will show some time wet sanding with 320 then 600, then 1000, then 1500. Then compounded/polished and wax.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5976.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5978.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5979.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5980.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5985.jpg

Here are all four tanks.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5996.jpg

Here are the last two tanks curretly in inventory I have to finish. As you can see both have been painted :rolleyes: :wondering I have been soaking rags with lacquer thinner to remove the paint/primer whatever they used, hope to finish these up today.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5990.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5992.jpg

[atc007]

Can't say it too much,,,,DAMN nice work!!!!

[Mr. Clean]

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_5969.jpg

Always trying to improve the process. I now bolt the tank down by the lower mounts. This allows me to polish the plastic better around the top mounts and even "polish" the aluminum at the same time.

I did a break down of how much it costs Me to do a tank in material. I estimated it to be around $40.

This is for Lacquer thinner, various sandpaper grits, compound, polish, wax, and wear/tear on two foam pads. I did not factor in electricity and water but if this was a business it would have to be factored in overhead costs, so add another $10. How do I price my time, obviously the worse the tank the longer the process.

Anyone have a black tank they need polished? I would be interested to see how a black tank would do with this process!!!

[atc007]

Yeah,,touching that aluminum is HArd on pads! That's what's impressed me is you do the entire tank!

[KASEY]

i am the proud owner of a few MR.CLEAN tanks,,, you can't bolt them on anything thats not a full resto,,, they shine like diamonds!!!

here is a pict of MR.CLEAN TAKING ONE OF HIS TANKS FOR A RIDE!!

http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n592/KASEYII/DSC00035.jpg

[atc007]

Loving that super motard looking front end there!

[Dammit!]

The black tanks have a dull finish from the factory. Might gloss up but I'd be careful about it. Just a heads up. If you try one do the underside first.

[atc007]

My bet is he turns it into glass!!

[Mr. Clean]

The black tanks have a dull finish from the factory. Might gloss up but I'd be careful about it. Just a heads up. If you try one do the underside first.

HaHa!!! I was hoping you would chime in....You are the only one I know with a black tank who happens to be in the "off season" for riding.....wanna give your tank a try? :naughty: :D

[Dammit!]

Maybe. If it comes out like the red ones it will make the rest of my trike look bad though. :lol:

[Mr. Clean]

No way......white plastics also????? :cool:

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_6037.jpg

[Mr. Clean]

So ATC007 contacted me about doing a tank. BKM had one for sale and they promplty struck a deal and the tank arrived here about 3 weeks ago. I figured they must have conspired to get the worst tank possible to test Mr. Clean's skills :lol:

The tank came to me painted.....everything was painted.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_6077.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_6033.jpg

The paint/primer was so thick you can see a "chunk" of it on the rubber.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_6079.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_6081.jpg

You can see in the background my 30 year old Elvis cup....this tank made Elvis "All shook UP"

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_6076.jpg

These are post Lacquer thinner. I was really hoping that under the paint job the plastic was going to be in okay shape.....it was not...it was RUFF!!! NOTE the liquid motivation to get me thru this one.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_6084.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_6086.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_6091.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_6095.jpg

Its all about the Details, cleaned up rubbers and hardware.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_6097.jpg

250r tank complete.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_6093.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_6096.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_6098.jpg

[Itrike]

When dune season gets here (my off season) you can give my black tank a shot lol . So I see I've been doing the wet sand wrong....I was using Miller light not Bud haha

[dcreel]

Mike's work is second to none for sure..

[bkm]

Just trying to keep you sharp and on your toes.:lol: Don't worry I'll toss you a soft ball when it comes time to do my tank.:cool:


Hey Mike, any tips for keeping Mr. Clean parts nice and shiney after grubby little hands have been all over them?

[atc007]

Shame on Brian for sending you such a steaming heap!...... lol Sorry,,,I didn't know it was gonna test you! Thanx a million for your dilligence..

[atc007]

You don't buff the underneath do you?? It looks as good as the top!??

[Mr. Clean]

Just trying to keep you sharp and on your toes.:lol: Don't worry I'll toss you a soft ball when it comes time to do my tank.:cool:


Hey Mike, any tips for keeping Mr. Clean parts nice and shiney after grubby little hands have been all over them?

Send me your tank whenever your ready!!!!!

Buy some microfiber towels, terry cloth or otherwise will scratch the plastic. Generally when I am just cleaning up from say riding in the dunes I just take a little compound by hand and rub one direction, then polish rubbing in one direction followed by wax. It may not be necessary to use the compound depending upon what you are trying to Mr. Clean.



Shame on Brian for sending you such a steaming heap!...... lol Sorry,,,I didn't know it was gonna test you! Thanx a million for your dilligence..

You don't buff the underneath do you?? It looks as good as the top!??

LOL, 99% of these tanks are as you say steamin heaps!!!! Since I started doing these tanks I have had the luxury of starting with 3 tanks that were nice, all the rest were thrashed.

I just wipe the bottoms with lacquer thinner, since the bottom is not exposed it cleans up nice. I will wipe it down with the same rags that I finish the top so a little compound/polish/wax may end up being used, but far from the work it takes for the top side.

:pics:

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_6101.jpg

[Mr. Clean]

Couple more tanks. :cool:

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_6107.jpg

[bkm]

What type of compound and wax do you recomend?

[atc007]

Just keep on pulling the backdrops oughta the warehouse ; ) . Great stuff! Very classy..

[THE PETE-STA]

Got my "Mr Clean" restored tank in the mail today, Very very nice work Mike.... I highly recommend him if you plan on having him restore your tank.

Thanks Mike....

[atc007]

Santas bringing mine tomorrow : )

[lazybiker79]

Wow!! great work

[seadoo650]

Ok Mr. Clean. I did'nt have your email and I'm not really sure how to send pics in a p.m. So I'm gonna put my pics here for you to see and you can p.m. me a price with return shipping. Please feel free to use the pics for a before and after demo.

[Mr. Clean]

Please feel free to use the pics for a before and after demo.

Finished it up this weekend, will ship it today or tomorrow.

On the fixture

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_6200.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_6202.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_6210.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_6212.jpg

[Xpress]

How you do that I have no clue. :crazy:

[seadoo650]

Damn, can't see pics on work computer. I'm sure it looks just as good as the tanks though. Thanks Mike.

[oldskool83]

very nicely done.

[Mr. Clean]

Another three done.

One

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_6671.jpg

Two

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_6676.jpg


Three

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_6691.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_6692.jpg

[Mr. Clean]

Here is what I finished up this past weekend. Short track tanks.

Before:


http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_6978.jpg[/QUOTE]

After

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_7072.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_7073.jpg

Had another one show up last year.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_7074.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_7079.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_7080.jpg

[atc007]

This NEVER gets old!! What beautiful craftsmanship. Just stunning! Thanx again Mike !!

[BWard]

WOW, That is just ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. I need to see what my short track tank and shrouds look like.

[Mr. Clean]

Buster Browns short track tank, and someone please alert rustyhondas that the filler neck still needs some work and that I am not done yet. :lol:

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