How to restore the 4x4 Blue Front Hub lock knobs?

[Kennuck]

I worked in the plastic industry a few years back and we would "flame treat" stressed plastic to get rid of the white stress marks. This works for faded plastic as well. You pass the flame over the plastic quickly and the fade disappears. It works by melting a very thin top layer of plastic and restores the color. Don't let the flame stop on the surface or it will melt the part. Get an old piece of faded plastic and practice on it first. You will be amazed. You can also use a heat gun.

[tjsblazer]

Originally Posted by Kennuck

I worked in the plastic industry a few years back and we would "flame treat" stressed plastic to get rid of the white stress marks. This works for faded plastic as well. You pass the flame over the plastic quickly and the fade disappears. It works by melting a very thin top layer of plastic and restores the color. Don't let the flame stop on the surface or it will melt the part. Get an old piece of faded plastic and practice on it first. You will be amazed. You can also use a heat gun.

I never thought of this. I work in an Auto plant and many years ago we used to carry around bic lighters and would use them to fix whitening on plastic interior garnishes if they got stressed during install. I wonder if it would work on weather faded items. It is definitely an art form to be successful.

[Ironhorse]

subscribed to this. Knobs on my '71 4x4 1/2t are faded and washed out looking. Interesting thread.