Restoration

[korky]

I just picked up a RC10 Graphite that needs a little TLC. The parts are dyed yellow or maybe just caked on with nicotine. I was looking to either bleach them white or if that isn't an option dye them black. Anyone have any experience bleaching parts or should I just dye them black. Thanks for the help.

[metallicats33]

if they are dyed yellow, I don't know if this will work but I heard peroxide will clean dirty white parts up real nice. Bleach is a waste of time though.

[paul]

Yes, the peroxide will work if they are just yellowed, but if they are dyed it will probably only lighten them up to a pale yellow. The thread can be found here: http://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=14978&hilit=peroxide

[RedScampi]

Yep, for white parts that are yellowed from age use drug store hydrogen peroxide and set in the sun for a few days. If they're dyed just redye them.

[korky]

Thanks for the help. I'm pretty sure they were dyed so I guess I'm forced to dye them black. I will search for a thread on dying parts but if someone has any quick directions that would be great. Thanks again

[SteveK]

Dying parts is easy. Scrub the parts really well, get ALL the dirt and grease and stuff off of them, and then string dental floss of fishing line or something through them to keep them all together. Take an old pot, don't use it for food anymore, fill it with water and set it to boil. When the water is boiling, pour in a box of Rit dye, mix it up, then drop the parts in. Keep the end of the string out of the water. Black is the easiest color to dye, just leave them in until they are dark black. When they are dark enough for you, take them out and set them in a bowl of cold water, and then rinse them off really well. You still might have some residue on them, so rinse them again after they've dried.

Don't do this around any good clothes or towels or anything you don't want dyed, in case something spills. If you'll do it more than a few times a $15 hot plate from Walmart might be a good investment. Especially if it keeps the peace in the house.

[korky]

Sounds good. I will give it a shot. I just read somewhere that the hot water may warp some parts. Can it be done successfully in cold water? Thanks

[SteveK]

Plastic parts can warp, but Associated parts are all nylon so you're OK here. The parts will actually be more resilient after being dyed, because of the boiling. You can dye the shock towers too, but they take longer.

[korky]

I just noticed that the white shock parts were dyed, I guess I am okay to dye them too.

[paul]

I just noticed that the white shock parts were dyed, I guess I am okay to dye them too.

Shouldn't be a problem. I just did a set of these a few weeks ago with no issues.

[korky]

Great thanks for the help.