nbenning Posted October 6, 2017 Share #1 Posted October 6, 2017 Hello! Any suggestions on what to use to clean years of paint over spray on my windshield washer reservoir without damaging the plastic? Thanks! Nick Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/58671-windshield-washer-reservoir/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
siteunseen Posted October 6, 2017 Share #2 Posted October 6, 2017 I'd start with a razor scraper and dry sanding with a 220 grit sanding sponge. Then clean it all up with mineral spirits and the sanding sponge. That's how I got it off fan blades. 3M makes a safe stripper I've seen at Lowe's, never used it though. Good luck. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/58671-windshield-washer-reservoir/#findComment-531795 Share on other sites More sharing options...
David F Posted October 6, 2017 Share #3 Posted October 6, 2017 Soda blasting? Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/58671-windshield-washer-reservoir/#findComment-531796 Share on other sites More sharing options...
zKars Posted October 6, 2017 Share #4 Posted October 6, 2017 (edited) Paint remover to remove paint. Even DOT3 brake fluid works well. Safe on the skin and leaves it with a silky feeling I find refreshing. Abrasives will scratch plastics. I remember some thread here about treating/bleaching the yellowing. Don't remember what was used, mostly that it was a bit of a process.... Edited October 6, 2017 by zKars Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/58671-windshield-washer-reservoir/#findComment-531802 Share on other sites More sharing options...
motorman7 Posted October 6, 2017 Share #5 Posted October 6, 2017 1 hour ago, zKars said: Even DOT3 brake fluid works well. Safe on the skin and leaves it with a silky feeling I find refreshing. That is an absolutely hilarious comment! Never heard brake fluid described in quite that fashion. Makes my want to go home and slather up my hands with it right now. 1 1 Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/58671-windshield-washer-reservoir/#findComment-531805 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zed Head Posted October 6, 2017 Share #6 Posted October 6, 2017 Test a small area with MEK or acetone. If it's a lacquer it might come right off. I think the tank is made of nylon (polyamide) which should be okay as long as you don't soak it in solvent. Found a nice reference chart, if you don't have either of those. Nylon 6 and 6/6 are similar. http://www.plasticsintl.com/plastics_chemical_resistence_chart.html 1 Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/58671-windshield-washer-reservoir/#findComment-531808 Share on other sites More sharing options...
esmit208 Posted October 6, 2017 Share #7 Posted October 6, 2017 Elbow grease and a Chore Girl! Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/58671-windshield-washer-reservoir/#findComment-531809 Share on other sites More sharing options...
nbenning Posted October 7, 2017 Author Share #8 Posted October 7, 2017 Hey Folks! Thanks for the various suggestions (and comic relief as well) I decided to do try the "Chore Girl" suggestion, though now my attention is to research that soda blasting method for other parts of the vehicle ... A small amount of scratching of the plastic was observed, but overall I'm pleased with the results. Equipped her with a new wiper motor and getting ready to install her tomorrow! Cheers! Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/58671-windshield-washer-reservoir/#findComment-531837 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Obvious Posted October 8, 2017 Share #9 Posted October 8, 2017 On 10/6/2017 at 10:55 AM, zKars said: DOT3 brake fluid works well. Safe on the skin and leaves it with a silky feeling I find refreshing. You're soaking in it. 1 Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/58671-windshield-washer-reservoir/#findComment-531893 Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmorales-bello Posted October 8, 2017 Share #10 Posted October 8, 2017 (edited) Nice job. Now spread some hair bleach paste all over it, wrap it in Saran wrap and set it out in the sun for a day or two and it'll be nice and white. Edited October 11, 2017 by dmorales-bello Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/58671-windshield-washer-reservoir/#findComment-531939 Share on other sites More sharing options...
nbenning Posted October 9, 2017 Author Share #11 Posted October 9, 2017 (edited) Sun Bleached reservoir? Hmm ... may have to try ... Thanks for the tip! Edited October 9, 2017 by nbenning typo Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/58671-windshield-washer-reservoir/#findComment-531967 Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmorales-bello Posted October 10, 2017 Share #12 Posted October 10, 2017 This is not the exact application but it covers the basic steps for bleaching plastic. You might find it helpful. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/58671-windshield-washer-reservoir/#findComment-532047 Share on other sites More sharing options...
motorman7
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