[net.cycle] perserving bike/car finish

rusty (01/27/83)

i have just bought a new motorcycle. it is probably normal for someone
that has a new motorcycle or car to want to keep it looking ``like
new'' for as long as possible. one problem i have that i find very
agravating in this regard is when filling the gas tank of my bike: i
sometimes get some gas on the outside of the tank which damages the
shine and seems to do a slight amount of damage to the paint even if
you instantly wipe it off; if you look very closely you can see where
the gas was. waxing it afterwards doesn't get rid of these (almost
invisible) spots. does anybody have any recommendations on either how
to prevent this problem (aside from being even more careful than i am
when putting gas in it) or how to rectify the damage?

2nd question. i would also like to keep the vinyl, rubber and plastic
parts in good condition for as long as possible. i am considering using
Armor All. as i remember it, it consists of a long molecule that twines
itself around the plastic molecules and so strengthens them. does anybody
know if this stuff really works? or is there anything better?

(if you are reading this via net.auto please reply by mail; i don't
subscribe to that newgroup.)

gordon (01/31/83)

#R:sdcarl:-425700:uiucdcs:8800006:000:304
uiucdcs!gordon    Jan 31 08:35:00 1983

In response to question 1) I always carry a small towel with me
(in my fairing) and wrap it around the nozzle as I pull it out of
the tank, catching the last few drops of gas on the towel.

In response to question 2) my experience with Armor-all has been
good. If used regularly it seems to do the job.