Refinishing plastic hood and side panels

[Redneck #1]

I bought a 1862. I would like to refinish the hood and side panels which are cream colored plastic or fiberglass. Any ideas what is the best approach to this? I thought about 0000 steel wool or maybe fine wet/dry sanding paper.

Or should I just get it clean and repaint it?

Thanks for any direction in this project.

[64fleetside]

I'd use a gray Scotchbrite pad, 3M #07448. Add some flexibilizer if you are spraying it.

EDIT-Sorry I thought you meant you were painting it. Still on first week w/o coffee...

[bugeye]

Unless your intent is to paint, sanding with steel wool will add scratches. I polished mine with Mcguire's PlastiX. This product is available at automotive stores like Advance Auto, Pep Boys, etc. It is a polish intended for plastic, like headlights. If you have a dual action buffer, DA, use a soft foam polishing pad. Careful not to heat the plastic too much. when polishing.

[yeeter]

I would try polishing first. On amazon you can find headlight polishing kits that work through a series of abrasive paste.

Then if you didnt like how it polished out, scuff it with 220 grit and paint.

[Mike McKown]

What follows is FREE! That's what it is worth so proceed at your own risk.

I have very limited experience shining this plastic after it's been weathered.

I do know that sanding it will put scratches on it. Almost like the plastic balls up.

I believe I would try as suggested above, the headlight polishing method first.

One thing I did try briefly and only on a sample piece, I sprayed non-chlorinated brake cleaner and quickly wiped it off before it dried. If left a dull and weathered surface slick and shiny. But, it will also streak if you can't do it evenly.

I haven't tried to paint the stuff yet.

Proceed at your own risk.