Restoring opaque washer fluid tank

[Robert G.]

Does bead blasting work to remove the discoloration?

Any suggestions on what does?

Thank you

[Joe L.]

Re: Restoring opaquewasher fluid tank

Does bead blasting work to remove the discoloration?

Any suggestions on what does?

Thank you

Robert-------


I don't think there is anything that will restore the washer reservoir to its original appearance. The discoloration is more than "skin deep". Even if you could remove the discoloration you'd never restore the reservoir to its original surface texture and appearance.

[Mark E.]

Re: Restoring opaquewasher fluid tank

If it's discolored from washer fluid on the inside, try white vinegar. I've used that to good effect on plastic drinking cups with build up. Stronger options are CLR and bleach.

To Joe's point, this probably won't restore it to its original look but may remove much of the build up and staining.

[Robert G.]

Re: Restoring opaquewasher fluid tank

Thank you Joe

[Robert G.]

Re: Restoring opaquewasher fluid tank

Thank you Mark

[Bill S.]

Re: Restoring opaquewasher fluid tank

Here is a 1 youtube video there are many others where old yellowed plastic tanks have been restored

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqCN7VHMtfQ&list=PLIqOtQu_UknXLo9eqC8HeW7vFQwB6AvrE&index=3

[Joe L.]

Re: Restoring opaquewasher fluid tank

Here is a 1 youtube video there are many others where old yellowed plastic tanks have been restored

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqCN...B6AvrE&index=3

Bill------


I'm a little surprised that the reservoirs can be so easily restored. However, for this to work the discoloration would have to be simply residue which accumulates on the exterior and interior of the part and not actual deterioration of the polyethylene or polypropylene plastic, itself. That sort of deterioration would be more than "skin deep" and, thus, not amenable to this type of restoration which is actually just a thorough cleaning. I suppose, though, that plastic components like radiator overflow/supply tanks and washer reservoirs are essentially shielded from the sun so are not subject to its deteriorating effects.

[Gary B.]

Re: Restoring opaquewasher fluid tank

Bill------


I'm a little surprised that the reservoirs can be so easily restored. However, for this to work the discoloration would have to be simply residue which accumulates on the exterior and interior of the part and not actual deterioration of the polyethylene or polypropylene plastic, itself. That sort of deterioration would be more than "skin deep" and, thus, not amenable to this type of restoration which is actually just a thorough cleaning. I suppose, though, that plastic components like radiator overflow/supply tanks and washer reservoirs are essentially shielded from the sun so are not subject to its deteriorating effects.

I agree with Joe. I’m skeptical of that YouTube video. If you read thru the video comments, you’ll see that others are skeptical of the truthfulness of the video. Some people say the old tank was switched for a new one. I would like to see the process repeated by someone we know and trust, say using an old Corvette reservoir. For skeptical views, read the replies after this comment on the video:

@patmx5
2 years ago
Looks like the cleaning process also turned the brass nipple inserts silver and raised the molded tank lettering, too. Impressive! /s

[Edward J.]

Re: Restoring opaquewasher fluid tank

Robert, I can tell you I put my 63 washer jug in the dishwasher years ago and it did a pretty good job by its self, I think some patina Is ok as judges like that. Is you show your you use to be able to at one point get a mid year NOS one at a reasonable price. Very little difference.I don’t like dealing with the acid as you have to dispose of it correctly and just dumping it will harm the environment.

[Michael B.]

Re: Restoring opaquewasher fluid tank

I tried this last year on a tank out of my 78 Monza. It doesn't work and the YouTube video is fake. I actually left it submerged for over a month. I tried it using ultraviolet light too. I also tried a solution of hair bleach and water, wrapped in plastic wrap and left in bright sunlight for days. Nothing worked to being back the whiteness.

[James G.]

Re: Restoring opaquewasher fluid tank

Try 30 or 40 volume PEROXIDE and a UV lamp. I have used the technique on white and light colored interior parts after seeing someone on youtube restoring light grey and white plastic toys from the 60's and 70's. Doesn't take much more than overnight, you will not believe the difference in removing the yellowing.

[Ronald L.]

Re: Restoring opaquewasher fluid tank

One catch - modern tanks are made of a different material, its going to be harder to remove yellowing from decomposition.

[Thomas N.]

Re: Restoring opaquewasher fluid tank

I've used hydrogen peroxide and water mix, and put rice inside of the tank to clean out sludge and some staining. The rice provides a little scrubbing action and agitation. Worked good for me to get rid of sludge inside and brightened it some. Not sure if it will work for all based on the level of staining or a change in the material itself, but might be worth a try.

[Patrick N.]

Re: Restoring opaquewasher fluid tank

"Try 30 or 40 volume PEROXIDE and a UV lamp".

I have done this technique on many old toys and even old instruction manuals - works very well! In the summer, I skip the UV lamp and just leave a tub with the mixture soak in the sun for an hour or so. As mentioned, I also have put some in a spray bottle and soaked old instructions. They whiten right up as well.

[Ron G.]

Re: Restoring opaquewasher fluid tank

Robert,

I have to agree with Joe. I have tried several different methods, and the only thing that helps marginally is dispersing the entire neck and container in straight bleach for several days. Even doing that you will not be able to bring back the original color.

- Ron