2001 Silver C rehab/ how to ( or how not to) dye plastic grill parts

[Jim C in Denver]

I wouldn't worry about the black fading. Even if it does, just dye it again a few years from now. It has been a while since my kid was a lax stick dye-er -- can't recall if they did/did not use armor-all on their sticks to preserve the color.

But black is so simple/easy. Go bigger.

I think Rick should try something like this on his grill. I'd suggest spelling out WE ARE and then PENN STATE on the two ends caps using vinyl stick on letters.

Got That Nittany Lion Marble Dye Traditional. Wow

Just Wow. It just got all sorts of Surgical.

laxunation.wordpress.com

Any Domers on here?

 

[Ed P]

I can see it now people here pulling their turkey fryers out of the garage and using them for dye machines for their restores.

I would use extreme caution with the acetone around an open flame. I think an electric hot plate is your best bet.

 

[Bruce]

Ed is right.....Ask me how I know.

 

[Ed P]

How do you know, Bruce?

 

[Bruce]

I dumped some acetone in a bowl of nearly boiling water over an open flame.

 

[Ed P]

How big was the fireball? Or does it burn with an invisible flame, like alcohol?

 

[Jim C in Denver]

1. Skip the acetone. My kids never used that. Gallons of hot dye water was plenty of hazard by itself. But heat alone seemed to do the trick. Cook it long enough your stuff will come out jet black. I think the kids liked the liquid dye better than the powder.

2. Add the acetone to cool water before going near the flame.

 

[Ed P]

The vapor from the acetone (boiling point: 133F) around an open flame is a hazard.

 

[Bruce]

This:

 

[Ed P]

Bruce, if you do the durawood, could I convince you to first dye a single piece with a gray-colored dye to simulate the color as it left the factory? Or are you not a fan of the gray-colored durawood?

 

[Ed P]

This:

(I have a dash cam in my car and I analyze every near accident to make me a better driver)

In looking at this frame by frame, there was something that made you react when you added the acetone, which caused you to spill the acetone on the fire. What made you react?

EDIT: I think you were apprehensive because you knew what could happen with the acetone? Or did something else happen?

 

[Brian B Atlanta]

Holy crap Bruce did the wife witness that? Actually was she taking the video, I see it did not deter you just kept motoring along.

 

[Bruce]

(I have a dash cam in my car and I analyze every near accident to make me a better driver)

In looking at this frame by frame, there was something that made you react when you added the acetone, which caused you to spill the acetone on the fire. What made you react?

Holy crap Bruce did the wife witness that? Actually was she taking the video, I see it did not deter you just kept motoring along.

When I first started to add the stuff, it started to boil and splatter and that made me flinch.

No, the wife was not home. You guys really want to watch the whole video??

 

[Ed P]

You guys really want to watch the whole video??

If there is more to be learned, then yes!
Did that little voice in your head tell you this could be dangerous? Or no?

EDIT: Bruce, you dodged a bullet on that one.

 

[Bruce]

If there is more to be learned, then yes!
Did that little voice in your head tell you this could be dangerous? Or no?

Yes and Yes
Watch the video and listen to the narration.

 

[Bruce]

That being said, I am going out for some errands now. I plan on picking up some dye and acetone. I hope to do a gray grill lid handle and some test durawood slats. I will also do some knobs and an igniter switch....maybe a couple gray end handles as well. It will be done outside.
I will report back if I survive.

 

[Rick W]

I would use extreme caution with the acetone around an open flame. I think an electric hot plate is your best bet.

That is what I used, bought a cheap single element hot plate from walmart and used it outside.

 

[Rick W]

(I have a dash cam in my car and I analyze every near accident to make me a better driver)

In looking at this frame by frame, there was something that made you react when you added the acetone, which caused you to spill the acetone on the fire. What made you react?

EDIT: I think you were apprehensive because you knew what could happen with the acetone? Or did something else happen?

The boiling point of acetone is way lower than that of water, so when the acetone hits the water at that temp, it is instant boil off which creates that explosive effect.

 

[Rick W]

I wouldn't worry about the black fading. Even if it does, just dye it again a few years from now. It has been a while since my kid was a lax stick dye-er -- can't recall if they did/did not use armor-all on their sticks to preserve the color.

But black is so simple/easy. Go bigger.

I think Rick should try something like this on his grill. I'd suggest spelling out WE ARE and then PENN STATE on the two ends caps using vinyl stick on letters.

Got That Nittany Lion Marble Dye Traditional. Wow

Just Wow. It just got all sorts of Surgical.

laxunation.wordpress.com

Any Domers on here?

Jim.
I like the way you think. The letters would come out with the gray of the undyed plastic, which wouldn't be horrible I guess.
WE ARE...

 

[Rick W]

Here is the finished fully assembled product!

Black end caps look great and go well with the black frame.

restored wheels

the handle

my reward!!


Next up... 1997 Gen 2000 Blue lid got for $50