What type of paint for rear grab handle on 98GTX

[vogs77]

I need to paint the rear grab bar black again on my 98 GTX, I tried to heat gun it but that didn't work. Is there a type of paint that works better for the plastic grab handle that won't chip and will hold up?

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

might be best to replace it. i don't see paint holding up long.

 

[emspjay]

I need to paint the rear grab bar black again on my 98 GTX, I tried to heat gun it but that didn't work. Is there a type of paint that works better for the plastic grab handle that won't chip and will hold up?

I used rustoleum semi gloss black on the wife’s last year and is holding up good so far.

 

[vogs77]

Did you clear over top of paint?

I used rustoleum semi gloss black on the wife’s last year and is holding up good so far.

 

[emspjay]

Did you clear over top of paint?

Nope used the same paint on the handlebar cover also.

 

[nsoley]

hopping on this forum... see image... Any suggestions on cleaner? Or would I be better off painting it?

 

[fatblockabody]

Scrub it good and refresh it with a heat gun

 

[Lee.Harrison]

hopping on this forum... see image... Any suggestions on cleaner? Or would I be better off painting it?

Yours is rubber while the later models had plastic handles so Lai t won't stick to yours.

 

[etemplet]

hopping on this forum... see image... Any suggestions on cleaner? Or would I be better off painting it?

I had a teal green handle and it was turning to mush. I just bought a black one and it looked pretty good. I think black is the easiest to maintain. I've painted a few. Good Luck

 

[etemplet]

I've painted a few black grab handles with bumper trim paint or a dull black finish. I would never use a spray can type clear on anything. One problem you'll have is it will make the finish shiney which is what you do not want and then it will bubble up in a year or so and you'll be sanding.

I wonder if the heat gun trick will work on the grab handle. I did use it on the bumper trim for a 1998 GS Purple and it brought the color out nicely.

You can also try the trim conditioner products like Stoner's which you can buy at O'Reilly's Auto Supply but that stuff doesn't maintain the finish for very long. Whatever you do if you want it to look nice longer the ski needs to be covered. That sun does a lot of damage.

 

[fatblockabody]

I have done the heat gun on a gtx and spx grab handle. Works great. Trick is to keep it moving, it's almost like welding where you get into a feel for where you push the 'puddle', except it's the color.

 

[nsoley]

Brake Cleaner, Gas, Zippo Lighter fluid, Carb Cleaner…. Nothing would take the spots out. I ended up just sanding it down. Some before and after pics attached. I think it came out decent considering I wanted to keep the pink and original rubber grab handle.