Alexei Volkov
Power Wheels can be an expensive gift for children, with prices ranging from $300 and above. However, with some DIY skills and creativity, it is possible to refurbish old Power Wheels and save a significant amount of money. This process involves stripping down the toy car, cleaning and repairing the individual components, and then reassembling them with potential upgrades such as motion-sensing headlights. One of the key steps in restoring Power Wheels is rejuvenating the plastic body, which can be achieved using a heat gun to melt and smoothen the surface before repainting.
How to restore power Wheels Plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Clean the area or vehicle that you are intending to heat very well. Since you are melting plastic, anything left on the surface will become part of the plastic. This includes leftover adhesive. Bleaching, washing, drying, and then heating is the preferred method. |
| Step 2 | Make sure you haven't done any serious sanding on the plastic before heating it. If you want to remove the chalky texture, just heat it. If you sand it heavily first and then heat it, there will be small canyons in your finished product. |
| Step 3 | Some plastic is thinner/thicker than others, even on the same vehicle. The "Power Wheels" badges on the sides of the cars will melt faster than the chassis of a Jeep will. |
| Step 4 | Don't touch or rub the surface until it has had a minute or so to cool. Hot plastic is not fun to have on your fingertips. |
| Step 5 | Watch areas like fender wells. They are unsupported and if they get warm enough, they will warp inward or downward. |
| Step 6 | If you intend to do a whole vehicle, plan on painting it. While this method of prep has saved me loads of time sanding chalk from a vehicle, it only makes for a good painting surface. |
| Step 7 | When you use the heat gun, your objective is to heat the plastic until it starts to look like it's covered in liquid and then back off. Almost like if it was wet. With a 1500-watt heat gun, this will take about 2 seconds from about an inch away from the surface. |
| Step 8 | Lastly, if you are going to use it like I do for body prep in place of sanding, get a good heat gun. There is nothing good that can come from getting halfway through a project and then your unit crashes out on you. A decent quality gun will cost you between 20 and 40 dollars. |
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What You'll Learn
Clean the plastic with bleach, water and a scraper
To restore Power Wheels plastic, cleaning the plastic surface is crucial. Bleach, water, and a scraper can be used effectively to clean and prepare the plastic for further restoration. Here is a detailed guide to achieving optimal results:
Firstly, it is important to remove any old stickers or decals from the plastic surface. Utilize a scraper to carefully peel off these stickers, ensuring that you scrape as much of the adhesive residue as possible. This step is essential, as any remaining residue will become part of the plastic when it is heated during the restoration process.
Next, prepare a cleaning solution by mixing bleach and water. The exact ratio of bleach to water may vary depending on the severity of the dirt or mould on the plastic. For a gentle cleaning solution, a ratio of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water can be used. However, for more heavily soiled or mouldy surfaces, a stronger solution of equal parts bleach and water may be necessary. Always exercise caution when working with bleach, wearing protective gear such as gloves and eye protection.
After mixing the bleach and water solution, generously apply it to the plastic surface using a clean cloth or sponge. Ensure that you thoroughly wet the surface, allowing the solution to penetrate any dirt or mould buildup. Let the solution sit for a few minutes to ensure it has time to work effectively. For more stubborn areas of mould or discolouration, you can use the scraper to gently lift these areas while the solution is still wet.
Finally, thoroughly rinse the plastic surface with clean water to remove any remaining bleach solution. Ensure that all bleach residue is washed away, as it can irritate the skin and eyes. Once rinsed, carefully inspect the surface to ensure that all dirt, mould, and adhesive residue has been removed. If necessary, repeat the process until the plastic surface is completely clean. Remember to allow the surface to dry completely before proceeding with any further restoration steps, such as heating or painting.
By following these steps and using bleach, water, and a scraper, you can effectively clean and prepare Power Wheels plastic for restoration, ensuring a smooth and successful transformation.
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Use a heat gun to melt the plastic surface
To restore power wheels plastic using a heat gun, it is important to follow these steps to achieve a smooth finish safely and effectively.
Firstly, ensure the plastic surface is clean. Bleaching, washing, and drying the area are recommended steps to achieve a thorough clean. This step is crucial as any residue or adhesive left on the surface will become part of the plastic when it is melted.
Once the surface is prepared, it is important to be cautious when applying heat. Hold the heat gun between four and six inches away from the plastic surface. The objective is to heat the plastic until it appears glossy and wet, as though it is covered in liquid. This indicates that the surface pigment of the plastic has broken down, allowing the chemical bonds between the polymers to realign.
It is important to note that different plastics have varying thicknesses, even on the same vehicle. As such, some areas will melt faster than others, so be mindful of this to avoid overheating certain spots. For example, the "Power Wheels" badges on the sides of cars will melt faster than the chassis of a Jeep. Additionally, unsupported areas like fender wells may warp inward or downward if they get too warm, so be cautious when applying heat to these sections.
After heating, allow the plastic to cool for about a minute before touching or rubbing the surface. This will prevent any accidental burns.
Finally, if you intend to restore a whole vehicle, plan on painting it. While the heat gun method effectively removes chalk and creates a smooth surface, it may result in some "marbling" of the plastic, which can be unsightly if left unpainted.
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Avoid sanding the plastic before heating
When restoring power wheels plastic, it is important to avoid sanding the plastic before heating. While sanding can help remove deep scratches and create a smooth surface, it can also cause damage to the plastic if not done properly.
One of the main risks of sanding plastic is the potential for deep scratches that may be difficult to remove. If you use overly coarse sandpaper or skip grits, you can end up with deep scratches that require more work to fix. Skipping grit sizes or using an abrasive that is too aggressive can also lead to an uneven surface. Power sanders, in particular, can create hot spots that damage small pieces of plastic that cannot disperse the heat quickly enough.
Additionally, if you heavily sand plastic before heating it, you may end up with small canyons or uneven textures in your finished product. This is because the heat will cause the plastic to melt and flow, and any irregularities from sanding will be amplified.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to use a heat gun to restore power wheels plastic. By heating the plastic until it looks like it is covered in a liquid, you can achieve a smooth, polished surface without the need for extensive sanding. A heat gun can effectively replace the sanding step in your restoration process. However, if you do choose to sand, it is important to use the right type of sandpaper and grit size for plastic to avoid damage.
Overall, by avoiding serious sanding before heating and using a heat gun instead, you can achieve a smooth and professional finish on your power wheels restoration project.
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Reassemble the parts, adding new wires
When reassembling the parts, it is important to add new wires to the power wheels. The process involves stripping down the power wheels and cleaning the individual components. The motors, in particular, may require attention due to the buildup of dirt and grime. It is essential to have a good set of tools, including screwdrivers, drill, small drill bits, and a scraper, to effectively disassemble and clean the power wheels.
Once the parts are clean and dry, it's time to rebuild the harness with new wires. This involves creating a simple circuit by connecting the wires to the battery and motors. Specifically, connect pole #1 of the circuit switch to the battery, the battery negative terminal to motor #1 pole 1, motor #1 pole 2 to motor #2 pole 1, and finally, motor #2 pole 2 to switch pole #2. It is recommended to test the circuit on a table before permanently installing the wires to the motors.
Additionally, consider relocating the battery to the back under the seat to protect it from the elements and potential damage. The 18V battery used in this project provides more torque and speed to the motors compared to lower-voltage alternatives. Before installing the battery, ensure it is compatible with the motors by verifying the part number.
After the new wires have been connected and the battery installed, you can proceed to reassemble the majority of the power wheel. It is worth noting that certain parts, such as the wheels and headlights, may require additional modifications or upgrades to enhance the overall functionality and appearance of the power wheels.
Overall, by following these steps and paying attention to the details, you can successfully restore and upgrade power wheels, providing a fun and safe riding experience for children.
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Install headlights and rubber wheels
Installing headlights and rubber wheels on your Power Wheels vehicle can enhance its performance and make it safer to use in low-light conditions. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:
Installing Headlights
To install headlights on your Power Wheels vehicle, you'll need to purchase MR16 type LED bulbs, which are commonly available and suitable for headlights, fog lights, and taillights. You should also have a basic understanding of positive and negative terminals to connect the lights correctly.
Begin by removing the screw on the headlight lens to take off the cover and lens. Use a dremel to trim down the plastic T-shaped tab at the back of the lens. Drill a hole large enough for the LED light connector to fit through.
Next, wire the lights into the vehicle. Drill small holes for the power wires, running them under the seat and shifter cover plastics. Ensure you connect the wires with the correct polarities; otherwise, the LEDs won't light up. Test each light before finishing up and soldering or heat shrinking the connections.
Installing Rubber Wheels
Upgrading to rubber wheels can significantly improve traction, durability, and performance on various surfaces. When selecting rubber wheels, consider factors such as durability, compatibility, and your budget. Ensure the rubber wheels you choose are compatible with your Power Wheels model by checking the tire size and axle diameter.
Once you have the right rubber wheels, it's time to install them. Check that the wheels fit snugly on the axle and that they are properly aligned. Misalignment can lead to uneven wear and tear and affect the vehicle's handling. After installation, test the vehicle in a safe area to ensure the wheels are secure and functioning correctly.
You can also enhance traction by adding strips of rubber to the existing plastic wheels. This can be done by gluing or screwing rubber strips onto the fake plastic lugs of the wheels.
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Frequently asked questions
Use a heat gun to rejuvenate faded and oxidised plastics. Heat the plastic until it appears to be covered in liquid and then stop. This will make the plastic porous, allowing spray paint to stick easily.
Clean the area or vehicle you are intending to heat. Since you are melting plastic, anything left on the surface will become part of the plastic. This includes leftover adhesive, so make sure to remove any old stickers or decals.
Avoid heavy sanding before heating the plastic, as this will create small canyons in your finished product. Also, be careful not to overheat unsupported areas like fender wells, as they will warp inward or downward. Lastly, do not touch the surface until it has cooled down, as hot plastic can burn your fingertips.
