old fender directional arrows

[Kevin Lynch]

I'm restoring a pair of old fender directionals I got for my 35 Chevy (fire truck). I took the light fixtures apart and found the amber (or orange actually) plastic is scuffed up in a lot of places. This plastic sits between two layers of metal. The metal is cut out like an arrow so the plastic can been seen. Any ideas on how to perhaps stain or put some color back into the plastic???
Thanks
Kevin

 

[John ED Renstrom]

with a little more work you most likly can get the metal out and the plastic is sandwiched between them. as its most likly in a poor place if you can't get it apart try to soak them in wd-40. it may help remove the oxidation and brighten up the plastic. that will help but once they have been sun bleached there is usually no getting them back. the wd-40 may help in removing then thought

 

[Adam Borkat]

I don't know what the piece is you're describing, but if it can be painted, you may be able to use Testors "Turn Signal Amber." It's a translucent amber enamel paint with a little metallic flake in it that model builders use for painting turn signals (they also make it in acrylic and lacquer). I used it in enamel building cars for many years and had good results on plastic kits. Just make sure the plastic you paint is free of any dirt, wax, or residue. I think if you could airbrush a smooth coat over it, it could bring back the color and a little gloss.