Old Zebco 800, plastic oxidation, color changes
Old Zebco 800, plastic oxidation, color changes
Friends, I have an old near mint Zebco 800 from the early 1970's in my collection. The dark green plastic it's outer shell is made from develops an almost white, chalky looking film or aura. Is it oxidation? I can take an armor all cloth and wipe it down with it, and it shines like its brand new, but it doesn't last, and the chalky aura soon returns. Is there anything I can spray or wipe the plastic covers with to eliminate or forestall this film, appearance, from developing on this Zebco 800?
- john elder
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Re: Old Zebco 800, plastic oxidation, color changes
That is also a problem with many plastic lures. I used to wipe them down with WD-40, but I can’t guarantee how long it lasts. Gel-Gloss will also clean it off. But I fear any cleaning effort will be short-lived
ORCA member since 1999
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Specializing in saltwater reels...and fly reels...and oh, yeah, kentucky style reels.....and those tiny little RP reels.....oh, heck...i collect fishing reels!...and fly rods....and lures
Honorary Life Member
Specializing in saltwater reels...and fly reels...and oh, yeah, kentucky style reels.....and those tiny little RP reels.....oh, heck...i collect fishing reels!...and fly rods....and lures
Re: Old Zebco 800, plastic oxidation, color changes
Thanks john! I guess it's indicative of the plastic of the time. I'll try Reel Magic too.
- Midway Tommy D
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Re: Old Zebco 800, plastic oxidation, color changes
A lot of guys like the various Novus rubbing compounds. They take a lot of elbow grease, though.
I use a hard bristle tooth brush to remove the chalky film and then polish with Plastkolite Plastic Cleaner . After I have the chalkiness gone and original finish back I give it a thin/fine rubbed on coat of Flood Penetrol to keep the film from returning. I do it all the time on ABU plastic spools, handle knobs, etc. and they retain their original color and look great.
I use a hard bristle tooth brush to remove the chalky film and then polish with Plastkolite Plastic Cleaner . After I have the chalkiness gone and original finish back I give it a thin/fine rubbed on coat of Flood Penetrol to keep the film from returning. I do it all the time on ABU plastic spools, handle knobs, etc. and they retain their original color and look great.
Last edited by kyreels on Mon Jun 08, 2020 12:40 am, edited 2 times in total.
Reason: bad URL
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Love those Open Face Spinning Reels! (Especially ABU & ABU/Zebco)
Tom DeLong, NE
ORCA Member - 2027
Tom DeLong, NE
ORCA Member - 2027
Re: Old Zebco 800, plastic oxidation, color changes
Thanks Midway. You've got it down good! I'll check into those too.