Restoring those white bottles used for windshield washer fluid and engine coola

[74 challenge]

I have the original windshield washer fluid bottle and the engine coolant resevoir for my 74 challenger, my question is how do you make those white plastic parts look white again?

anyone have any input? my engine bay looks odd without these pieces in them.

Thanks.

[anlauto]

Buy new ones

[blown motor]

There was a bottle for engine coolant?? I don't even have an overflow hose.

[74 challenge]

There was a bottle for engine coolant?? I don't even have an overflow hose.

There was on a 74 Challenger. I currently just run the hose down to the ground.

[dave73chally]

A lot of people paint them on newer cars when detailing the engine bay. You could try that

[blown motor]

I have a 74 also but it's not the original engine. What holds the tube in place going down the side of the rad? Can you post a pic please? I should put a hose on mine.

[74 challenge]

I have a 74 also but it's not the original engine. What holds the tube in place going down the side of the rad? Can you post a pic please? I should put a hose on mine.

I put in a 1973 Rad so any picture I have would be innacurate. Currently i have a zip tie holding it inplace but once the coolar resevoir is in it will not require any clips as the cap has a tube built in.

Let me see if i have a picture on my work computer.

[burdar]

The plastic has broken down on a molecular level.  That's why it has yellowed.  You will never get it looking new again.  You can try putting the pieces in boiling water.  I've heard that will bring back some of the plasticity.  It might even bring a little color back but don't expect miracles. 

[74 challenge]

The plastic has broken down on a molecular level.  That's why it has yellowed.  You will never get it looking new again.  You can try putting the pieces in boiling water.  I've heard that will bring back some of the plasticity.  It might even bring a little color back but don't expect miracles.

So far the internet has provided me with Hydrogen Peroxide, oxy-clean and UV light (sunlight). I might give this a whirl.

There has to be a way. Think of those one off prize winning show cars, it's not like they can just go replace yellowed pastic parts there has to be a way.

[dave73chally]

I have a 74 also but it's not the original engine. What holds the tube in place going down the side of the rad? Can you post a pic please? I should put a hose on mine.

 My 73 has 2 square holes in the side of the radiator. There are 2 clips that clip to the overflow hose and then clip into the side of the radiator.

[burdar]

Think of those one off prize winning show cars, it's not like they can just go replace yellowed pastic parts there has to be a way.

In this case yes, they replace them.  Cars of that level don't have a budget.  They will pay top dollar for NOS.  If NOS is not available, they have the choice of using a repro part and taking a deduction or using as nice of an original as possible.(and getting a deduction on appearance)

[74 challenge]

In this case yes, they replace them.  Cars of that level don't have a budget.  They will pay top dollar for NOS.  If NOS is not available, they have the choice of using a repro part and taking a deduction or using as nice of an original as possible.(and getting a deduction on appearance)

valid point, i was thinking more cars that are so rare that only 1 or 2 cars were ever made, like hand built detomaso's/ bugatti's and that they must restore the parts that are on it. It's not like i can head over to year one and pick up a sweet new detomaso coolant overflow bottle.

[burdar]

Definitely post your findings.  I'm interested to see what you are able to do.

[Bullitt-]

I'm thinking a good soak with a light acid such as Limeaway would be necessary to remove rust & mineral deposits before any bleach could be effective. 

[johns cuda shop]

 I saw a hemi cuda at the 1988 Mopar Nats lose points and first place because the washer fluid was blue instead of green (go figure)