So on ebay I found the upper panels, lower panels, lowered shock set, everything I want to have done to my helix; with the exception of the dual headlight kit Hurricane makes and webike japan sells. I have an '86 Helix with the soft gray plastic that is not able to be painted. I'd like a set of black inner panels. Where do you find them? I'm going to do this a little bit at a time since I cannot afford the whole shee-bang at once.

I saw some on inner panels on eBay. Although I don't think I saw black ones.

they are all black yours are just faded.... go to the auto parts store and look in the motors cleaning products section and find back to black, it is for bumper trim. it will work on your "gray" plastics. it will bring the black back to them. they turn gray because from the heat the oil gets cooked out of them .

I think I've heard of people using something called "forever black" or something like that.

Another option for these type plastics is:




I've used this on several plastics and it offers a more permenant solution instead of "reoiling" up the plastic


http://www.sem.ws/

Thanks guys, I have been off line for a while. No internet, plus a stripped out oil drain bolt; has left me in a funk. I'll pick up a can of this plastic paint. Sure is cheaper than having to buy new panels. I hope this paint works. My '87 had those soft grey panels that look crappy compared with the nice black ones I've seen on newer Heli.

I think you can buy that paint online, else you'll have to go to a body shop supply place.
And like any paint project, surface prep is the key. Mostly just clean and degrease it, maybe scuff it a bit with a mild scotchbrite

Man, my lower panels are just crumbling Every time I touch them they crack more.

You CAN and SHOULD paint the panels with Krylon Fusion for Plastic. Works great if you want to change the color of the panels.
http://www.krylon.com/products/fusion_for_plastic/

Used this to paint the panels on my Helix. Color I used is RIVER ROCK!
It does chip though unless you are careful, but then touch up is easy. Sand , mask and spray.

Ha!!! Found more details about your helix e3overt. Nice to know you got such good results with rattle can paint.

I used a metal wire brush, 1600 sand paper and armor all to get mine back to a darker grey.

Im a pro with the rattle can! However, lots of the finished look and texture is a result of taking the time to prep the panels properly. Krylon Fusion for Plastics is offered in lots of colors and works pretty well as a one stage option for painting panels.

It saves one from shooting the panels with an adhesion promoter first so that whatever top coat is used "sticks" to the panels.

The only thing I dont like is the fact that the Krylon Fusion paint stays soft because it has to be pliable for plastic. It leads to alot of small nicks that standard automotive grade paint would never produce. Krylon claims it is chip resistant after 7 days ,but thats :bull:

With all of the colors offered it makes it pretty easy to do some great panel makeovers.

That picture I took above really shows off the panels , but more than that it really makes the Walnut Burl floor boards "pop"

Nice!