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Any suggestions for removing boot scuffs from system cases?

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2009 7:04 pm
by PA Rider
My black BMW system cases have several scuff marks left by my boot heels. I have tried removing the scuffs with ArmourAll but this does not seem to work. I would appreciate any suggestions.

Thank you.

Re: Any suggestions for removing boot scuffs from system cases?

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2009 7:07 pm
by OU812

Re: Any suggestions for removing boot scuffs from system cases?

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2009 9:45 pm
by pebmr
+1 on the Mothers Back to Black. Works well and lasts. It was also suggested to me by others here to use steel wool and WD-40 for the tougher scratches. It worked, but left a smooth shiny surface instead of the rougher original one. I probably won't do that again unless they're really bad.

Re: Any suggestions for removing boot scuffs from system cases?

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2009 6:14 am
by towerworker
Boot scuffs show character.

Re: Any suggestions for removing boot scuffs from system cases?

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2009 6:49 am
by OU812
towerworker wrote:Boot scuffs show character.
And I my short legs.

Re: Any suggestions for removing boot scuffs from system cases?

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2009 10:00 am
by Boxer
Ride more, and pretty soon you'll have so many boot scuffs, just a few won't bother you.

Seriously, I tried the Armor All and WD40 with one of those wire scrub pads to buff them out. Nothing seemed to work to make them like new. I've also tried that Back to Black, but once they start accumulating dust from a ride, the scuffs show back up again. Some folks have repainted the lids with some success, but you would need to prep the surface sufficiently..and that's just too much work. I never look at them when I'm riding and when I stop I have other things on my mind, so the scuffs just lost importance after a while.

Let us know if you find some quick and easy solution to this problem, and good luck.

Re: Any suggestions for removing boot scuffs from system cases?

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2009 7:38 pm
by Daryl_stamp
There are two acceptable methods;
1. Ride through a narrow gap in an earthen berm intended to restrict access to normal traffic; berm MUST be slightly narrower than bike and MUST be done on a rainy day; this will not only blend in the scuffs so as not to stand out, it will also coat them with apply a textured finish that will last through about one long ride in the rain.

2. Armor All & steel wool, as recommended by CycleRob. I can attest that it works very well.

Another take on this is the careful & studied observation of the Miss, Ms., Madams (or Mark, Marty, Matt, Mike if that's your preference) that think "I'd like to see the guy attached to the boots that made those marks."

Re: Any suggestions for removing boot scuffs from system cases?

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 3:38 pm
by dnat928
I tried various abrasive and lotion/potion combinations, but the scuffs always reappeared. Not just boot scuffs, but also other various scrapes and nicks. Eventually I repainted them - and the result was very good. It wasn't difficult nor much trouble. I did an overall wipedown, then an isopropyl alcohol wipe. A bit of masking tape over the red "unlatched" indicators then painted away. I used a matte black spray paint from Home Depot. The cases actually looked better than new - not realy shiny, but just a bit better than the originaly flat look - I was very pleased with the new look. Since the cases were already black, a very light coat worked best.

Re: Any suggestions for removing boot scuffs from system cases?

Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 9:30 am
by Biff's R
If you are catching it with your left foot. Start getting on the bike from the other side, and make matching boot scuffs.

Re: Any suggestions for removing boot scuffs from system cases?

Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 9:35 am
by frbank6
The ArmorAll and 0000 steel wool method does work, but requires patience. Rub with firm pressure for at least three or four minutes in a circular motion. Almost all of the scuffs on my cases have come off and have remained gone.

Re: Any suggestions for removing boot scuffs from system cases?

Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2009 7:18 pm
by fresco
Griffins or kiwi black liquid shoe polish works like a charm and look shiny and new every time.
If it works for your scuffed up shoes, you do polish your shoes :)