polishing tail light lenses?
#2499558
05/23/18 04:59 PM
05/23/18 04:59 PM
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,188 imperial mo.
stickman
OP
super stock
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OP
super stock
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,188
imperial mo.
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Does anybody have any tips on polishing tail light lenses on a 70 challenger. I seen graveyard carz use some water acid mix. Not sure if I want to chance that. Thanks guys.
YOU CAN`T RUN WITH THE BIG DOGS IF YOU NEVER LEAVE THE PORCH.
EB5 70 U Code RT/SE Shaker Challenger
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Re: polishing tail light lenses?
[Re: stickman]
#2499670
05/23/18 08:55 PM
05/23/18 08:55 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,894 Benton, IL.
DaveRS23
Special needs idiot
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Special needs idiot
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,894
Benton, IL.
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I put them in the glass bead cabinet and lightly etch the entire surface, especially the corners.
Then I clear coat them. Spray bomb clear won't work, it takes clear from the gun. It will only take a couple of ounces, so the extra from most any paint job will be more than enough.
The clear will make the surface look shiny and new and it is harder and more scratch resistant than the plastic itself.
We also sand and clear coat the dull headlights in newer cars. Makes most look new again. And they stay that way, unlike polishing.
Master, again and still
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Re: polishing tail light lenses?
[Re: DaveRS23]
#2499835
05/24/18 03:15 AM
05/24/18 03:15 AM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,951 northwest USA
NANKET
master
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master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,951
northwest USA
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We also sand and clear coat the dull headlights in newer cars. Makes most look new again. And they stay that way, unlike polishing.
What grit do you use on the headlights? Thanks
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Re: polishing tail light lenses?
[Re: mopars4ever]
#2499851
05/24/18 07:26 AM
05/24/18 07:26 AM
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 4,651 Wichita
GY3
master
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master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 4,651
Wichita
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I have used mothers mag wheel polish on all my lenses. Even the speedo lens. Works great. I've done this as well.
'63 Dodge 330 11.19 @ 121 mph Pump gas, n/a, through the mufflers on street tires with 3.54's. 3,600 lbs. 10.01 @ 133mph with a 250 shot of nitrous an a splash of race gas. 1.36 60 ft. 3,700 lbs.
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Re: polishing tail light lenses?
[Re: NANKET]
#2499891
05/24/18 10:41 AM
05/24/18 10:41 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,894 Benton, IL.
DaveRS23
Special needs idiot
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Special needs idiot
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,894
Benton, IL.
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Depends on just how bad the surface is. 600 to 1000 typically. It's not real critical. Sand scratches don't usually show through.
But you do need to remove some material. The light's surface will be rough and the damaged plastic needs sanded off.
And have a heat gun or hair dryer handy. The lights are quick to "blush". But a little heat clears them right up.
Master, again and still
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Re: polishing tail light lenses?
[Re: stickman]
#2499967
05/24/18 01:38 PM
05/24/18 01:38 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 18,582 Rust Belt, SW PA
Silver70
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 18,582
Rust Belt, SW PA
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I use a cutting buffing compound, no need to sand first... the compound does that for you.
68 Road Runner, 69 Belvedere, 71 Challenger Vert 340 barracuda, 01 Ram CTD, 95 Ram, 04 Ram, 85 Daytona turbo Z 66 GTO, 06 Magnum RT AWD. 07 Ram CTD, 07 Ram
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Re: polishing tail light lenses?
[Re: GY3]
#2501262
05/28/18 10:59 AM
05/28/18 10:59 AM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 888 Oh
parksr5
super stock
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super stock
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 888
Oh
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I have used mothers mag wheel polish on all my lenses. Even the speedo lens. Works great. I've done this as well. So have I; with great success. Anything with light grit that can cut will work. I often use paint polishing compound for things like this too.
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Re: polishing tail light lenses?
[Re: stickman]
#2502100
05/30/18 03:04 AM
05/30/18 03:04 AM
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Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,134 Lost in Time
Iowan
super stock
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super stock
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,134
Lost in Time
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Why would you need to, but if that is a concern use clear lacquer. It is available in an aerosol.
Have a great day Iowan
"obsolete is neat"
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Re: polishing tail light lenses?
[Re: shawge]
#2502268
05/30/18 03:17 PM
05/30/18 03:17 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,704 MICHIGAN
DynoDave
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,704
MICHIGAN
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I used Plast-X by Meguires and a foam pad on a drill to polish my 70's lenses. Came out decent after about an hour's worth of work. This is what I've used on the instrument cluster lense. Took several treatments to achieve the effect I wanted, but I liked that it was mild.
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