Removing Scratches From Tail Lights
#1
JRX Engineering Built FD
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Removing Scratches From Tail Lights
so i recently purchased some tail light from some one on the forums so that i can convert them to 99 spec tail lights. they said the tail lights were in MINT/GREAT condition. unfortunately when i recieved them there was a big *** scratch on the left tail light. SOo i've been searching around for a way to remove this BIG *** scratch(look at pics below). i've found on ebay a plasic polishing kit:
http://cgi.ebay.com/POLISHING-KIT-FO...QQcmdZViewItem
so my question is has anyone tried this on the forums or does anyone know of any other way to remove this scratch on my tail light OR am i just screwed with the scratch on my left tail light?? Any help will be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance
- jon jon
http://cgi.ebay.com/POLISHING-KIT-FO...QQcmdZViewItem
so my question is has anyone tried this on the forums or does anyone know of any other way to remove this scratch on my tail light OR am i just screwed with the scratch on my left tail light?? Any help will be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance
- jon jon
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I had a big scratch about 1inch long, I used 800 grit sand paper, that 1500 grit, after that I just buffed/polished it with a regular car polish compound, I don't remember the brand, but I can find it if you need it. It came out great, no scratches now.
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thanks for the input guys, keep em' coming...im gonna try to sand them w/ 800 grit then 1500 grit sand paper just like ghost-rider... once i do it i'll post some pics
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#10
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Meguiar's makes a really good plastic cleaner which removes scratches from clear plastic.I used it on mine, by hand, and it worked great.They make the polish also.Here is a link to it......http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars1017.html
#11
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meguiars is good. there are 2 versions, a retail type that is less abrasive and a professional type that requires a separate cleaner to finish it off.
i wouldn't recommend the sandpaper unless you have experience. even then i wouldn't use anything rougher than a 1000 grit and definitely finish with some 2000 and some plastic polish/cleaner.
i wouldn't recommend the sandpaper unless you have experience. even then i wouldn't use anything rougher than a 1000 grit and definitely finish with some 2000 and some plastic polish/cleaner.
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Originally Posted by sevensix
i wouldn't recommend the sandpaper unless you have experience. even then i wouldn't use anything rougher than a 1000 grit and definitely finish with some 2000 and some plastic polish/cleaner.
#14
You can make 'em like new, the bad news is that it takes some effort.
1st, don't buy that ebay kit... There is nothing in there special. You can get the same stuff at the same price at Home Depot. There are a number of common polishing compounds that you can purchase. The black is most course and not really needed unless there is some aggressive polishing to be done.
The red is next in fineness. The white is super fine and for final buffing. All this will be stated on the packaging.
Also at the hardware store or the autoparts store, you can buy wet sand paper. I have wet sanded my taillights to get the factory smoothness back. On the tops there will be scratches from taking things in and out of the trunk. This is a good place to start on the tailights. Use 1500 grit to start and then 2000 grit to finish. You get the paper wet and then carefully sand the plastic all over without being too aggressive at first.
After the scratches are sanded out, then polish with the white compound. It will removed any sanding marks and then you can clean with Windex to get the residue off. They will look 100% if you spend the time and go slowly.
1st, don't buy that ebay kit... There is nothing in there special. You can get the same stuff at the same price at Home Depot. There are a number of common polishing compounds that you can purchase. The black is most course and not really needed unless there is some aggressive polishing to be done.
The red is next in fineness. The white is super fine and for final buffing. All this will be stated on the packaging.
Also at the hardware store or the autoparts store, you can buy wet sand paper. I have wet sanded my taillights to get the factory smoothness back. On the tops there will be scratches from taking things in and out of the trunk. This is a good place to start on the tailights. Use 1500 grit to start and then 2000 grit to finish. You get the paper wet and then carefully sand the plastic all over without being too aggressive at first.
After the scratches are sanded out, then polish with the white compound. It will removed any sanding marks and then you can clean with Windex to get the residue off. They will look 100% if you spend the time and go slowly.
#15
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Originally Posted by sevensix
meguiars is good......
i wouldn't recommend the sandpaper unless you have experience. even then i wouldn't use anything rougher than a 1000 grit and definitely finish with some 2000 and some plastic polish/cleaner.
i wouldn't recommend the sandpaper unless you have experience. even then i wouldn't use anything rougher than a 1000 grit and definitely finish with some 2000 and some plastic polish/cleaner.
FWIW, I use a adjustable clamp to secure a variable-speed buffer upside down to my work bench. I found that I can control pressure easier by holding the part in my hand. I think the big enemy is heat with a plastic part. Obviously the higher the speed, use less pressure and vice versa. Use a clean pad, take your time and check it often.
Last edited by Sgtblue; 10-26-06 at 08:57 AM.
#17
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This product should work as well.
The Mother's Powerball (comes in two versions - one small, one big)
http://www.autogeek.net/mo5140.html
The Mother's Powerball (comes in two versions - one small, one big)
http://www.autogeek.net/mo5140.html
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Originally Posted by rx7goomba
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Originally Posted by i_am_jon
hmm...now im not sure which one to go for hahahah
Deep scratches/gouges will take effort to remove, whatever product you decide on using.