AMC RULES 36,945 #1 Posted May 16, 2015 (edited) ...thought I'd sneak up on the clean up with a little test patch first, to see if my idea would work. Started on the lip that slides into the frame, progressed to a corner... then I did the logo in the center, and finally the whole lens. I'm thinking I hit a home run with the first product I tried(pictured)... first shot shows the before and after. Edited May 16, 2015 by AMC RULES 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,040 #2 Posted May 16, 2015 You ruined it Craig ! You know I like them dirty.... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,945 #3 Posted May 16, 2015 Ok, I'll leave the side you buy dirty. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dclarke 4,011 #4 Posted May 16, 2015 Looks good, Craig!.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
neil 2,398 #5 Posted May 16, 2015 Very nice Craig, what's the secret on cleaning up the aluminium, Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 19,552 #6 Posted May 16, 2015 WOW! That came out great! Mike... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Digger 66 3,476 #7 Posted May 16, 2015 WOW! That came out great! Mike... X-2 ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,945 #8 Posted May 16, 2015 Very nice Craig, what's the secret on cleaning up the aluminium, You gotta try some Mothers Neil... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,945 #9 Posted May 16, 2015 WOW! That came out great! Mike... I thought so too Mike...especially considering I haven't even cleaned the back side/inside of it yet. Sides were pretty dry and crusty over all. am feeling much better about my purchase now. Think I'll finish it up with a good polish and buffing with some 3M plastic polish...then attack the frame work. Wonder if I should even try to get the old electronics back up and running, or just replace/convert it over with new electronics inside? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 38,936 #10 Posted May 16, 2015 Quality time in the basement! Put some 12 volt LED lights in there and mount it in that nice yard cart you have. Bring it to the show and tow it around at the cruise! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,945 #11 Posted May 16, 2015 Yeah...then what happens when someone... while not paying attention, runs into the back of your cart? That scenario just ain't going to end well. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Digger 66 3,476 #12 Posted May 16, 2015 Put some 12 volt LED lights in there and mount it in that nice yard cart you have. Bring it to the show and tow it around at the cruise! And don't forget the pics ^^^^^^^^^^^ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 38,936 #13 Posted May 16, 2015 Put some LED flashers on the tail gate. If they don't see all that stuff lit up they should be "Horse " whipped! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baerpath 517 #14 Posted May 16, 2015 That's cleaning up good. I'll have to try that 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
varosd 1,185 #15 Posted May 16, 2015 Craig, looks fantastic! I see a open bottle of Brake fluid?!?! That's what you used to clean the plastic? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JimD 3,345 #16 Posted May 17, 2015 Craig, it looks great. You recommended Mother's for the aluminum but what did you use on the plastic. Very nice outcome indeed! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C-101plowerpower 1,605 #17 Posted May 17, 2015 Craig, it looks great. You recommended Mother's for the aluminum but what did you use on the plastic. Very nice outcome indeed! looks like DOT 3 brake fluid and an rag 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 10,281 #18 Posted May 17, 2015 Brake fluid on plastic? I never would have thought about trying that. It sure did turn out great. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 38,936 #19 Posted May 17, 2015 Use whatever is handy by the furnace! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,945 #20 Posted May 17, 2015 Yes guys, the brake fluid did work really well... personally, I wouldn't leave it on there long term though. Believe it or not Mike, the furnace here is finally OFF for the summer season. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Factory Dog 44 #21 Posted May 17, 2015 Looks really sharp Craig, I look forward to seeing it lit up!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,945 #22 Posted May 17, 2015 (edited) So today, I decided to tackle the second side...difference being I did it outside this time. Everything was the same, started off using up the last of the old bottle of fluid I used on the first side. This was an old bottle I had opened some time in the past, probably a couple years old, at least...and lasted just long enough to do maybe half of the second side.At this point, out comes fresh, new, unopened bottle to finish it up.Not noticing any difference in the process except maybe a little bit more resistance while wiping down the side, before turning the cloth.Finished it off with a cold water bath with some dish soap...immediately noticed a slight bit of clouding/hazing, while rinsing. Nothing major yet. Once I set the sign up next to the shed, the hazing really took off.I'm thinking that doing this outside, even though I was in the shaded back yard, was 85 degrees here today, and probably the new bottle contributed too. Was ultimately able to save it from a total disaster though(broke out the trusty ol' can of Mothers again)...did some intense polishing by hand. I was fighting the urge to use a buffer on it....decided to just take my time, and do it by hand while supporting the back side of the small area I was working on with my other hand. Very happy with the final outcome now...though a little more stressful, and a tad more labor intensive then the first side. Thought it would be remiss of me not to share this experience with the forum...as my method my not be advisable for the faint of heart. I've included some close ups to show the intensity of the hazing, a few of the picts include both areas, before and after the polishing process. Finally, a few close ups to show the power of Mothers to pull off the save, and ultimately restore a brilliant, reflective shine. Edited May 17, 2015 by AMC RULES 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
varosd 1,185 #23 Posted May 17, 2015 "I was fighting the urge to use a buffer on it"I first misread this as "I was fighting the urge to use butter on it"I guess brake fluid to clean plastic.. hey! why not try butter to get the haze off! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,945 #24 Posted May 17, 2015 (edited) Well, considering this one was the worst one of the two sides Don... even with fighting the unexpected hassle with the hazing...over all, I'd say my brake fluid experiment did a pretty good job. Edited May 17, 2015 by AMC RULES 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Factory Dog 44 #25 Posted May 17, 2015 We even got to see it lit up already, thanks! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
