Cleaning up a headlight lens, questions

[12Horse Paladin 1,038]

mornin, Y'all.

If this isnt the right spot, please feel free to move; didnt kno where exactly to post this...

Any ideas as to what i could use/do to clean up this headlight lens; maybe fixup the black border...? Its cloudy, as you can see. Ill use it as is, but if i could make it look a lil better n cleanup the clear parts, id like to.

Also, where can you get the screws to mount it? PO used phillips screws, n i kno that's not right...

I hope everyone has a good day, n thanks😊

[AMC RULES 37,211]

[12Horse Paladin 1,038]

2 minutes ago, AMC RULES said:

Lol!

Ok, ty!😁

...i was gonna try that lastnight, but read on the container not to use on plastic, so wasnt sure.

Now, ill give it a shot.

[AMC RULES 37,211]

Nonsense, you'll have no problems. Polish that sucker up.  Used without any issues on everything you see pictured here.

 

Edited July 24, 2020 by AMC RULES

[Pollack Pete 2,273]

I use plastic polish.Can't recall the brand right now,it's out in my shop.Will look later.I also use polish made for pinball machine plastics.Product called Novus.Has 3  different grits.1 for light scratches.2 for medium scratches.3 for heavy scratches.This stuff works really well.

[peter lena 9,311]

12 horsepalidin, i use MEGUIRES PLASTIC X , MADE FOR FADED HEADLIGHT LENSES , https://www.walmart.com/ip/Meguiar-s-G12310-PlastX-Clear-Plastic-Cleaner-Polish-10-oz/16550253?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=2200&&adid=22222222227010027956&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=40838625392&wl4=pla-78651900512&wl5=9003292&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=16550253&veh=sem&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI74G4nI7m6gIV7wiICR0cAwsJEAQYASABEgIwDvD_BwE not only does it really clean up a lens , do it a couple of times , but it will make plastic squeaky clean , used it on all my car lights , look like new, pete

[12Horse Paladin 1,038]

15 minutes ago, AMC RULES said:

Nonsense, you'll have no problems. Polish that sucker up.  Used without any issues on everything you see pictured here.

 

Is that just a regular headlight bucket?

Excellent!

Its what i have here, so thatll get done, too!

Thanks👍🏼

[12Horse Paladin 1,038]

Thanks, every1, for the info n ideas!😊

[AMC RULES 37,211]

Post up a pict of your handiwork here when you're done.

[12Horse Paladin 1,038]

14 minutes ago, AMC RULES said:

Post up a pict of your handiwork here when you're done.

Ok; i will.

I dunno if im gonna remove my headlight bucket yet, tho, as im not too keen bout the process. Kno i can drill out the rivets, but not sure what i need to put it all back, as ive never worked with those. May just try to get what i can reach, there.

But i will.I will 😊

Ty, again

[Lee1977 7,224]

13 minutes ago, 12Horse Paladin said:

Ok; i will.

I dunno if im gonna remove my headlight bucket yet, tho, as im not too keen bout the process. Kno i can drill out the rivets, but not sure what i need to put it all back, as ive never worked with those. May just try to get what i can reach, there.

But i will.I will 😊

Ty, again

As well as I can remember the head light bucket is pop-rivited in,  I have used tooth paste to polish wrist watch cristels .  Might want to try it on the bottom edge first to see how it does.

[bc.gold 3,406]

Polishing Polycarbonate

 

Polycarbonate is the most commonly polished transparent plastic. It is second only to acrylic in clarity. Polycarbonate is readily polished via vapor polishing and is typically the method of choice for most applications.

Vapor polishing is a method which utilizes a solvent vapor to flow the surface of the component. The method can produce a polished surface on both exterior and interior features. Machined surface finish quality and cleanliness are important for success. We are happy to vapor polish customer’s machined plastic parts however for best results the machining and polishing should be done by Connecticut Plastics.

 

Polycarbonate can also be buffed. Buffing is mostly used on exterior surfaces in larger components. Buffing utilizes a spinning cotton wheel with cutting compound. Being a mechanical process, the wheel leaves microscopic scratches and generally is not as clear as vapor polishing.

 

The last approach, direct machine plastic polishing utilizes specialty tooling to produce polished finishes directly from a machine tool. Our most technical method, when combined with vapor polishing, the process can produce near flawless finishes.

 

Polycarbonate is a stress sensitive material. While polycarbonate has great impact resistance, such things as simply over tightening screws can cause stress cracking or crazing. For the most stable, stress free component always specify an annealing cycle after machining. Vapor polishing always requires an annealing cycle afterwards otherwise stress cracking will occur in service.

[pfrederi 18,714]

When you put the lens back on get 4 tiny o rings that will fit around the screws and fit into the well on the lens.  helps cushion and prevent cracking...

 

 

[bc.gold 3,406]

Vapour polishing ABS.

 

1. Wet sand your headlight smooth using 100-600 grid (240 in this case)

2. Wash and let dry to a haze

3. Use 10-30cc acetone in the kit per headlight

4. Slowly start vaping from bottom to top. Try to cover all area. No need to repeat.

5. Let it sit for 10 mins before touching or reinstall

6. Avoid rain or carwash for 1-2 days

 

 

Edited July 24, 2020 by bcgold

[roadapples 6,983]

These lenses are not that hard to make out of a piece of plexiglass. If we only knew someone to make a decal, hint hint. @Vinylguy don't know if there would be enough demand to make it worthwhile..

 

 

 

 

[oldredrider 2,553]

50 minutes ago, roadapples said:

These lenses are not that hard to make out of a piece of plexiglass. 

 

 

 

 

With the covid mess, have you priced plexiglass lately? 

[roadapples 6,983]

10 minutes ago, oldredrider said:

With the covid mess, have you priced plexiglass lately? 

Hadn't thought of that. I have some lying around from other projects...

 

 

[oldredrider 2,553]

Soooo... now you're instantly rich my BEST friend!!!!

[roadapples 6,983]

2 minutes ago, oldredrider said:

Soooo... now you're instantly rich my BEST friend!!!!

Made my day Buddy...

 

[oldredrider 2,553]

Love you man!!!

[AMC RULES 37,211]

 Oh, my!  

[roadapples 6,983]

3 hours ago, AMC RULES said:

 Oh, my!  

Smart A$$

[AMC RULES 37,211]

 Miss you too buddy!  

[squonk 43,943]

If you need pexi-glass. Just go to your nearby Lowe's or Home Cheapo and pork one from one of the many empty checkouts.