RE: DIY scratch/scuff repair.

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RE: DIY scratch/scuff repair.

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RE: DIY scratch/scuff repair. - 4/4/2008 12:50:30 PM

OsinO

Posts: 30
Joined: 4/2/2008
Status: offline

Blue,

What is your opinion on trying to take out scratches on a clear plastic headlight? I've got some scuff marks as well as a tiny piece of tar on one headlight that I would like to try and take out. I am not sure if the same idea would apply to clear plastic as it would to the clearcoat on paint...

(in reply to WoodyRR)

Post #: 16

RE: DIY scratch/scuff repair. - 4/4/2008 1:27:34 PM

bluej511

Posts: 852
Joined: 7/14/2007
Status: offline

You can wet sand a headlight as well but id try to find a plastic polish before id try it. I know you can buff a headlight with polish to clean it up a bit. Claybar it first make sure you use plenty or soapy water or spray wax to lube it up that will get rid of contaminants including tar then try to buff it with a polish or plastic polish. If its still crappy you can wet sand. Try it on a small area first.

(in reply to OsinO)

Post #: 17

RE: DIY scratch/scuff repair. - 4/9/2008 6:37:38 PM

OsinO

Posts: 30
Joined: 4/2/2008
Status: offline

Hey Blue,

Funny that you mention that, I just remembered that I had a plastic polishing "kit" for model cars from awhile back when I used to be into that thing. I've attached a picture of what the kit comes with, along with some fairly detailed instructions. Is it absolutely necessary I claybar the headlight before attempting to apply polish? I don't have one and they are quite expensive. I've also attached a picture of the scratch(s) on the headlight - let me konw if you think would be the best action based on the scratches.

Lastly you may be able to see the little spec of tar to the left of the scratch - ive tried picking at it with my nail and a credit card - it is on there REAL good and I am scared to take a razor to it.

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(in reply to bluej511)

Post #: 18

RE: DIY scratch/scuff repair. - 4/9/2008 6:46:28 PM

bluej511

Posts: 852
Joined: 7/14/2007
Status: offline

Well you can try to polish but the tar wont come off, a lay bar will remove it. its 20$ at any parts store.

Id say use the 2400grit then polish with the plastic polish. I should have people send me parts so i can fix em hahaha.

Those marks should come out after wet sanding then your gonna have a white film over the headlight and thats where the plastic polish comes in handy. Even a car polish will work but id try it in a small area. Car polishes tend to remove instead of hiding swirls.

Woody hows yours coming along?

(in reply to OsinO)

Post #: 19

RE: DIY scratch/scuff repair. - 4/9/2008 9:51:01 PM

benvaldi88

Posts: 257
Joined: 8/23/2006
Status: offline

Nice DIY post, well worth looking at

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(in reply to WoodyRR)

Post #: 20

RE: DIY scratch/scuff repair. - 4/10/2008 8:10:07 AM

OsinO

Posts: 30
Joined: 4/2/2008
Status: offline

Thanks for the advice blue, just two more quick follow up questions:

1.) Would you wet sand/polish just the affected area's or should I do the entire headlight? I'm worried that if I do just the areas affected by the time im done just those areas will look different from the rest of the headlight.
2.) If a claybar is the only way to get the tar off I will purchase one but I don't see how rubbing clay on a rock hard piece of tar will get it off - excuse my ignorance I just don't have any experiance with claybars.

My windshield has some scuffs/scratches on it so I think I will practice on it first with my kit. Perhaps I will take pictures as I go along and write up a DIY.

(in reply to benvaldi88)

Post #: 21

RE: DIY scratch/scuff repair. - 4/10/2008 8:55:52 AM

bluej511

Posts: 852
Joined: 7/14/2007
Status: offline

Haha yea i hear that all the time. Tar on cars sucks claybar takes a while but works flawless. Try it you'll be very surprised then ull do the whole car with it. After you clay it will feel like a babys ass. Try a small scratch first wet sand then buff it if u like it do the whole thing if it didnt work u didnt **** up the whole thing lol

(in reply to OsinO)

Post #: 22