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Garage => Interiors & Exteriors => Topic started by: raueda1 on 20 April 2021, 11:14 AM

Title: Polishing rear tail light lenses
Post by: raueda1 on 20 April 2021, 11:14 AM
I recently got this 2-stage plastic polishing kit to restore the clear instrument panel lens. 
https://www.amazon.com/Novus-7100-Plastic-Polish-Kit/dp/B002UCYRZU/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=plastic+polish&qid=1618934854&sr=8-4 (https://www.amazon.com/Novus-7100-Plastic-Polish-Kit/dp/B002UCYRZU/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=plastic+polish&qid=1618934854&sr=8-4)

The lens wasn't bad at all, but the kit made it look absolutely new.  Same for the MB logo disk in the steering wheel.  In both cases there was a slight surface haze that wasn't even noticeable until it was gone.  surfaces are now mirror-reflective.  Now I wonder about doing the tail light lenses.  I wouldn't hesitate except that I know that some exterior plastic parts are coated (and with high levels of UV absorber).  I have no idea is old MB lenses are coated, but if they are then polishing is probably a bad idea.  Does anybody know for sure?  Thanks and cheers,
Title: Re: Polishing rear tail light lenses
Post by: carzilike on 15 June 2021, 08:39 PM
Hi, any before and after pics? I had a few bulbs out on my 280SE and when I pulled the cover off, I could see dirt inside the lens meaning the seals have gone bad... Changing the bulbs isnt helping and I even tried cleaning the contacts using vinegar and some light sanding
Title: Re: Polishing rear tail light lenses
Post by: Randys01 on 16 June 2021, 12:16 AM
Dave  I 've thought about polishing the rear lenses but have decided to replace with brand new$$$
That said I would have no hesitation in polishing them and any surface UV treatment they may or may not of ever had has long disappeared into the Ozone layer.
I reckon you will get a fair result bearing in mind they get very deeply scratched over 40 years of washing the sandy road grime off.
Title: Re: Polishing rear tail light lenses
Post by: raueda1 on 16 June 2021, 12:04 PM
I haven't done it yet, been preoccupied with other issues.  But now I certainly will!  They're actually in good shape overall, but why not make them sparkle and gleam?  Cheers,
Title: Re: Polishing rear tail light lenses
Post by: 90077merc on 02 October 2021, 08:13 PM
Has anyone found a good polisher to fit in a drill bit for this?
Title: Re: Polishing rear tail light lenses
Post by: 90077merc on 04 October 2021, 06:35 PM
Also what other polishes work on plastic in general. I have heard people use metal polish.
Title: Re: Polishing rear tail light lenses
Post by: rparker on 25 November 2021, 06:01 AM
Can certainly vouch for the Novus polish creams, managed to clean up the tail lenses of an otherwise solid but "Second-hand" looking pair of lenses to the point that when I brought them down to the paint shop, the owner and I had a minor discourse about it so I went down another day a few days later and polished one of his car's rear lenses, yes, one.

I think I got the point across

hehe...

Cheers.