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cleaning old windshield? FINALLY POSTED AFTER PICS!!!

Discussion in 'Hangout Lounge' started by prince_albert3, Jan 14, 2012.

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  1. prince_albert3

    prince_albert3 Member

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    My latest craigslist score was a pair of old windshields. The one that I am least interested is said to be off of an old Vespa.

    The one that drew me to the post is an old National Cycle Plexifairing. After reviewing their site, it mostly resembles the GT model.

    Anyhow, it has some signs of use like a few scuffs, some tape residue, light scratches, and a little clouding. I want to clean it up a bit... Of course I did my research online but I figured someone here would have some tips for me. Lets hear 'em?
     
    prince_albert3, Jan 14, 2012
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  2. devo1

    devo1 Member

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    Re: cleaning up an old windshield?

    A headlight restorer kit. My windshield was in really bad shape and I used RainX headlight restorer. It's not perfect but a heck of lot better.
     
    devo1, Jan 14, 2012
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  3. tskaz

    tskaz Active Member

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    Re: cleaning up an old windshield?

    Rain-X, Black Magic, Powerball, Meguiar's, 3M, all make headlight restoration kits.

    You will need:
    Restoration kit
    Drill
    Patience

    Make sure the kit you buy has the buffer for the drill, as well as the liquid polish/rubbing compound.

    Follow their directions for use.

    It won't get out deep scuff marks, but will take care of light scratches and the yellowing.
     
    tskaz, Jan 14, 2012
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  4. TIMEtoRIDE

    TIMEtoRIDE Active Member

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    Re: cleaning up an old windshield?

    I just cleaned 5 windshields as practice before working on a "tall" FJR windshield that I just bought.
    I cleaned/polished a ZZR1200, '81 Honda Goldwing, and 3 Venture Royale shields.
    First, clean with dish detergent and cotton cloth.
    Work on scratches by laying thin tape on the inside, so you can see where the scratch was, then wet-sanding the scratch with 1000 - 1500 grit.
    I then used Turtle Wax polishing compound and a damp cotton cloth, and a whole lot of elbow grease and made huge improvements, but didn't get the final finish I wanted. There are other products that go finer, and I will be using some kind of buffer to continue.
     
    TIMEtoRIDE, Jan 14, 2012
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  5. mtnbikecrazy55

    mtnbikecrazy55 Active Member

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    Re: cleaning up an old windshield?

    I personally like the 3m headlight restorer the best
     
    mtnbikecrazy55, Jan 14, 2012
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  6. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    Re: cleaning up an old windshield?

    My favorite is Plast-X by Maguire's(sp?)

    Dave Fox
     
    hogfiddles, Jan 14, 2012
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  7. tskaz

    tskaz Active Member

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    Re: cleaning up an old windshield?

    I personally try to stay away from Turtle Wax anything. It's ok quality, but there are much better products out there for a few cents more.

    Unfortunately in my business the only feedback I get from customers is when they have something that doesn't work, and I haven't had anyone complain about the headlight restore kits in the two years I've sold them, so they probably all work about the same.
     
    tskaz, Jan 15, 2012
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  8. jprit

    jprit New Member

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    Re: cleaning up an old windshield?

    Go with a high quality automotive cleaning or polishing compound. Consider the wetsanding/grit only if you're unsuccessful with the liquid (or paste) polishing compound. You might not need the buffer, just depends on how stubborn the scuffs happen to be. There is a cleaning process on Craig Vetter's website for restoring his products. Vetter now longer markets fairings, but they do still offer replacement wind screens for the line of Vetter products.
     
    jprit, Jan 15, 2012
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  9. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Re: cleaning up an old windshield?

    Me too. Plus the plastic polishing paste that's part of the kit is, on its own, a really good product for minor cleanup of clear plastics.
     
    bigfitz52, Jan 15, 2012
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  10. mtnbikecrazy55

    mtnbikecrazy55 Active Member

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    Re: cleaning up an old windshield?

    Plus it usually lasts more than just one set of headlights/windshield.

    There's a compound called plastix that is pretty good too, if you can't find a bigger bottle of the 3G compound.
     
    mtnbikecrazy55, Jan 15, 2012
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  11. mtnbikecrazy55

    mtnbikecrazy55 Active Member

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    Re: cleaning up an old windshield?

    *3M

    Stupid autocorrect. Bad phone. Lol.
     
    mtnbikecrazy55, Jan 15, 2012
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  12. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    Re: cleaning up an old windshield?

    If you decide to take a crack at it with a 3M Polishing Agent and a Buffer, ...

    Use a Medium Speed and copious compound.
    KEEP the Buffer MOVING.
    Buff in increments.
    Don't let the the Buffer build-up frictional heat.
     
    RickCoMatic, Jan 15, 2012
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  13. prince_albert3

    prince_albert3 Member

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    Re: cleaning up an old windshield?

    Thanks a lot guys.

    I looked in to a few of the aforementioned kits. 3M has great reviews both here and everywhere else on the web. Also, some great before/after pics and vids.

    I'm gonna grab a 3M Lens Restore Kit tomorrow. With the plexifairing being so large, hopefully I'll be able to find the one with multiple pads.

    I know I'll have to attack it on both sides but I figure starting on the business end(front) will be a good start.

    I'll try to take plenty of pics. I know how we love them!
     
    prince_albert3, Jan 15, 2012
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  14. tskaz

    tskaz Active Member

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    Re: cleaning up an old windshield?

    Actually, you should start on the inside. It shouldn't need too much work on that side, and it will prevent you from re-doing the front if you put another scratch in the front while doing the inside.

    Just a suggestion.
     
    tskaz, Jan 15, 2012
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  15. prince_albert3

    prince_albert3 Member

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    Re: cleaning up an old windshield?

    dually noted! good thinking...
     
    prince_albert3, Jan 15, 2012
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  16. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    Re: cleaning up an old windshield?

    Albert, don't airplanes have plastic windshields ? know anybody over at the museum / restoration place by the airport ?
    or
    i've got a low speed buffer and fluffy wheel with plastic rouge if ya want to give that a try
     
    Polock, Jan 15, 2012
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  17. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    Polock, Jan 15, 2012
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  18. mtnbikecrazy55

    mtnbikecrazy55 Active Member

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    Re: cleaning up an old windshield?

    Post some before/after shots if you dont mind! :)
     
    mtnbikecrazy55, Jan 16, 2012
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  19. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    RickCoMatic, Jan 16, 2012
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  20. Krashen

    Krashen Member

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    Re: cleaning up an old windshield?

    There's stuff called glitz polish it's pretty spendy but it work on everything I use it all the time works on paint and plexy glass and plastics.
    Some auto parts place has it I've seen it at ace hardware before and a few sporting good stores in the cleaning section but works really good.
     
    Krashen, Jan 16, 2012
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