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best method to restore tail lights??

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Old Jan 18, 2008 | 11:46 PM
  #21  
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would chrome polish work?
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Old Jan 18, 2008 | 11:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Binnie77
Use Mother's Aluminum Wheel polish followed by tooth paste and they will look like new.
Thanks Binnie77..used Mothers after "goo B Gone" and elbow grease..see the before and after.
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Old Jan 19, 2008 | 02:21 AM
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i just used some chrome polish on an old lens from a cutlass thats been laying around the basement. it looks great, except for the inside of the lens which is still filthy. ill try and get some pics up tonight.

not the best pictures, but it works.


when i started, the whole lens looked like the right half does. the left half is almost a mirror finish now. unfortunately i cant seem to pop the case in half with out cracking it, so the insides are still filthy.



i put my mag light behind it, and ive gotta say, its very bright and very clear.

ill pull the lenses off the vette this weekend and give them a go. considering how well this old piece of crap cleaned up, the vettes should come out as good as new.

Last edited by another-user; Jan 19, 2008 at 03:30 AM.
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Old Jan 19, 2008 | 04:49 PM
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now with vette lenses.

before


after



they look as good, or better then new. theyre clean and bright enough that they light up the wall on my room very nicely.
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Old Jan 19, 2008 | 06:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Smokin Joe
Buy new ones.

I know that is not what you wanted to here...if you are doing a resto. I ran into the same thing and opted for new ones...though the old ones weren't too bad.

bump
I've got to agree...I bought a brand-new set and they improve the look of the entire car, because they really stand out...All new, clear, and shiny...Get yourself a new set......You won't be disappointed
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Old Jan 19, 2008 | 07:13 PM
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I just tried the chrome polish today. I think it looks pretty good, can't beat the price.
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Old Jan 19, 2008 | 07:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Smokin Joe
Buy new ones.

I know that is not what you wanted to here...if you are doing a resto. I ran into the same thing and opted for new ones...though the old ones weren't too bad.

bump

there fairly inexpensive !!!
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Old Jan 19, 2008 | 07:53 PM
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I replaced the ones on my 79. I dont' see original tail light lenses being in high demand any time soon. Also, in my case though, the brightwork around the lenses was worn and they had small cracks in them. New ones made all the difference.
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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 08:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Binnie77
Use Mother's Aluminum Wheel polish followed by tooth paste and they will look like new.
I used it mine and was amazed at the difference, not as good as new ones but pretty damn good and a lot less than $200.00.
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Old Jan 21, 2008 | 01:09 PM
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Originally Posted by kenba
What year are they?
Don't think the year has much to do with the high price. My 96 fog/parking lenses are $90 a piece. Thats why I'm reading this thread
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Old Jan 21, 2008 | 04:25 PM
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Originally Posted by MakoShark72
Metal Polish...
I used Brasso . . . results were incredible.
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Old Jan 21, 2008 | 07:29 PM
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The BEST method?
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Old Jan 21, 2008 | 08:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Vettebuyer5869
The BEST method?
wow, vettebuyer5869, as far as I'm concerned you "told us" with the pics of the new ones. I was feeling pretty good about my elbow grease solution. My old shined up ones will be on ebay this weekend.
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Old Jan 21, 2008 | 09:22 PM
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Originally Posted by cruise83
wow, vettebuyer5869, as far as I'm concerned you "told us" with the pics of the new ones. I was feeling pretty good about my elbow grease solution. My old shined up ones will be on ebay this weekend.


Cool, sell them before I post mine.
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Old Jan 22, 2008 | 12:10 AM
  #35  
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i still stand by what i said. a bit of work and cleaning and they can look as good as new.



ignore that middle lens, it was a 3rd one i had laying around. im no where near done with it yet. when i started, it was so filthy, you could barely get any light through it. it may never be perfect though. it was in a garage that had a fire in it.
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