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Taillight Cleaning?

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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 07:19 AM
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Default Taillight Cleaning?

My bumpers are the last two things left on my restoration, I pulled out the taillights and they are a little dirty especially at the bottom where the weep hole is. I soaked them in my sink with soap and water but just didn't seem to get all of the crud out from inside the lens.

Any suggestions?
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 08:28 AM
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Originally Posted by koni9
My bumpers are the last two things left on my restoration, I pulled out the taillights and they are a little dirty especially at the bottom where the weep hole is. I soaked them in my sink with soap and water but just didn't seem to get all of the crud out from inside the lens.

Any suggestions?
I heard somewhere that an old tooth brush and some tooth paste work well to clear up lenses ...but I would try a small area first ...
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 02:43 PM
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Hey I can help I went to the 3M 400 in Michigan and all weekend they kept talking about some new plastic polish for the headlight covers supposed to bring back the original shine somehow Im starting to look myself for the product starting with 3M on the Internet.
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 02:48 PM
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novus #2
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 04:39 PM
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Just ordered the 8 oz package that looks like some good stuff if it works it will save me from re-placing my 33 yr old taillights.$75. bucks per pop Thanks
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 05:37 PM
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Toothpaste works very well, 3M plastic polish works even better but gives no cavity protection because it doesn't contain Fluoride.
Regards,
Alan
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 05:53 PM
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 06:54 PM
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Let them soak in detergent for a long time. The long soak shouldn't bother the stainless steel trim rings, but look at them relatively frequently to make sure they are not starting to rust.

I would try to remove the dirt with compressed air. The sharp end of a wooden tooth pick should be safe to use also.

New repro lenses will run about $240 for four.
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 07:03 PM
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thanks y'all
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 09:37 PM
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I used some rubbing compound on mine on the outside, and soaked them in dish soap for a few days. I used the tooth brush after that and they look pretty good. Now if I could just get more time to finish the car.
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Old Aug 23, 2008 | 11:53 AM
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Get the Novus plastic cleaning system just got mine yesterday and did mine last night they look brand new. the system is three parts and they have an 8 oz. package for $34.00 inc shipping if you did someone elses tail light and had them pay you $15.00 dollars it would be half price.Anybody want me to do there lights it took 2 hrs (per lense)but they do look new not just shiny.Becarful of the #3 I mixed it with the #2 And it was the best .then you finish with the #1 and the look NEW.
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Old Aug 23, 2008 | 12:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Alan 71
Toothpaste works very well, 3M plastic polish works even better but gives no cavity protection because it doesn't contain Fluoride.
Regards,
Alan
how about soaking them in Efferdent and then putting them back with some Polygrip?
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Old Aug 23, 2008 | 12:41 PM
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Originally Posted by L82shark
how about soaking them in Efferdent and then putting them back with some Polygrip?
Do 4 out of 5 dentist recommend the 3M?
Toothbrush and dawn.
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Old Aug 23, 2008 | 01:15 PM
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FYI....
I just bought some Meguiars "PlastX" and man that stuff kick ***. I am totally happy with the results.
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Old Aug 23, 2008 | 03:05 PM
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If the Novus stuff is too expensive for you, a 'budget' alternative [after you get the lenses all cleaned up] is to wipe on a coating of Nu-Vinyl on the outer surface of the lens. It dries clear...like new plastic surface... and won't peel off. I use it on the plastic lenses on the gauges/speedo/tach and it really looks good. And, you can just freshen it up whenever you want.
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