Polishing plastic lens
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Le Mans Master
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From: Richmond Kentucky
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Polishing plastic lens
What is the best way to polish the plastic lens in the gauge cluster?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Richmond Kentucky
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Drifting
Joined: May 2011
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From: Boca Raton FL
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Evansville WI
I've had excellent results using the same buffing compounds they use on paint. I haven't tried it on Corvette lenses, but I've used it on alot of other gauges. I work by hand and always start with the finest compound(usually a "scratch and swirl remover") and work courser if the scratches don't come out. I personally prefer 3M's polishes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
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From: columbia city in
http://www.meguiars.com/estore/product_list.cfm?sectionname=Consumer (Meguiar's Brand)>Clear Plastic Care§ionID=15101meguiars has a clear plastic lens cleaner that i have tryed .it works good.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Goose Creek SC
http://www.meguiars.com/estore/product_list.cfm?sectionname=Consumer (Meguiar's Brand)>Clear Plastic Care§ionID=15101meguiars has a clear plastic lens cleaner that i have tryed .it works good.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Richmond Kentucky
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Thanks everyone................all good suggestions.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
That [group] lens is plastic. I use Nu-Vinyl on it whenever I am using it on the interior. I think that Plexus and Meguiar's protectant for plastics are about the same thing. It dries clear and smooth and fills any very fine scratches.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 208
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From: Hampton Fl.
St. Jude Donor '11
I'm having trouble finding Nu-Vinyl in the auto stores. Where have you bought it
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,546
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From: Sacramento California
I've had excellent results using the same buffing compounds they use on paint. I haven't tried it on Corvette lenses, but I've used it on alot of other gauges. I work by hand and always start with the finest compound(usually a "scratch and swirl remover") and work courser if the scratches don't come out. I personally prefer 3M's polishes.
I have had good luck also with the products I already have on the shelf.
I did do my Corvette lenses, you just want to go slow.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
You can buy it over the internet or you can special order it from Ace Hardware stores. There is no extra charge from Ace for ordering it. They have it on their stock lists, but most stores don't carry it on an 'everyday' basis. When you order it, buy several bottles. They last a long time and don't go bad sitting on the shelf. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 5
From: South Dakota
I've had excellent results using the same buffing compounds they use on paint. I haven't tried it on Corvette lenses, but I've used it on alot of other gauges. I work by hand and always start with the finest compound(usually a "scratch and swirl remover") and work courser if the scratches don't come out. I personally prefer 3M's polishes.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,269
Likes: 142
From: Ottawa Ontario
http://www.meguiars.com/estore/product_list.cfm?sectionname=Consumer (Meguiar's Brand)>Clear Plastic Care§ionID=15101meguiars has a clear plastic lens cleaner that i have tryed .it works good.
Have also used Meguiars ScratchX on plastic when in a pinch.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,456
Likes: 10
From: Somerdale NJ
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-‘17-‘18
Originally Posted by Bugman Jeff
I've had excellent results using the same buffing compounds they use on paint. I haven't tried it on Corvette lenses, but I've used it on alot of other gauges. I work by hand and always start with the finest compound(usually a "scratch and swirl remover") and work courser if the scratches don't come out. I personally prefer 3M's polishes.
I've also used it on the plastic rear window on the convertible top and it took all the haze out and it looks new.
I've had excellent results using the same buffing compounds they use on paint. I haven't tried it on Corvette lenses, but I've used it on alot of other gauges. I work by hand and always start with the finest compound(usually a "scratch and swirl remover") and work courser if the scratches don't come out. I personally prefer 3M's polishes.
I've also used it on the plastic rear window on the convertible top and it took all the haze out and it looks new.