Plexiglass tops-wetsand/buff inside?

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Dec 28, 2005 | 09:37 PM

cv67

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From: altered state

St. Jude Donor '05

Plexiglass tops-wetsand/buff inside?

Outside is easy enough, anyone try inside? Mine has that "spalling" look to it, tearing the interior out tomorrow. Dont feel like buying a new top-Not looking for perfection, just a major improvement.

Dec 28, 2005 | 09:44 PM

okies93

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St. Jude Donor 06

I did a top for a 92 for a guy last year. His top had spider cracks all over it. I sanded for hours, started with a DA and ended with wet sanding. Then I buffed until my arms went numb. It looked 100% better, got most of the spider cracks out but some of them were deep and if the light caught it just right you could seem a million of em.

It'll make a difference if you do it.

Dec 28, 2005 | 09:47 PM

cv67

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St. Jude Donor '05

I got some of the fine cracks too which dont bother me, its that "flaky" look that bothers me. Thanks

Dec 28, 2005 | 09:55 PM

okies93

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St. Jude Donor 06

A sanding block and some elbow grease will have it looking good. I don't recommend a DA, it took me longer to get it flat again then what it was worth.

Dec 28, 2005 | 09:59 PM

cv67

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St. Jude Donor '05

What grits did you start/finish with? Polish?
Done aluminum, but never plastic. Might as well buff the bezels out too.

Dec 28, 2005 | 10:41 PM

okies93

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St. Jude Donor 06

I started off alittle on the aggressive side. 120 and 220 on the DA, 320 and 420 with a block. 600 and 1200 wet. I would highly suggest starting with wet sanding 400 or 600 grit. (if you need more material removed you can always use a lower numbered paper) Wet sanding seemed very productive. As I was wet sanding the water would turn milky so I knew material was being sanded away. Try not to sand in one spot very long, it creates low spots and won't look right when finished.

The buffing was a trick. I didn't have and plastic polish stuff so I used 3M extra cut rubbing compound, 3M rubbing compound and then finished up with 3M polishing compound. Believe it or not it really worked, surprised me too. I would think that someone makes a special product for plastic buffing. Since I experimented with the 3M stuff and it works, I will use it again if I have to do another top

This is the buffer I used. Have to be careful this sucker will burn plastic or paint real fast.

I don't think a Orbitol buffer will have the same effect, I don't really know since I haven't tried it out yet.

Dec 28, 2005 | 10:45 PM

cv67

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St. Jude Donor '05

Cool, I'll take pics as I go. DeWalt makes one of those grinders that has an adjustable speed, love that thing. Its a little more money (I use the one you have for sanding pools, those suckers catch some rpm!), but totally worth it. Did my wheels just fine.Thakns again

Dec 28, 2005 | 11:03 PM

okies93

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From: Atoka Oklahoma

St. Jude Donor 06

Thats it, my Dewalt is the adjustable one. I get some stuff that has me on egg shells while buffing and this jewel lets me buff with confidence. Now the pool buffer would have me pulling hair. I would be flinging stuff all over the place.

That would be cool to see a few pics. Sounds like you have been busy