Advice on product to clean/polish tail light lenses?

[Grover]

I've seen ads for rubbing compounds to clean plastics light tail light lenses. Has anybody had good success with products like this to get rid of foggyness and light scratching?

[ought2]

There are several products that are $20 and under, but the reports I've read about them is that they are marginal at best. 3m has a professional grade kit that is very expensive, but also works very well. A friend of mine is a dealer VW tech with experience using this product. I know that he's quite pleased with the results. I've thought about getting a cheapie kit for my Jeep, because something is better than nothing...

[ought2]

On second thought, Tom, I believe somewhere in the small print, the disclaimers say that they aren't effective on red-center tail lights, so you should send them to my disposal facility immediately!

[AlaskaMike]

The 3M kit probably works through some of these grits.

http://www.ottofrei.com/store/product.php?productid=4017

Those make a ridiculous mirror polish on aluminum.

[Standalone]

Here's a video on the the 3M kit

Aaron

[pkbinplano]

I use chrome polish

[jetdog]

there is a great how-to in this months Hemmings Sports and Exotics. Great magazine btw

[BLUNT]

toothpaste works well. i use to polish my brass with it in the marine corps. it works great on tail lights as well

[im3crazy]

I've used their products successfully for years on motorcycle fairings, helmet face shield, plexi coffee table tops and drop top rear plexi, They used to sell a couple other products but looks like they've gone to a "kit". I still use toothpaste for brass and soft metals as well!

http://www.meguiars.com/estoreproduct_list.cfm?sectionname=Consumer%20(Meguiar%27s%20Brand)%3EClear%20Plastic%20Care&sectionID=15101

[ringguy]

I've had good luck with the NOVUS brand line of products on all sorts of different plastics.

[newto02]

For all plastics, even clear, Novus is the best Ive found. They make heavy scratch remover #3 light, #2 and then instead of #1 to clean and polish I prefer brillianize. Tap Plastics sells them all.

[jgerock]

I used their 3-step kit on my Roundie taillights with excellent results. The outside was pretty bad and the inside surfaces were just dirty.

[ought2]

http://autopia.org/forum/car-detailing/38972-plastic-lighting-restoration-guide.html

[ToddK]

Plastic lenses are made from acrylic. No need to polish them. Wash them very well and allow to dry completely. Spray both sides with clear acrylic spray paint. The paint slightly dissolves the pitted surface and dries flat and clear. Works absolutely fantastic. You will swear they are brand new lenses. I've been using this method for about 10 years with no problems. It works great on the back side where the lenses are not smooth as well.

[jgerock]

Many automotive lenses are made from PC (polycarbonate) or a blend such as PC/ABS. You may be right about the (older ones) having an acrylic composition. Whatever you do to "fix" the lens, start with the least abrasive method first.

I work in the plastics industry and have done many projects with automotive suppliers who make headlights, tailights, dashboards, seats, etc.