How to clean up rear backlight on factory hardtop

[bighealeysource]

How to clean up rear backlight on factory hardtop

Hey all,
I just got hold of a 2 seater factory hardtop and rear backlight/perspex plexi is pretty clear but could use some cleaning up and polishing to hopefully bring back most of its original clarity. I know I can get a new backlight but not really up to replacing the old one and hoping some good ideas on how to clean and polish it will come rushing forth !! I has thought about using one of those headlamp lens polishing kits to restore the plexiglass - think it would work?
Thanks,
Mike

 

[AUSMHLY]

Re: How to clean up rear backlight on factory hardtop

Congratulations Mike!

There are many companies that make headlight cleaning kits. Modern headlights are made of some sort of plastic. If I went that route, I'd contact them and ask them about using it on plexiglass.

If you have a Tap Plasics near you, they sell some plastic polishes and kits. You might talk to them about their products being used on Plexiglass. Here's the link.

Sometimes it's faster to wet sand it before using the compound/polish.

 

[Keoke]

Re: How to clean up rear backlight on factory hardtop

!! I have thought about using one of those headlamp lens polishing kits to restore the plexiglass - think it would work

YEP and there seems to be a rash of new products being advertised on TV.--Fwiw-Keoke

 

[dougie]

Re: How to clean up rear backlight on factory hardtop

I use the Novus products to clean and maintain the rear window of my factory hardtop. The plastic window is a replacement from AH Spares so the it's resin system is probably different then an original window but the products work very well.

 

[Randy Forbes]

Re: How to clean up rear backlight on factory hardtop

Hdlt polisher = go big, or go home :wink:

First of all, I'd congratulate you for getting a 2-seater hdtp, but I'm too jealous. So there!

I bought the 3M system https://www.spcarsplus.com/gallery3/index.php/ck_540iA/3M_hdlt_plshr?page=1

 

[Rob Glasgow]

Re: How to clean up rear backlight on factory hardtop

I've used Meguiar's Head light polish on my hardtop back window and it did a good job removing the light scratches. Won't fix a deep scratch. I just used a soft cloth to apply. The drill powered applicator may work well but I didn't go that route.
You will love the hardtop. Makes winter driving a pleasure.

 

[bighealeysource]

Re: How to clean up rear backlight on factory hardtop

Thanks guys for your thoughts on how to clean up the backlight. Now just deciding on will a white hardtop look good on a black over red BN6 or should I paint the top black ?
Regards,
Mike

 

[John Turney]

Re: How to clean up rear backlight on factory hardtop

I suggest sticking with just two colors, either red or black, but I would do black.

 

[Randy Forbes]

Re: How to clean up rear backlight on factory hardtop

Black, then you must post pictures. That will be the sexiest looking Healey ever!

If I had my restoration to do over again...

:wink:

 

[bighealeysource]

Re: How to clean up rear backlight on factory hardtop

Hey y'all,
I agree, will have to go with the black top ! Plus it has a new black headliner so should look pretty sharp. I'm 63 now, not allowed to look sexy anymore !!!!
Regards,
Mike

 

[Keoke]

Re: How to clean up rear backlight on factory hardtop

I suggest sticking with just two colors, either red or black, but I would do black.

--------Keoke--

 

[vette]

Re: How to clean up rear backlight on factory hardtop

Hey Big, in regards to that back light on the hardtop, about 10 years ago when I bought my BJ7, the plastice rear window on the convertible softtop was in pretty drab shape. Very cloudy. I happen to do a fair amount of fresh paint buffing because I do metal and paint work. So one day I just decided well lets see what one of my buffing pads and polishes will do to the plastic rear window. It came out beautiful. And lasted many years, right up until I took the whole car apart last year. Ya wouldn't want to spin the buffer too fast because the heat might melt the window. So I set the buffer on the slowest setting I have, which I think is about 1000rpms, used the same first foam pad that I use on new clear coats and used one of my mild finishing polishes. Should work fine.

Dave.