Renewing plastic lenses

[tr8todd]

I just read the post about bringing back the plastic window on the hard top, and it reminded me of a trick I have for plastic lenses. I have used this method dozens of times on TR7 and MGB plastic taillight lenses. Wash the lense with warm soapy water and allow it to dry. Spray the lense with clear acrylic spray can paint. The clear acrylic paint slightly dissolves the top pitted layer of the plastic lense, smooths it out and drys flat. Do a few light coats rather than one thick coat. Once they dry, you would swear you are looking at a brand new lense. It works on both the flat front side and the bumpy back side of the lense. Hope this helps out someone.

 

[tdskip]

Cool. Thanks for the tip.

 

[DougF]

I have always used a high speed buffer on lenses. Adjust the pad and compound to the scratches in the plastic.

 

[toysrrus]

Hi There TR8todd;

I bought a "Used" tailight lens for my TR4 on ebay: Its not bad! Wish he had two of them but no such luck:

Then; I bought a "Brand New" lens from TRF and the differance is Night and Day:

The "New" lens is so much "Brighter" looking: It prompted me to buy another "New" lens from TRF:

I`m going to try your Formula on my "Old" lens but a Question: Between the several coats of Clear; What needs to be done? Buffed, Polished or just let it dry?

Thanx, Russ

 

[tr8todd]

Nothing. Just make sure it is dry before you touch it. I usualy do one side at a time. Sure you can polish the front flat side. When you find a polishing pad that will do the textured surface of the back, you let me know. My way is quick, cheap, and easy.

 

[Banjo]

If the old plastic isen't too bad, I've found that Brasso does wonders. If it's really bad, then applying Brasso will only make the lense turn white when the Brasso in all the pits dries.
Also works on yellowed top windows.