Windshield repair questions

[gs750guy]

Due to the high cost of replacing an old faded, scratched, and yellowed windhshield, I'm wondering.... with the newer technology of polishing abrasives and polishing compounds, if anyone out there has been successful in making an old ratty looking windshield look crystal clear and like new again by using varying grits of abrasives from mild to super fine.

The windshield on the GS that I am restoring has become yellowed to an amber color, has minor scratches, and appears blotchy like maybe there is some kind of tinting material on the windshield that is coming off in spots.

I think these windshields are made of polycarbonate or Lexan material.

Does anyone have a successful method of making these look like new again?

Thanks,


GS750guy

 

[salty_monk]

I expect the headlamp polishing kits would work for this....

 

[tatu]

Metal polish will take out the scratches.

 

[stevetower01]

Windshield Restoration

Windshield Restoration

I have tried a number of things to restore windshield and headlight surfaces and have developed my own process. I have never come close to restoring things with a single product. It is a lot like color sanding paint. You start by scratching to remove bigger scratches. I do this with an orbital sander and a 400 grit sanding disk. P400 is better than plain 400 because of the consistent grain size. I first mark all the scratched areas with permanant marker such as a Sharpie. I mark both sides and if I can't tell which side a particular scratch is on, I mark both sides of the windshield where that scratch is. Then I take the 400 disc and sand off all the marker and visible scratches. I then sand the whole surface with 400. Next I go to 800 wet and sand the whole surface using a dual action pnuematic sander. Then go to 1500 grit, then 2000 or 3000. Now the surface starts looking a little shiny and you may find scratches that you missed, start with the marker and 400 again. Once the whole surface has 2000 or 3000, I use system 51 aka system 1, it can be found and ordered on line. I start with a wool bonnet on my buffer keeping it moist with the polish followed by a foam pad using system 51. The windshield will look like new. I apply some Zaino wax to get a high shine and protect from UV.

Yes it is a lot of work and yes the windshield will look new.

 

[Steve]

What windshield is it?

You can still get replacements for most brands today, including the stock GK windshield.

But, since you are a "gs750 guy", it's safe to assume you are not talking about a GK windshield.
Windgammer? Pacifico? Calafia? Pictures, please, and we can give you links to a brand, spanking new 'shield.

.

 

[Guest]

Metal polish will take out the scratches.

I use mothers aluminum polish (with the cone shaped ball they sell) on plastic, works great.

 

[Nessism]

I've restored windshield that were yellowed and scratched to near good as new using a method similar to stevetower01.

Sand out the scratches using the finest sandpaper that will do the job, then move to progressively finer paper until you get to 1500 grit. I do this by hand, no power tools. Next I use a DA polisher with soft bonnet, and plastic polish (available at auto parts stores).

 

[SVSooke]

I "restored" a painted on on my 85 750EF http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=162364 ,still crazed but way better than the paint IMHO.

 

[Nessism]

I "restored" a painted on on my 85 750EF http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=162364 ,still crazed but way better than the paint IMHO.

If you were to hit it again using a DA polisher w/plastic polish it will shine up good as new. No way to remove those cracks though the mounting holes though.

 

[SVSooke]

If you were to hit it again using a DA polisher w/plastic polish it will shine up good as new. No way to remove those cracks though the mounting holes though.

It could be a bit better guess.I'm OK with it as it is and don't have the $$ to get a polisher.Not like I look though it anyway.

 

[Nessism]

It could be a bit better guess.I'm OK with it as it is and don't have the $$ to get a polisher.Not like I look though it anyway.

In case you come across a few $$... DA Polisher is $16 and works great for waxing your cars.

http://www.harborfreight.com/plastx-clear-plastic-cleaner-and-polish-96662.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-compact-palm-polisher-90219.html

 

[SVSooke]

No HF in the Great White North.Mind you I'll check out the Princess Auto's fliers a little harder for those now.

 

[Vmass]

In case you come across a few $$... DA Polisher is $16 and works great for waxing your cars.

http://www.harborfreight.com/plastx-clear-plastic-cleaner-and-polish-96662.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-compact-palm-polisher-90219.html

I was going to ask if a small pancake compressor would power the DA polisher, then I looked at the link. I didn't know they made an electric DA sander. It's on the list!

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

I picked up a 180g acrylic aquarium a while back that was in BAD shape. After researching the best way to polish out the scratches and haze I went with the Novus System.

It's a 3 part system that starts with a coarse compound and then a finer one to buff out the flaws ending with a final polish that makes it optically clear. Best stuff out there as far as MANY are concerned. As mentioned, start with fine sanding to remove any deep scratches is a good idea. Do a search for it and you will find it is sold at many pet stores or plastic vendors online / locally.