HOW-TO: polish plastic lights (turn signals)

[Zygoat]

i decided to polish my turn signals, as i want the clear look/euro style(like my headlights) but i am flat broke from my turbo project and i have all of the stuff to do it so it was free.

i used turtle was polishing compound. (advance auto)
a cheapass harbor freight polisher (variable speed, 7")
cotton terry polishing cloth (advance auto)

i started by cleaning everything really good. first with a dry rag, to get off all of the dust and bugs and such. then with dish soap and a kitchen sponge. then i rinsed and dried it, and let it air dry for a bit.

then i applied the polishing compound in a thin layer over the entire light. i then buffed it at the lowest possible speed setting. it is very easy to over heat and RUIN the plastic if you go to fast or stay in one spot. it was noticeably warm when i was done. i moved slowly from side to side covering the whole piece using the top right edge of the polishing wheel, you never want to lay the polisher flat on the surface, always use it slightly on an angle.

it worked amazingly fast, 3 passes and it looked remarkably better.

before and after photos.

BEFORE
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u166/Zygoat_D/blazer/P5250726.jpg
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u166/Zygoat_D/blazer/P5250725.jpg

AFTER
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u166/Zygoat_D/blazer/P5250729.jpg
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u166/Zygoat_D/blazer/P5250727.jpg


installed in my bumper.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u166/Zygoat_D/blazer/P5250730.jpg


took a total of about 35min. (but i already had them off) figure an hour for removal and all the other lil things. well worth it and makes a big difference in the look of your ride, for very little coin! thats what we all want right?!?

if you have a polisher or are willing to hand polish (which i think is pretty possible based on how fast and easy it went) this mod could be done for about $10!

[Mikz86TA]

Nice job. Put some plastci polish on them to keep the surface smooth. And do it regularly. That will keep dirt from penetrating the fine porus scuffs on the plastic.

[Zygoat]

little update.

here is a pic of the turn signals with the bulb installed.

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u166/Zygoat_D/blazer/P5260732.jpg

also wanted to add that this will work on ANY plastic light. so tail lights and head lights (with plastic not glass lenses) will all respond well to this method.

[jspear]

nice job....I dig it....I may have to do this with mine

[jspear]

Good job...I may have to do this to mine. Possible Sticky?

[jspear]

Good write up. I may have to do this with my lights. Possible sticky?

[nothingleft09]

Not to horn in on zygoats post but i went a little different route. I first used 400 grit paper then 600 then 1000 and then a good buff with some polishing compound and finishing compund. Looks better than new. If anyone wants to take off VHT nightshades this is the way to go and the reason i had to do it.