Removing scratches from big tail lights(trans am)

[Striker]

I`m sure you guys have seen the 4th generation trans am tail lights. It`s a big plastic piece that pretty much goes the entire width of the rear end.

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/1264/781/15657890019_large.jpg



Do I have to buy a complete new kit to re-do them? They have light lines on them that I would like to get rid of.



I have orange/white pads and a couple 3M cutting pads too.



Please let me know what I can do. Thank You!

[focus2069]

least aggressive first..





i would first just try some PlastiX and a hand applicator, and go from there.

[AeroCleanse]

I would buy a headlight reconditioning kit. I now Meg`s makes a retail one.

[focus2069]

I would buy a headlight reconditioning kit. I now Meg`s makes a retail one.



the megs headlight kit is just a bottle of PlasticX, a microfiber towel, and a drill bit attachment ball thingy.

[Barry Theal]

I would also look into the 3m headlight repair kit. Its can be found at my local advance for like $20.00 all you need is a drill, But its an excellant kit for your weekend warrior or DIY`er.

[Striker]

Any idea`s on the part number for the 3M headlight kit?





Also, what can I use to give them a nice shine&protection after I am done correcting them? I`ve got some zaino laying around, along with some P21S, other carnubas and than some TW Platinum

[BobD]

If you have a polisher of your own don`t bother with those kits. they just end up being a rip off where you get a tiny bottle of polish and some pads. If you have a polisher and pads already just get bottle of polish or if you already have polish use that.

[Striker]

If you have a polisher of your own don`t bother with those kits. they just end up being a rip off where you get a tiny bottle of polish and some pads. If you have a polisher and pads already just get bottle of polish or if you already have polish use that.



I`ve got both a rotary and a DA. Some orange/white/red pads for the DA and I`ve got two 3M polishing pads for the rotary.



Compounds-Menz I&FP.



Which combo would you recommend?

[kaotikdt]

I use an orange pad w M105 and a white pad w 205. I personally didnt like the 3m polish and Im still waiting for my menz products. But look for a similar product of 105 n 205 n u should be good.





edit:"forgot to add i use that setup when taillights and headlights are in bad shape and i dont neet to wet sand, other than that i use only 205 if they are in so so good shape. hope this makes sense"

[DLB_1]

The 3M kit is very aggressive. I would use it as my last option. It will definitely take care of the problem, but you will also be removing the top layer of whatever off your lights.



I would suggest starting out with PlastX (can be bought locally for cheap) and an orange pad on DA or Rotary (3M equivalent). I have had success polishing out GM tails with that combo before.



If that doesn`t work then step up to a more aggressive polish (Menz SIP). If still no dice, then you could start trying the 3M kit. It is available locally or at AG and the like.



Oh - and you may want to tape of the center Phoenix on your panel - it will buff right off (probably not desired). There are however plenty of aftermarket decals available if you do.



DLB

[The Enforcer]

M105/wool, followed by M205/blue...treat it just like paint!



Before



http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b288/kyles2000z/car%20details/058-1.jpg



http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b288/kyles2000z/car%20details/059-2.jpg



After (the lines you see are parking lot spaces)



http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b288/kyles2000z/car%20details/128.jpg



http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b288/kyles2000z/car%20details/127.jpg



http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b288/kyles2000z/car%20details/124.jpg

[Striker]

I will definately take off the phoenix. The car has 23,000 miles so the tail lights aren`t in bad shape by any means. The car is more or less of a show car and gets driven 2-3K per year and as many of you are, I fall in the super anal category with my toy car.



The panel has light "lines" in it and MAYBE some light swirls. Zaino would be safe to protect the finish?

[The Enforcer]

Treat it just like paint!

[mikeross]

My car`s tail lights are really awful. They have this tough film which the PlastX could not remove on it`s own. What other options do I have? Do I have to buy a new tail light assembly (http://www.car-stuff.com/taillightassembly.htm) already?