De-oxidizing clear signal lenses DIY with pics

[slim724]

I can't stand dull, foggy, yellowed turn lenses. I know they sell kits at auto stores to do this but I'm pretty cheap and will always try to do things myself if possible. I used good old Brasso and a lot of elbow grease to clean up the lenses. I chose to use Brasso because it was in the cupboard, and also because I have a collection of wristwatches and some are older with plastic crystals and I use Brasso all the time to remove scratches and polish the crystals to as new condition, so I thought why not try it on the signal lenses?


It worked pretty well, not as good as buying replacement lenses but much better than their previous condition. It does take a lot of rubbing, just put some on a soft towel and rub in a circular motion until it basically disappears on the lens, do not leave a foggy haze like when you wax a car, just keep rubbing until it disappears, just work one small area at a time, for me it took multiple applications in the same area before it would come clean. I also used those micro bottle brushes that are for baby bottles to get in the hard to reach areas on the backside edges, I'm sure my wife would love to know that! All in all I was pleased with the results, and all it took was some time and a lot of rubbing. I also cleaned up the brake lights too!

The brown residue on the towel is the oxidation removed


Before


After


Before


After


Before and after

[astrozam]

Nice job slim and thanks for the tips and pics, looks great

[GnarliSafari]

did that not too long ago myself, i used a standard plastic polish that my dad recommended, i believe it was a mothers product, he uses it on the windshield of his bike but it worked well for this application also. i too used a terry cloth and some elbow grease, in all honesty i dont know if a dremmel or what have you would even get it any better, just might be faster...

[thefrog747]

You don't know how many times I've wondered if what you did would work. Now I know and a big thank you !!! Great post !!

[slim724]

It may be more work and take longer to do, but I prefer to do it by hand, there is a level of detail you can get that I always have a hard time acheiving with power tools. I'm probably just impatient and push too hard or run it too fast

[thefrog747]

I did this to mine today...I really cheated though , I used a power buffer and it took me like 10 minutes !! LOL

[JaxSPL]

I tried something on my 94 Grand Marquis and my mom's 99 Grand Marquis. Using the same method as slim724 except I used Liquid Gold wood cleaner and preservative. It did wonders on the outside of both cars. I wasn't able to do the insides at the time, but will get to them soon.

So that will give you all another alternative to the stuff bought specifically for cleaning light assemblies.

[kings-x59]

I've heard toothpaste does just as well.


hmmm wonder if toothpaste and a power buffer would make my teeth whiter....

[thefrog747]

I've heard toothpaste does just as well.


hmmm wonder if toothpaste and a power buffer would make my teeth whiter....

Gee , I hope you got a big mouth....my buffer had an 8 inch pad I think !! LOL ( just kidding)

[kings-x59]

I've heard toothpaste does just as well.


hmmm wonder if toothpaste and a power buffer would make my teeth whiter....

Gee , I hope you got a big mouth....my buffer had an 8 inch pad I think !! LOL ( just kidding)

Big teeth too

[Rebel]

I've heard toothpaste does just as well.


hmmm wonder if toothpaste and a power buffer would make my teeth whiter....

Gee , I hope you got a big mouth....my buffer had an 8 inch pad I think !! LOL ( just kidding)

Big teeth too