95FL993CAB

Can one of the Gurus tell me what to use, without power tools, to deal with scratches on my 2002 MB E55? I have tried PlastX with very little results. I have also read that I could use a metal polish on the lenses.
There is so much conflicting info out there that I am not sure what to do.
Hints anyone?
Thanks

Dwane

Did you try wet sanding?

95FL993CAB

No. Have not. Is that the best way? How do you go about it?

Dwane

Soak some 2500 paper in water overnight.
Keep paper and lens wet while sanding.
Finish with some liquid rubbing compound.
If you have a rotary buffer...
Dwane

Keithr726

I've done that procedure on Audis and VWs with excellent results!

95FL993CAB

Thanks!

Detailed Image

+1 Good post Dwane.

I've had good results restoring lenses via wet sanding as well. It can remove the scratches, oxidation and pitting easily and after thoroughly polishing to remove the wet sanding marks, the results are crystal clear. Using a buffer will certainly help remove the wet sanding marks. I'd advise taping off all around the lenses so that you don't accidentally wet sand or buff the surrounding areas.

Good luck Ron.

George

95FL993CAB

Thanks! That is my project for the weekend.

beck1305

Here is a pic of the products I used:


I had some deep scratches so I had to start off with a wet 400 moving up to 2000, then plastic cleaner, then plastic polish.

The results turned out pretty impressive IMO

Detailed Image

Nicely done beck1305, the lens looks crystal clear now!

George

95FL993CAB

Ok. I am having a major issue in finding sandpaper in greater than 600 grit. Where do you guys buy your stuff?

beck1305

I got mine at Murray's Discount Auto Stores, also I noticed a local Advanced Auto Parts had a good selection. I even saw up to 2000 grit in a small display in the auto section of a local Wal-Mart.

Good luck!

uzj100

Automotive paint supply place. You may want to check with your dealer, find out what body shop they use, go see them and ask them where they buy their products. They might even be nice enough to give you a sheet or two

Google automotive paint "Orlando, FL" and see what pops up

HTH

95FL993CAB

ok, found it ! It soaked overnight. Off to work I go

95FL993CAB

Ok. I did it this weekend. I started with 800 then 1200 then 2000. I then followed with 3M plastic cleaner then followed with Meguiars plastic cleaner/polish.
It is a lot better but nowhere near perfect. I did it by hand as I have no PC or rotary tools with pads. Will that make a huge difference?