Removing scratches from big tail lights(trans am)

S

Striker

Active member
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.

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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!
 
AeroCleanse said:
I would buy a headlight reconditioning kit. I now Meg's makes a retail one.
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the megs headlight kit is just a bottle of PlasticX, a microfiber towel, and a drill bit attachment ball thingy.
 
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.
 
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
 
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.
 
Danase said:
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.
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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?
 
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"
 
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
 
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?
 
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