Scratched speedo lens... HELP!!!

S

spumoni

New member
Hello - I just got an almost new lamborghini gallardo, and someone must have tried to clean the clear plastic with sand paper! First, what is the best product to try cleaning it, and what is the best product to remove the scratches?



I just bought meguiars plastic polish, but I want to be sure there isn't something better out there before I make matters worse.



Thanks in advance.
 
Which Meg's polish did you buy? If it's plastiX then it will have sufficient cut. Any of the others are pretty mild and might not do the trick.



If you have PlastiX try using it with a foam applicator at a 90* angle to some of the deeper scratches. If this does the trick, finish up the lens in the same fashion. If you need some more bite try applying it with a small section of a good quality microfiber as it will have more bite. If that still doesn't have enough bite then move to a small section of a good terry cloth towel. If you start with terry cloth or microfiber then you will probably have to finish with the same product on a foam piece.



Be sure you are using even pressure and not just grinding with one finger. Also, if you can't or don't want to remove the lens to work on it then be sure to use some blue tape on the surrounding materials so you can get right to the edge.



Good luck and update once you finish! And oh yeah, congrats on the purchase!
 
I would suggest Plexus for the cluster gauges.

Spray onto MF towel, work in gently, wipe with clean towel. Repeat if neccesary.



If your located in the Atlanta area send me a PM and I will stop over
 
Wow - thanks to all for the great info. I'm located in upstate NY, and will try the pastiX first. If I were able to remove the lens, I would certainly purchase a new one... I'm assuming that removing the lens would be a lot of work. If the PlastiX doesn't work, I'll try the other options and keep you posted.



Thanks again everyone...
 
Funny!



I used a microfiber rag and the PastiX and had to make several passes to get the deep scratches out. Now it appears to be hazing, or making finer scratches. Overall it looks better, but is there a finer polish I could use now to make it crystal clear?



Thanks again to all.
 
spumoni said:
Funny!



I used a microfiber rag and the PastiX and had to make several passes to get the deep scratches out. Now it appears to be hazing, or making finer scratches. Overall it looks better, but is there a finer polish I could use now to make it crystal clear?



Thanks again to all.
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If you refer to my first post:



You may need to follow with foam if using microfiber or terry cloth. Also, be very light with the foam and make sure you are not just focusing your effort into one small area. PlatiX is very mild and should have no problems finishing down enough with foam.
 
Jason M said:
If you refer to my first post:



You may need to follow with foam if using microfiber or terry cloth. Also, be very light with the foam and make sure you are not just focusing your effort into one small area. PlatiX is very mild and should have no problems finishing down enough with foam.
Click to expand...



+1



Keep in mind that PlastX contains diminishing abrasives, meaning that the product needs to be worked in thoroughly and completely broken down in order to obtain a clear, haze-free finish.
 
cptzippy said:
Was thinking of some Prima Finish I have. It's the lightest polish in their lineup.
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I don't have experience with the Prima line so I can't comment either way. I have used M205 on plastic with great results though. The best advice would be to try it with a foam applicator on a spot and see how it does. Be sure to use some glass cleaner after you use it. A lot of finish polishes have a fair amount of filler in them. Glass cleaner will remove any fillers and give you a true idea of how it's doing.
 
spumoni said:
Hello - I just got an almost new lamborghini gallardo, and someone must have tried to clean the clear plastic with sand paper! First, what is the best product to try cleaning it, and what is the best product to remove the scratches?



I just bought meguiars plastic polish, but I want to be sure there isn't something better out there before I make matters worse.



Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...



You own a lambo and you want to take care of a lens scratch yourself????? :wow:



I was going to detail my R8 myself until I came back to my senses and realized I am not a pro!!!



TAKE IT TO A PRO !!!!!
 
I agree - I don't want to make matters worse, but I fear that even a "pro" would end up experimenting just like I am.
 
spumoni said:
I agree - I don't want to make matters worse, but I fear that even a "pro" would end up experimenting just like I am.
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Exactly. And it's nothing to fear. That's a major part of detailing is experimenting to find a process that works.
 
spumoni said:
I agree - I don't want to make matters worse, but I fear that even a "pro" would end up experimenting just like I am.
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I understand your worry but if it's a pro, it's a pro and won't "experiment".



Too bad you're not in the MA area, I know a pro doing fantastic job, mind blowing attention to detail and unbelievable results with 20 years of experience.



It's your call, nothing wrong like trying it yourself either. "Worst" case scenario: get a new lens. Else, try to find a pro in your are, after all your "problem" is not a "never seen before" type I am sure.



All the very best.
 
Jason M said:
Exactly. And it's nothing to fear. That's a major part of detailing is experimenting to find a process that works.
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No offense but I would not let your touch my cars. :)
 
I've heard that metal polishes like Mother's mag work well on plastics lens covers. If you're willing to experiment give it a whirl. Also, for future reference try getting a plastic lens cover from a junk yard or body shop scrap and experiment on that with various techniques. That way next time you see such a thing chances are you know how to deal with it.
 
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