looking for some product recommendations for cleaning and polishing the windshield on my 89 FJ. Its not in bad shape but I would like to do what I can for it. Thanks!
Quote from: 2manybikes on February 28, 2022, 08:17:19 PM
looking for some product recommendations for cleaning and polishing the windshield on my 89 FJ. Its not in bad shape but I would like to do what I can for it. Thanks!
If you want to get rid of scratches you need a fairly aggressive abrasive. Almost everyone pussyfoots around with polishes that at best "fill" the scratches and give the appearance of getting rid of them. The plastic is harder than most folks think and as a rule of thumb, metal polishes are considered about right grade for plastic and for removing scratching. Avoid automotive paint restoration products unless they are straight "cutters" The additives in most paint restoration products include waxes and other ingredients to enhance shine and add protection, this is the exact opposite of what you want if you're trying to rub the surface back.
When using liquids, creams and pastes, machine polishing is the only way to get rid of scratches. Forget doing it by hand.
By the time you can see scratching with the naked eye, no matter how fine, it's already beyond maintenance and in need of restoration. I tend to start with a fine W&D (wet) rub and work my way up from there with different grade abrasive pastes and once the scratches are gone, I polish it every time I wash it to keep them at bay.
A tip for keeping the screen scratch free, don't wash it with a sponge or brush when dirty, hose the crud off first. That layer of dirt /dust is incredibly abrasive an if wiped, even when wet, it will scratch.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/5530/9114595493_2d9238f53d_b.jpg)
That screens done over 250k!
Noel
I have found that Meguiars Scratch-X II works well on my front fairing windscreen for all but the most serious scratches.