Corvette Glass Top Scratches

[KenVette57]

Corvette Glass Top Scratches


I own a 2005 Corvette with a transparent removable top. I noticed yesterday that I have some fine scratches in the glass. I have no idea how to or even if it's possible to remove them. Am I screwed or can they be removed?

Help !!!

Thanks

 

[jamesboyy]

Try compounding them out with a combo like m105/m205 then inspect if the scratches still there use 2500 grit sandpaper followed by 3000 grit sandpaper then use a combo like m105/m205

 

[swanicyouth]

I would first figure out if your top most layer is glass or some type of coating. If it's some type of coating, attempting to correct the glass will likely remove it. Who knows what GM puts on a glass roof.

There are several threads on AG how to correct glass with CeriGlass and CarPro rayon glass pads. Just search those terms and you will get step by step instructions. I don't think you will have much luck using paint polishes and foam polishing pads in removing defects from glass.

 

[KenVette57]

Re: Glass Top Scratches

The top is made out of Lexan and I don't think there's any coating on it. I posed the same question on a Corvette Forum and the answer was wet sand 1000 grit, 1500 grit then 2000. polish and clear coat. Probably cheaper than a new on, $1,500.

Thanks for your reply, Ken

 

[FUNX650]

Re: Glass Top Scratches

I own a 2005 Corvette with a transparent removable top. I noticed yesterday that I have some fine scratches in the glass. I have no idea how to or even if it's possible to remove them. Am I screwed or can they be removed?

Help !!!

Thanks

Re: "Glass Top" Scratches

My 2007 has a removable Tinted Lexan Roof Panel.
Is yours actually glass...or also Lexan?

If it's like mine:
It does have a special ($$) protective UV-coating.

-When you try to polish out the scratch(es), you're likely to remove some of the tinted coat:
resulting in having even more obvious defect(s).

-Refinishing usually involves sanding the coating off the entire top; polishing the Lexan;
and then having the top re-cleared/re-tinted.
That's the only way I've ever seen them successfully repaired.

If you insist on polishing it...
-Use a plastic polish like Novus; and a very soft microfiber towel.
-Stay away from harsh abrasives!


However:
If it's really an honest to goodness glass-panel...
Then disregard this post of mine.



Bob

 

[swanicyouth]

From my knowledge Lexan is basically a type of softer plastic. You could live with the scratches. How bad are they? I've polished what I believe is a Lexan and it will scratch very easily no matter what. When I worked for Ford, we were told the clear plastic that covers where the speedo is is Lexan. It's slightly flexible, but doesn't shatter on impact. It's relatively easy to correct fine swirl like scratches, but if they are deep scratches it will require sanding.

If it were me, and the scratches bothered me, I would try a SMAT fine polish like Optimum Finish or Polish II. I've tried multiple "plastic polishes" on plastics and, well, they suck IMHO. Optimum just seems to work great on plastic and clear bra material for me. I think most plastic polishes are designed to be used by hand - good luck getting a defect free surface by hand. It can be done, but why ??? A machine is only as aggressive or mild as you make it.

Anyway, after it was corrected, I would OptiCoat it first. Why not clear coat?

1. OC is cheaper

2. OC won't have possible orange peel

3. OC can be done by yourself, so you will know it's done right.

4. OC will provide lifelong protection as well - you won't have to worry about waxing/sealing it.

5. OC will likely be harder than CC.

6. You can always polish off the OC and CC it later if you decide to do so for any reason.

7. OC can be polished and you can re-apply if scratches return.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Re: Glass Top Scratches

Hey Ken,

I have people contact me about removing scratches out of Lexan all the time and now more than ever because I do boat detailing and work in the boat detailing world and a lot of boats have Lexan windows.

Here's the deal and this is just my own experience and in my life I've buffed out TONS of plastic.

I've never been able to remove scratches out of Lexan and leave a factory new, factory clear results.


To add to this...


The EXPECTATIONS most people have when trying to remove scratches, swirls or scuffs out of any plastic window and including Lexan is after the process they EXPECT the window to look FLAWLESS. Like brand new. Like nothing has ever happened to it.

That's nice.


I've never seen it done before, at least on the true Lexan plastic I've worked on.


The reason why it's difficult if not impossible to remove defects 100% and leave a clear window that looks like nothing ever happened is because Lexan is very hard, not soft.

Plexiglass is soft. Plexiglass is EASY to buff out. Lexan is hard.


I'd also say most people don't know how to tell the difference between Lexan, Plexiglas, Polycarbonate or Acrylic plastic windows.

So if someone were to chime in and say they can buff out "LEXAN" , I guess I would want to see this documented so we can all know it wasn't some other plastic but was in fact Lexan.

I have taken scratched up Lexan and buffed it and improved it but never to the point of restoring the type of results that people expect, that is so that it looks like nothing ever happened to it.


It's easy to have high expectations. It's hard to buff out Lexan.


For every Corvette owner that will ever read this into the future... be careful with your Lexan transparent tops.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Re: Glass Top Scratches

Plexiglas seems to have gone the way of the Dodo Bird. Sad because it's so EASY to work on...

Plexiglas is what was used in the OLD days. The back window on a classic 1950's Corvette was Plexiglas and ANYONE could buff scratches out of this type of window and impress you.


Here's the window of the 1967 Starline Deville I use to own...

When I bought the boat the Plexiglas window was actually in GREAT shape for a boat that was 42 years old at the time the above picture was taken.


Here's how it looked after I buffed the boat out...

Here's a shot looking through the window out on the water...

Walgreen's Estate

Of course, always take care of antique Plexiglas when you get off the water...

Plexiglas is easy to work on. I LOVE working on Plexiglas.

I pass on Lexan, especially if the "item" is expensive because the expectations of the owner of the time are unrealistic as they tend to either confuse Lexan with all plastics are they just don't know anything about plastics.


PlastX uses a unique and rare abrasive mined in only one place on earth, (that I've been told), and you might give this a try although I couldn't get it to fix a Lexan Ferrari back window.

I also had "some" luck using M105, at the time M105 and the SMAT abrasive technology was JUST INTRODUCED, so it's possible some of the other new abrasive compounds and polishes on the market might work.

I'm talking about the abrasive technology introduced in these brands in the last few years...

Optimum
Sonax
Wolfgang Uber Compound
Menzerna FG400
Meguiar's
Rupes


I'm probably missing a few but the point is a LOT of very good abrasive technology has been introduced in the last few years and it could be some of these product could work but only testing will tell.

Detailing anything is easier than ever today simply because of abrasive technology.

It's the abrasive technology that is the most important aspect of undoing damage and creating a flawless finish on both CLEARcoat paints or clear plastics.

Some guys say technique is number #1 and I say their wrong. Technique is important but abrasive technology is number #1.

That's why I also type this all the time now days to mostly newbies joining the forum and wanting to learn how to detail cars...


Don't skimp on abrasive technology


That means don't skimp when it comes to choosing and buying your compounds and polishes. It is the abrasive technology or to drill down... the little tiny things that are going to abrade the surface that are pressed against the surface by the face of the pad that are all important.

And even more so when you consider how thin paint is...


Hope that helps...

 

[swanicyouth]

Glass Top Scratches

I guess I was given wrong info what Lexan was. Sorry. I thought it was the type of plastic that is flexible that bug fairings and such are made from. Maybe that' is polycarbonate?

Nice boat.

 

[tuscarora dave]

Re: Glass Top Scratches

I guess I was given wrong info what Lexan was. Sorry. I thought it was the type of plastic that is flexible that bug fairings and such are made from. Maybe that' is polycarbonate?

Nice boat.

Lexan is just one company's trade name for polycarbonate. You're correct in your thinking.

Lexan=polycarbonate

 

[swanicyouth]

Lexan is just one company's trade name for polycarbonate. You're correct in your thinking.

Lexan=polycarbonate

Well, Mike says Lexan is hard and very hard to polish. This is the type of plastic I was thinking it was:

Whatever material that is, it's easy to polish. If Lexan is very "hard", maybe CeriGlass with rayon glass pads would work well??

 

[FUNX650]

Re: Glass Top Scratches

Hey Ken,

I have people contact me about removing scratches out of Lexan all the time and now more than ever because I do boat detailing and work in the boat detailing world and a lot of boats have Lexan windows.

Here's the deal and this is just my own experience and in my life I've buffed out TONS of plastic.

I've never been able to remove scratches out of Lexan and leave a factory new, factory clear results.


To add to this...


The EXPECTATIONS most people have when trying to remove scratches, swirls or scuffs out of any plastic window and including Lexan is after the process they EXPECT the window to look FLAWLESS. Like brand new. Like nothing has ever happened to it.

That's nice.


I've never seen it done before, at least on the true Lexan plastic I've worked on.


The reason why it's difficult if not impossible to remove defects 100% and leave a clear window that looks like nothing ever happened is because Lexan is very hard, not soft.

Plexiglass is soft. Plexiglass is EASY to buff out. Lexan is hard.


I'd also say most people don't know how to tell the difference between Lexan, Plexiglas, Polycarbonate or Acrylic plastic windows.

So if someone were to chime in and say they can buff out "LEXAN" , I guess I would want to see this documented so we can all know it wasn't some other plastic but was in fact Lexan.

I have taken scratched up Lexan and buffed it and improved it but never to the point of restoring the type of results that people expect, that is so that it looks like nothing ever happened to it.


It's easy to have high expectations. It's hard to buff out Lexan.


For every Corvette owner that will ever read this into the future... be careful with your Lexan transparent tops.

Thus my reasoning for the earlier posting of the below...
especially to be aware of the tinted UV coating on many Corvette "removable panel tops":

Re: "Glass Top" Scratches

My 2007 has a removable Tinted Lexan Roof Panel.
Is yours actually glass...or also Lexan?

If it's like mine:
It does have a special ($$) protective UV-coating.

-When you try to polish out the scratch(es), you're likely to remove some of the tinted coat:
resulting in having even more obvious defect(s).

-Refinishing usually involves sanding the coating off the entire top; polishing the Lexan;
and then having the top re-cleared/re-tinted.
That's the only way I've ever seen them successfully repaired.



Bob

If Lexan is very "hard", maybe CeriGlass with rayon glass pads would work well??

Using CeriGlass and rayon pads may start removing the tinted UV coating on these types of panels.
Then you're stuck with doing the refinishing method listed above.

Just something to keep in mind.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Re: Glass Top Scratches

I've buffed out a lot of wind deflector in my life, some I've been able to perfect others just get very good.

I'm going to guess there are different types of "lexan" or polycarbonate plastics.

I would also guess that it's possible for any windows used for a car, that this type of Lexan or plastic could be different, possibly even coated than the plastic/lexan used for a wind deflector or boat window.

I have buffed a ton of plastic in my life, one such adventure led me to being hired to buff out the scratches in a half round or half bubble sky light on the roof of a 2-story Victorian era home in Portland, Oregon and I'm probably the worst candidate to climb a ladder that high and then crawl across a steep roof and machine buff out a 2" diameter sky light window.

I've also buffed out helicopter windows for KOMO News 4 in Seattle, Washington and as well as for a logging company that used helicopters in their operation.

Original side wing windows on original A.C. Cobras. Tons of watch faces, plastic on the dashes of 1960's and 1970's instruments, you now after someone takes a rag and wipes it in a circle to clean the dust of the Tach or Speedometer gauges on a 1969 Chevelle. Motorcycle windshields, flexible back windows in sports cars and Jeep tops, Van side windows, etc.


Being eternally hopeful, I hope someone can chime in on this thread that has more experience than I've had with working on Lexan windows and knows which products will in fact remove 100% of all defects to restore Lexan just like we can all restore clear coats paints.


Here's to hoping...


:xyxthumbs:

 

[tuscarora dave]

Re: Glass Top Scratches

Well, Mike says Lexan is hard and very hard to polish. This is the type of plastic I was thinking it was:

Here's some interesting reading on acrylic vs. polycarbonate, I think one of the two are often times mistaken for the other.

How Are Polycarbonate & Acrylic Different | The Plastic People : : Blog

 

[swanicyouth]

^ Easy way to tell the difference - light it on fire.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Re: Glass Top Scratches

Here's some interesting reading on acrylic vs. polycarbonate, I think one of the two are often times mistaken for the other.

How Are Polycarbonate & Acrylic Different | The Plastic People : : Blog

Lots of interesting information...

Like this not that I would say this is the final word...

Polishing
The edges of acrylic can be polished smooth if necessary; polycarbonate cannot be polished.

One thing for sure, for anyone reading this that is going to do any type of polishing on any type of plastic... start by doing a test spot.

Make sure you can fix and make one small area look GREAT before sanding, compounding or polishing the entire component.


:dunno:

 

[FUNX650]

Re: Glass Top Scratches

Here's some interesting reading on acrylic vs. polycarbonate, I think the two are often times mistaken for the other.

How Are Polycarbonate & Acrylic Different | The Plastic People : : Blog

Thanks for the post Dave.:xyxthumbs:


-That's just a few examples of the reasons the engineers over at Chevrolet/Corvette
chose the polycarbonate features of Lexan for the removable tops.

-They also chose to coat the majority of them with a high dollar tinted UV-coating because of the cabin area now being exposed to a higher % of:
square feet "under glass"; which would introduce, (if not so protected), more radiation, in the forms of heat, UV-a/b rays.

-Also more square feet of "glassy area", if not UV-coating protected, would force the HVAC unit to work harder on occasions.


I sure wouldn't want to start a polishing-process and see that UV-coating starting to be removed.
That's just my personal feelings.


-Just a couple more of my thoughts about Lexan...
Lexan on the OP's (as well as others, of course) C6 Corvettes in particular.




Bob

 

[tuscarora dave]

Re: Glass Top Scratches

^ Easy way to tell the difference - light it on fire.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XchwE9zVdnw]Beavis and Butthead - FIRE! FIRE! FIRE! FIRE! - YouTube[/video]

 

[swanicyouth]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XchwE9zVdnw]Beavis and Butthead - FIRE! FIRE! FIRE! FIRE! - YouTube[/video]

So funny. I was thinking of B&B this morning. I was sitting here listening to some music on my computer, when some of my GF's music came on after the album ended (on same computer). I was thinking "what is this, this SUCKS". All I could think of was B&B watching MTV when like Sinead O'conner or someone would come on and them saying: "this sucks more than anything has ever sucked before".

http://youtu.be/jyF-VleZXJQ

 

[KenVette57]

Re: Glass Top Scratches

Re: "Glass Top" Scratches

My 2007 has a removable Tinted Lexan Roof Panel.
Is yours actually glass...or also Lexan?

If it's like mine:
It does have a special ($$) protective UV-coating.

-When you try to polish out the scratch(es), you're likely to remove some of the tinted coat:
resulting in having even more obvious defect(s).

-Refinishing usually involves sanding the coating off the entire top; polishing the Lexan;
and then having the top re-cleared/re-tinted.
That's the only way I've ever seen them successfully repaired.

If you insist on polishing it...
-Use a plastic polish like Novus; and a very soft microfiber towel.
-Stay away from harsh abrasives!


However:
If it's really an honest to goodness glass-panel...
Then disregard this post of mine.



Bob

Hey Bob, Yep, That puppy is Lexon and coated..... I've checked out a thread on Corvette Forum that goes thru the steps to bring it back to perfect. But, I'm not too confident about taking on the process, pretty intimidating. Like you said, it calls for sanding down to the Lexon and then shooting clear coat. The top isn't a really bad and the scratches are limited to small area on the driver side. It bugs me BIG TIME and was probably done when I cleaned the windshield. I'm going to try some Plexus and hope it hides them a little.

Thanks for your help. I hope Plexus helps.....