Glass Polishin'

[Action Girl]

Hey there gang,

My 51 Chevy has original glass and as you can guess, the night-time driving is a bit tricky because of the way the light fractures in the fine scratches on the glass.

I noticed that there are some products out there that claim to be able to remove fine scratches on glass. Anybody used any of these? How did they work?

I'd like to avoid replacing the glass at the moment, so I'm looking for anything that will be relatively inexpensive and give decent results.

I've also noticed that there are two basic kits: hand polishing and also ones that attach to a drill. Is one better than the other? Will the drill kind damage the glass or make it wavy?

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[born2late]

Use the kit that comes with a drill attachment. You do not want to try and rub scratches out by hand. The compound is Cerium Oxide I think. You mix a powder with water to make a paste. I used it once on an area that was
damaged by a bad wiper blade. It took a long time and did leave a bit of a "lense" or wave in the glass but it was on the passenger side so no big deal. If the scratches are concentrated to one area then you can get them out. If it
is scratched all over your screwed. I don't think you'll have the patience to get them all out.

[DrJ]

Ask Friday's grrl. She cuts glass engraves glass, polishes it Polishes it maybe even Frenches it I don't know but she knows what will work.

[polisher]

I polish out glass with regular aluminum oxide compound and a plain canvas pleated buff.

[Friday's Gurl]

For anyone else that needs this info:

Glazing supply house that carries cerium oxide and the polishing attachments for your drill:

http://www.crlaurence.com/


These guys have the kit that may be more cost effective:

http://www.eastwoodcompany.com


Becca

[Friday's Gurl]

Oh, sorry - didn't read your whole posting.

Yes, it is possible to get "waves" in the glass in the spots you're polishing. You're pretty much griding the glass down with a fine powder. It's better to "feather" the polishing because of this... don't sit the polisher in one spot too long... I use circular strokes, LOTS of water and a good amount of pressure.

Personally I would prefer a few waves rather than scratches - the waves will be less noticable and probably better for your visibility day and night.

Where's OLDCARGLASSGUY when you need him?? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif


Becca

[old beet]

In most cases, if your time is worth more than a buck an hour, buy new glass. Been doin the glass gig for many years, polishing a flat glass surface, don't work so well. Why do your "RX" glasses cost so much? Just polished glass!! How much for a "RX" windshield? Keep lookin, usually you can find a deal on glass..........OLDBEET

[delaware george]

malco brand water spot remover worked pretty good on min,but it wasn't scratched all that bad

[quickrod]

cerium oxide works ok,you just have to be patient,it's time consuming.might find better results with a "wetter"mixture,ahd a high speed buffer,with a pad,but ya gotta keep it movin like on paint.then hit it with a glazing compound and wipe clean. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[48_HEMI]

wonders never cease,39 years that I've been doing autoglass things haven't changed much. I haven't seen it yet but my son (also in the glass business)just bought a new systeem for removing scratches up to .040 even in tempered. he wants me to go with him to the training session on Dec.14th. this old dog doesn't want to learn any new tricks. I plan to retire next april and go on an endless road tour in my Hemi Car http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gifbut I'll post more on when I see it
Jim