Shaving Taillights?

Body, Paint, Interior and Trim questions and answers

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GP
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Shaving Taillights?

Postby GP » Wed Dec 20, 2006 1:16 pm

I read in a recent post \"Shaving Tailights\" was mentioned. I maybe mis reading but is this refering to getting rid of the ugly writing that's on all the lenses? If so anyone got tips :D
Graham

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Astroboysoup
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Postby Astroboysoup » Wed Dec 20, 2006 1:19 pm

I gave it a go ages ago on the reflector lenses. Thought id try on them first to see how good i can get it.

Wasn't too bad but I just couldn't get the plastic to polish up afterwards to be as nice as it once was.

Seemed a little darker and hazier but still worked

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MasterZ
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Postby MasterZ » Wed Dec 20, 2006 1:28 pm

1992 Mazda MX5 Turbo | 2004 VW Golf GTI | 2010.5 VW R36 Passat Wagon | 1985 Mazda HBES 929 13b Turbo | 1987 Mazda RX7 FC3S Turbo | KE20 Corolla Coupe

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Postby kula » Wed Dec 20, 2006 3:03 pm

or you can follow my article here:

http://www.motoractive.com.au/article11.htm

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PT
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Postby PT » Wed Dec 20, 2006 3:33 pm

It was me who mentioned it GP.

I've done it to all my cars... And they are now shinier and cleaner than before.
2001 Mazda MX-5 NB8B- http://www.mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=61506

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GP
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Postby GP » Wed Dec 20, 2006 4:01 pm

Thanks heaps guys, I will have a go at a couple of smaller lenses tonight. :D
On the subject, Does anyone know how the little round indicators come off?
Graham

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Wuey
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Postby Wuey » Wed Dec 20, 2006 4:02 pm

I did mine since Moses parted the Red Sea. I suggest start off with 400 followed by 800 and 1200 or if you're fussy, 2000 grade sandpaper. To give the lenses a brilliant gloss, use Meguaires plastic cleaner and polish. The result will be better than new. If you don't have the Meguaires stuff, I think regular paint polish and wax would do the job.
Image 2004 SE

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Techno
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Postby Techno » Wed Dec 20, 2006 8:12 pm

Best results come from using a stiched rag polishing wheel. Use the lightest cut soap (white) and be careful not to overgeat.

This will get far better results than wet paper.
Image

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Woo
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Postby Woo » Wed Dec 20, 2006 8:48 pm

Technos on the right track, but it is easy to melt the soft plastic.

IMHO the word is \"Silvo\" (Yes, the silver polish you use on the Chrissy cutlery)

A bit on a soft cloth following the fine wet n dry, rub like all hell and the scratches will slowly but surely disappear.

Works a treat :idea:
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Race what you brung ..... And hope you brung enough

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PT
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Re:

Postby PT » Thu Dec 21, 2006 8:41 am

GP wrote:Thanks heaps guys, I will have a go at a couple of smaller lenses tonight. :D
On the subject, Does anyone know how the little round indicators come off?


From memory they pop off, so lever your fingers underneath it and pop it off.
2001 Mazda MX-5 NB8B- http://www.mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=61506

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2005 Mazda MX-5 SE
1991 Mazda MX-5 NA6

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Andy Wana
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Postby Andy Wana » Thu Dec 21, 2006 9:07 am

You can also use a piece of towel and a slotted screwdriver to pop it off
Put the towel against the car's bodywork and use the screwdriver as leverage

Whichever way you choose, both methods work
I ♥ asymmetry

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Okibi
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Postby Okibi » Thu Dec 28, 2006 7:26 am

I did it to mine awhile ago, it's not too hard to polish up afterwards if you don't scratch them to buggery with sandpaper.

I was doing them at work so just used some ajax from the cleaners cupboard, it had enough fine grit to polish them up well.
If you had access to a car like this, would you take it back right away? Neither would I.


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