C2 Hardtop Rear Window Replacement

[David H.]

A couple of questions. My hardtop window has crazing on the inside (Bubba windexed it??). I've hand polished and rubbed it with Mequiar's #10, #17 and PlastX with initial fair-good results, but after a couple of days, it seems to dry and the crazing returns (a side note - these have worked real well on my soft top vinyl window). I assume their refractive index is close to that of Plexiglas thus the crazing temporarily 'disappears' until it dries and they reappear. I just don't see this polishing having much lasting effect.

Question 1: should I get more aggressive with my polishing, buy that pneumatic orbital I've been eyeing and what should I polish with?

2: cut my losses, buy a new rear window from Glassworks. Where do I find detailed instructions how to remove the old and install the new? I've checked the archives with no results.

Thanks for any help and/or insight!

[Scott C Pfuehler]

Re: C2 Hardtop Rear Window Replacement

David,The aircraft industry has been working with plexiglass forever and one of those guys helped me with my hardtop window by telling me to get some 1500 or 2000 wet sand paper and using lots of water sand on the scratches or crazed spots you have. Then use light rubbing compound and then polishing compound and you could have renewed your window. Deep scratches can even use 1000 paper but that gets hard to polish out. Go to a plastic supplier and get a scrap piece of plexiglass and practice on it before you tackle the actual window. If the damage is really bad a window replacement may have to happen but try this first. I have even used this technique on convertible windows that become hard to see out of because of age or abuse. Scott

[Jack H.]

Add on...

Plus, if you want a pro to turn-key the job for you vs. going through the polishing learning curve yourself, most major metro areas have aircraft repair shops (commercial and private) who do this work routinely...

[David H.]

Re: Add on...

Many thanks guys. I know where to call.

[Randy R.]

Re: C2 Hardtop Rear Window Replacement

I practiced on a boat windshield before I tried my hardtop window. It worked well.

Randy

[Kent K.]

Re: Add on...

David ---- One guy from our building at work hired a guy to polish his plastic headlight lenses on a recent model car. I spoke with the polisher and found out he used 2000 & 3000 grit paper, very wet. Then he polished with some (unknown brand) compound. Most of what he used was supposed to be a secret, but I got some information.
Do a trial run on an old headlight lens from the scrap yard first to feel comfortable with the process.
Regards, Kent Keech

[David H.]

Re: Add on...

Thanks Kent,
I'm a member of the CAF and called the local wing restorer. He said they sometimes use micro-mesh on scratches, but if crazing is too heavy, they replace them. He refered me to a local aircraft maintenance company. I left a message and haven't heard back yet. He may be too busy - especially if it means dealing with some anal perfectionist and his toy car !! Anyway I may wind up doing it myself, but I'll heed the advice to practice on scrap first. I appreciate the input. I sure rather preserve the old plexiglass than by new.

[David H.]

Re: Add on...

Thanks Kent,
I'm a member of the CAF and called the local wing restorer. He said they sometimes use micro-mesh on scratches, but if crazing is too heavy, they replace them. He refered me to a local aircraft maintenance company. I left a message and haven't heard back yet. He may be too busy - especially if it means dealing with some anal perfectionist and his toy car !! Anyway I may wind up doing it myself, but I'll heed the advice to practice on scrap first. I appreciate the input. I sure rather preserve the old plexiglass than by new.