Tail light refurb

[14Accent]

Posting this to go along side my previous buff n' shine thread. The taillight on my Reatta was in rough shape (as most of them are), so I "restored" it using gloss spar varnish based on a tip from the Reatta forums. Here's a before:

And after:

It's not perfect yet, I still need to wet sand and buff it out. I also plan on ordering new BUICK lettering at some point to complete the look.

 

[Warstud]

Why does it look like there's SNOW on the ground ?

 

[14Accent]

Why does it look like there's SNOW on the ground ?

The only before pictures I had were from the day I brought her home in March

 

[Malo83]

Ash from the Canadian fires.

 

[meep]

Do you thin the varnish before applying or just go full strength?

 

[14Accent]

Do you thin the varnish before applying or just go full strength?

Full strength, two light coats with 2 days in between to dry

 

[double vanos]

You are seriously hardcore- I love the lift in your garage! Typical Bitoger: fresh oil on shelf, used oil on floor, light clamped to shelf brace, vacuum that’s been to hell and back….perfect!

 

[14Accent]

I think this is as good as it's going to get. Spent 2+ hours wet sanding with 1500 grit until even followed by rubbing compound, lense cleaner, polishing compound, mirror glaze, and finally liquid wax. There's still some runs/imperfections, but short of buying an OEM assembly this is as good as it's going to get. As of now, the surface is as smooth as glass.

 

[vavavroom]

You could apply Pledge Floor Gloss/Care, Future Floor Polish, or Quick Shine to the taillight lenses and let that dry. It should improve clarity and make the lenses nice and shniy. It's an old model building trick that gives unmatched clarity and shine to plastic windows and canopies. I have used floor polish to spruce up all kinds of old plastic.

 

[vavavroom]

Some may think using floor gloss on a taillight or headlight leases is silly. Consider that these are acrylic coatings that are designed to be walked on. They go on much thicker than acrylic automotive paint sealants and are pretty durable.

 

[14Accent]

Thanks for the tip @vavavroom

 

[AZjeff]

What do you drive in the winter? Not the Buick or the Honda.

Nothing like giving your dream car some love