1972 Riviera door glass scratch removal

[kreed]

I am restoring a 1972 Riviera . My door glass on both sides has fine scratches . Has anyone had any luck polishing out these fine scratches ? I know they are tempered and easily broken but have a couple of spares that I could practice on first - just not sure what compound is best . I would also consider buying any NOS if any still survive . Any help would be appreciate 

KReed 

ROA 14945

[PWB]

Cerium Oxide

This cat from a glass shop has a plan:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JErQ72NH4jA

 

 

 

[kreed]

Thanks - checked it out . Might give it a try on a piece of "practice " glass. Ken

[Paul K.]

Cerium Oxide is basically step 1. If scratches are deeper like a wiper mark then something more aggressive is needed. Eastwood has a kit (link) with sanding discs for deeper scratches. I've never sanded glass but will be in the next few months so I can report back. 

 

http://www.eastwood.com/glass-polishing-kit-for-deep-scratches-5658.html

 

[PWB]

The big glass franchises have occasional promotions on windscreen polishing. Like $150.

I'm sure they'd extend to side glass. You're gonna drop almost a clam on tools/product anyway?

 

 

[msdminc]

Kendall,

 

I have used the TK Enterprises stuff on a pretty deep scratch on one of my cars quite successfully.  Slow and easy was how I did it.  It took a while but it looks good.

 

Rock On

 

gord

[kreed]

Thanks Gordon  - will check it out . Just found an NOS passenger side ( actually new ) so going to get that but will try the TK on my other side. Will let you know how it goes . Kendall 

[JZRIV]

Wow an NOS side glass! that's great!

 

I've used the Eastwood kit on several windshields and side glass over the years in order to restore and keep original date coded glass. Another reason is new glass, at least as far as Riviera front windshields, do not have the same shading as originals. I have found the polishing kit to work well on anything you can't catch a fingernail or razor knife on. Pretty much have to do the whole thing even if you only have one spot to make it even in appearance.

 

On those scratches that you can catch a knife edge on, you can polish it out and make it less noticeable but NOT eliminate it. I have actually used sandpaper on deeper scratches to feather the sharp edges of the scratch then polish and polish which helps make them much less noticeable. Like polishing pitted stainless, if the surface is bad enough to require sanding it down, you just created several hours more of work to make it smooth and shiny. 

 

This is a very tedious process which takes gobs of patience and several hours start to finish. Any attempt to rush the job and failure will be likely. I have 100% eliminated the typical wide sweeping drag marks from wipers.

 

Replacing is a better alternative in most, but not all instances.

[kreed]

Thanks to all  - as always the ROA membership is extremely helpful. Will keep you updated

Ken Ree

ROA 14549