Levin Letter Box Grille Restore!

[JDM-086]

I have a Levin letterbox grille (non foglight type with plastic face)


As you can see in the pic slightly, the clear is off in some areas and looking somewhat....shit and dull
I have tried the following:
-autosol
-plasticX meguires

Basically i want to try and restore it to the new CLEAR fresh look again.
Was wondering if anyone has had any experience/suggestion with this particular task/item?

I have researched some methods and so far it looks like this is the best way,
but is still a gamble because most plastics are generally different.
(does anyone know what type of plastic is actually used for this?)

-sand it, gradually with finer grit papers (1200/1500/2000/3000)
-use a fine cutting compound
-use toothpaste
-use a plastic polish/wax
-if still not 100% clear, spray with acrylic clear


Please don't post comments like "buy a new one" or "get a foglight grille"
Id like to assess this option first and then I'll make a decision.

[Dori_Dori]

I would use car polish.
If it still doesnt come out what your after, use cutters then use polish again.
On the cutters dont go too hard.
Hope that helps.

[timbo]

I tried on mine and failed miserably. Mine was very sun damaged and of course, brittle, so it didn't take long to crack. Yours looks ok, so just be careful with pressure. Sand as you have said then use a plastic polish, I use meguires bike stuff that works well.

[JDM-086]

Thanks for the suggestions
i shouldve mentioned this
ill update the first post, but i have tried the following:
-autosol
-plasticX meguires

i have a fine cutting meguires compound for cars which i will try but
i dont know if any of the above will work as parts of it, as you can see, have peeled so there will always be a difference in levels. where it hasnt peeled, seems fine still and the plastic itself still seems quite good it terms of being damaged or brittle.
i would be sanding quite lightly and letting most of the weight from my hand with minimal pressure do the work.

[davidgarratt]

Mate just use headlight restoration kit
The one to use is hrk01 you can get it @ bursons or coverntry it has the sandpaper, uv protection stuff and Polish.... works a treat.

[timbo]

That stuff is good but it only masks the problem! I used it on some taillights which worked well, but I know those grills have some many layers on them, which will be better sanded.

Again, use the plastic polish as a final buff.

[Nikkojoe]

This. I've used it on one before and it came out mint. Also used it on my s13, then on actual headlights on my is200. A few different brands are around, all are between $20-50 and have different grades of sand paper, plastic polishes and a UV sealant (much like the stuff that is peeling off the grill right now. I ran out of the kit I bought so I haven't done my current one yet... just go over it a few times with plasticX.

PlasticX or scratchX work well too, however you need to go over it a few times and buff very hard and will need a touch up every now and again.

[JDM-086]

ill have a look into it.

concerns are:
-headlights are a different plastic with different layers and coating
-kits are designed for oxidization removal as opposed to this case where its an actual peeling layer unlike headlights
-retaining a completely clear finish. not cloudy

i've come to the conclusion i will have to sand it if i want any chance of restore. no amount of polishing will compensate for the difference in layers (in theory )

again unsure of most the above, feel free to interject.

has anyone actually attempted something like this on a letter box grille with any success???
(nikkojoe i couldn't work out if you had used it on the grille or just the product on other items ie. headlights)

[t-nol]

The process you listed is correct, but to bite into the plastic, first you will need 600 on the orbital sander (never by hand), then work through to 1200, then 2000 finally.
You will need a decent plastic cutting polish to get best results from here, car polish is no good, then the finishing buffing polish for plastics.
We reco these at work.

[JDM-086]

i have an orbital air sander but the finest grit discs i can get are 320 so ill have to do it by hand
i have plasticX meguires plastic polish and ill probably get a meguires cutting polish too

is there any need for an acrylic clear coat with this process?
what kind of things should i avoid that could potentially leave the finish cloudy rather than completely clear?

shame your not local