Glass Scratches

[Peter27]

The finish of my FHC is let down by the state of the glass (rear window is OK). There are numerous light scratches, particularly on the inside of the windscreen, which look like they have been caused by the use of wire wool (or similar abrasive) and there are some deeper scratches on the O/S drivers window. As the glass appears to be original, I would like to have the scratches polished out if possible. I realise this is beyond my skill but does anybody know of a reputable company which can do this?...or do I have to change the glass???

[JagWaugh]

Peter,

Minor scratches can be polished out with Cerium Oxide and a hard felt lap on a cordless drill. Cerium Oxide is what telescope builders use to polish their glass lenses and mirrors. Check on Ebay, you should be able to get various grades.

I used it to remove marks made with a belt sander from a backlight, they were _very_ deep.

Mask off the car really well if the screen is installed (The slurry gets everywhere). Be careful not to overheat the glass, and be patient. It takes a while, but it is doable.

Andrew

[Peter27]

Thanks for the tips Andrew. Still not sure I am brave (or patient) enough to take this on, so I will see if I get other suggestions. Failing that, I suppose I will have to either steel myself or change the glass!

[christopher storey]

Peter : there is a potential problem with polishing scratches out with jeweller's rouge ( another name for oxide ) , and that is that it tends to affect the optical quality of the glass so that where it has been polished you can get a bull's eye effect . This is not perhaps that important on a tailgate glass , but can be a real nuisance on a windscreen

[Peter27]

Thanks Christopher. Yes you have confirmed another 'challenge' I had heard about in trying to do a DIY job. On further thought, the scratches to the windscreen are so extensive I think the only practicable solution is to change for a new one. Perhaps polishing of the side windows is still feasible.