• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Polishing a scratched TT dust cover

Great post!

Another item I recently discovered and used with success is Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish. Only $5 and can also be used as headlight cleaner by itself.
 
I fixed my Onkyo dustcover, eliminating the yellow cast and giving it a good shine using Brasso and a tidy helping of elbow grease. It looks good but not like new but is a huge improvement over its former condition. It might look new but there are several small spots where the previous owner spilled something on it that etched the plastic - maybe acetone. Guess I'll give it the old sanding routine when I find my get-up-and-go.
IMG_0095.JPG
 
I'm knee deep in trying to save a hopelessly abused cover for my new to me JVC QL-A7, so rebooting this great thread.

So far, wet sanding with 2000 grit sandpaper has really helped, but I am gonna need to get down to 1000 grit, as someone either exposed this cover to a splatter of heat, or some odd compound, because there is clear and hard grit stuck to the lid. Had to grind it all off the top.

Wish me luck. At least I can now see thru it.
 
Good luck James! I’m lucky the one I picked up (JVC QL-A7) was nearly perfect. But I’m going to follow suit on a few other dust covers for an Onkyo and a Pioneer.

I wonder how the auto headlight repair products would work for this?
 
desertrat748 said:
I wonder how the auto headlight repair products would work for this?
Click to expand...

For very fine scratches, I really like the PlastX from Meguiars. Works really well. Also had great luck with garden variety car wax, but if you have heavily damaged, or scratched tops, my experience is, buckle down for a lot of work, and start with 1000 or 2000 grit sandpaper.

I been using 2k paper and wet sanding, but I'm going to go down to 1000 and try again.
 
greymatter said:
Great thread , I hope it becomes a Sticky in the TT forum ?
Click to expand...

Brilliant.

This dust cover I'm working on, well, someone had taken what appeared to be a belt sander to it. Deformation of the acrylic, just a mess.

I patiently wet sanded 1000 grit, and moved up the chain, 1500, 2000, and finally 2500.

Whaddaya know?? It's actually working. Taking damned forever, and my right elbow may never bend again, but I think this weekend with a cheap orbital buffer, I'll be set.
 
I've seen people use a buffer on automobile taillight assemblies and they ended up looking new. Maybe that and some rubbing compound may be an option?

Also, a friend came over last week and told me if I want to remove the yellow and haze from my headlight assemblies to use WD-40 and I tried it and they cleared right up.
 
Last edited:
onwardjames said:
Brilliant.

This dust cover I'm working on, well, someone had taken what appeared to be a belt sander to it. Deformation of the acrylic, just a mess.

I patiently wet sanded 1000 grit, and moved up the chain, 1500, 2000, and finally 2500.

Whaddaya know?? It's actually working. Taking damned forever, and my right elbow may never bend again, but I think this weekend with a cheap orbital buffer, I'll be set.
Click to expand...

Pics of the progress!
 
The 3M headlight cover restoration kit has some of the best acrylic polishing items there are, it’s just expensive, probably would only do one “badly scratched” dust cover per kit. Use to use them to polish fiber optic data connections....

Great information in the original post.
 
This headlight polishing tutorial is exactly the process a dust cover needs and does not take much manual effort, but it does take time and a thoroughly methodical approach. The exact products are mentioned and the results are irrefutable. It could have been a shorter video, but............start around 3:00 and skip at will, but don't ignore the steps. Done around 5:40

 
Last edited:
greymatter said:
Awesome James , don't forget the pics after it's finished .
Click to expand...

I think that the seller may still have pics of that cover. It was about as bad as I've ever seen, wish I had bothered to snap a couple.

Tronk said:
I've seen people use a buffer on automobile taillight assemblies and they ended up looking new. Maybe that and some rubbing compound may be an option?

Also, a friend came over last week and told me if I want to remove the yellow and haze from my headlight assemblies to use WD-40 and I tried it and they cleared right up.
Click to expand...

Using pretty much any thin oil will temporarily clear up headlights. My favorite, tho it is very dangerous if not done properly, is to use DEET mosquito repellent. It literally eats away the old crusty plastic. The trick is.....spray once, wipe ONCE OR TWICE really hard, and then quickly go over with a dry and clean rag. If done right, it is ridiculously easy and works very well. But....wipe too many times, and you get a sticky, likely toxic mess. I've kinda figured out what works, and that's what I have been doing, but probably won't any longer. DEET is nasty stuff.

desertrat748 said:
Pics of the progress!
Click to expand...
Absolutely, tho last night, after a 1000 grit, 1500, 2000, and finally 2500, she's really starting to look good.
 
I used wet sandpaper and a wood block. Then I bought a cheap electric buffer and cleaned up a really scratched dust cover. When sanding you get to the point where you have an all over gray look to the cover and then your ready to buff.
 
parman said:
I used wet sandpaper and a wood block. Then I bought a cheap electric buffer and cleaned up a really scratched dust cover. When sanding you get to the point where you have an all over gray look to the cover and then your ready to buff.
Click to expand...

This is a fine point. DO NOT QUIT and start with the polishing until you've removed those imperfections, or it is all in vain. I used a pool noodle, which isn't as violent over contours, because I had to polish on the edges as well, as some asshat had gone bonkers with a cheap sander.

Here's the only pic I have of the "before".... notice where the buffer "crawled" at the 8 o'clock position. STILL trying to get that out.

index.php
 
The cover I did had 1 REALLY DEEP scratch, I decided I didn't want to sand that far into the cover. I was afraid of making it weak. So I still have a scratch that is now pretty lite and the rest of the cover is beautiful.
PS the cover was covered with melted wax also, must have been using it for a candle holder at one point !
 
My recommendations:

Wet sand with:
-800 grit
-1000 grit
-1500 grit
-2000 grit
-3000 grit
Avoid sanding in the same direction as this will gauge the plastic leaving deep grooves that are hard to get out.

Finally, polish with headlight restoration kit.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom