Buffing a Windshield?

[BIG--T]

I have an old Hondaline windshield that is scratched up and the clear is coming off. I did a search and couldn't find much. I now I could buy a new Clearview but I'd like to try to fix this one before declaring it dead. I did learn that the acrylics are easy to buff out but not the Lexan polycarbonate.

Has anyone done this before and was successful? 

[mmurffy03]

never tried to buff one but clearview had a xmas sale touring replacement glass was only 70 bucks maybe you could call them with some i was in the hospital story and get a sale price let me know mmurffy01@hotmail

[ricoman]

not a bad job to polish and sand out scratches
take a look at this post from a while back

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,32734.msg302206.html#msg302206

my reply is #4, I have done it and it works.

I would suggest 2000 grit for the final sanding though, having done a couple.

[Dodis]

Without doing a long search, I posted before about using some wide package tape to finish stripping the original coating from my windshield, then polishing. Just stick it on, rub it on good then pull it off. It is not perfect as the plastic under the coating is soft, so it scratches easy, but it's getting me by for now.

Hoping to get a new Clearview with income tax, if I get any back this year... 

Mike "Dodis"

[BIG--T]

not a bad job to polish and sand out scratches
take a look at this post from a while back

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,32734.msg302206.html#msg302206

my reply is #4, I have done it and it works.

I would suggest 2000 grit for the final sanding though, having done a couple.

Thanks Ricoman, I never would've thought of brake fluid! I know it'll ruin your paint!   

[BIG--T]

Without doing a long search, I posted before about using some wide package tape to finish stripping the original coating from my windshield, then polishing. Just stick it on, rub it on good then pull it off. It is not perfect as the plastic under the coating is soft, so it scratches easy, but it's getting me by for now.

Hoping to get a new Clearview with income tax, if I get any back this year... 

Mike "Dodis"

Thanks, that sounds easy enough and not messy. 

[saddlesore]

  Last year while pretreating my wheels with some cleaner, I used the cleaner to help get the bugs off of the shield.
BIG, STUPID, MISTAKE!!  It's not terrible but I can see where the cleaner took the clear coat off.
  I think I'll try the brake fluid before I get a new shield.  $70 for a new shield. It's the brackets that cost the most.

[BIG--T]

  Last year while pretreating my wheels with some cleaner, I used the cleaner to help get the bugs off of the shield.
BIG, STUPID, MISTAKE!!  It's not terrible but I can see where the cleaner took the clear coat off.
  I think I'll try the brake fluid before I get a new shield.  $70 for a new shield. It's the brackets that cost the most.

WOW! What kind of cleaner was it- laquer thinner? What the name of your shield? I know it's a little late but they say not to use Windex or similar but just soap and water. If she don't need a bath I'll just lay a hot towel over the shield for a few and the bugs come right off   

[saddlesore]

  I have a Memphis Shades shield.  I usually just use a pressure washer to get the bugs off the front of the bike.  There were a lot of bugs (disgustingly so).  I soak the bad parts with cleaner first.  In this case I think it was one of those oxy- cleaners.  For some stupid reason I hit the windshield with that.
  STUPID,STUPID,STUPID.
  I replaced the shield a couple of years ago cause of all the cracking in the shaded part.  A non-biker wouldn't notice it but a Valcaholic would.     

[YoungPUP]

My hondaline is peeling at the edges too. But before I strip it and polish it , has anyone tried Re-clear coating it after polishing? 

[BIG--T]

  I have a Memphis Shades shield.  I usually just use a pressure washer to get the bugs off the front of the bike.  There were a lot of bugs (disgustingly so).  I soak the bad parts with cleaner first.  In this case I think it was one of those oxy- cleaners.  For some stupid reason I hit the windshield with that.
  STUPID,STUPID,STUPID.
  I replaced the shield a couple of years ago cause of all the cracking in the shaded part.  A non-biker wouldn't notice it but a Valcaholic would.     

Oh ok, I knew windex wouldn't do that! Lol. A Memphis Shade is a good shield and the best part is you can't beat $70!! 

[ricoman]

Without doing a long search, I posted before about using some wide package tape to finish stripping the original coating from my windshield, then polishing. Just stick it on, rub it on good then pull it off. It is not perfect as the plastic under the coating is soft, so it scratches easy, but it's getting me by for now.

Hoping to get a new Clearview with income tax, if I get any back this year... 

Mike "Dodis"

this is good to know, sounds much easier than what I've done.
What kind of "package tape" so we know what to get?

[mmurffy03]

clearview sent me a cleaner called novus with my new shield they are numbered 1,2,3 #1 says clean & shine #2 says fine scratch remover  #3 says heavy scratch remover  but after reading the memphis shades national cycle clearview and cee bailey websites they all recomend different products anything from pledge furniture polish and windex to rainx window cleaner hondaline seems to be the big loser with the delamination and seperation of the layers on there glass so read up on each makers care and cleaning instructions they are not the same at all

[Dodis]

What kind of "package tape" so we know what to get?

I just used whatever 2" wide clear tape I had on hand. I remember reading so many stories of someone taping a 'for sale' sign on their bike and ruining the shield when they took it off. Just use something good and sticky...

And I tried the brake fluid first, didn't seem to do a thing for me. Maybe a particualr DOT #???   

And for my final buffing, I took a 4" wide paint roller cover, and cut the carrier off of an old handle to build a buffer for my drill. This way I could buff the shield so that all the "scratches" or buffing action could be kept vertical to reduce glare at night. I have seen the difference in others shield where they used a normal circular buffer. Hold the drill horizontal, and the buffer will polish vertically...



Mike
"Dodis"

[ricoman]

What kind of "package tape" so we know what to get?

I just used whatever 2" wide clear tape I had on hand. I remember reading so many stories of someone taping a 'for sale' sign on their bike and ruining the shield when they took it off. Just use something good and sticky...

And I tried the brake fluid first, didn't seem to do a thing for me. Maybe a particualr DOT #???   

And for my final buffing, I took a 4" wide paint roller cover, and cut the carrier off of an old handle to build a buffer for my drill. This way I could buff the shield so that all the "scratches" or buffing action could be kept vertical to reduce glare at night. I have seen the difference in others shield where they used a normal circular buffer. Hold the drill horizontal, and the buffer will polish vertically...



Mike
"Dodis"

good stuff there!
great idea on the buffer

the brake fluid (unlike oil) doesn't matter, using panty hose scapes away the coating after it softens

I bet you have some other handy hints to share about doing things on/to your bike?

[RP#62]

I draped a wet towel on mine and let it set for about a half hour to soften the coating up a little, then dried it off and quickly put duct tape all over it.  When I pulled the duct tape off, 90% of the coating came off with it.  Did it once more and it was all gone.  As noted, you can then polish it out, but it requires continual polishing as it scratches very easy.
-RP

[BIG--T]

Thanks guys for all the help! Mike that paint roller trick is a great idea and eliminate those swirls. I got some NASCAR 300 mph duct tape that will take it off!! 

[salty1]

BigT if when it's all said and done that your not happy, the Clearview replacement is a very nice replacement and reasonably priced too, IMO. Good luck on buffing yours out.

[BIG--T]

BigT if when it's all said and done that your not happy, the Clearview replacement is a very nice replacement and reasonably priced too, IMO. Good luck on buffing yours out.

Yes I plan on buying a CV IF I can't buff it out...I figure I haven't got nothing to lose but a little elbow grease! 

[Dodis]

I bet you have some other handy hints to share about doing things on/to your bike?

Thanks for the kudos! I have posted a few others, most of the rest I have found here, and they have been very useful.

The few others I posted:

Fork seal press, used with the high-$$$ PVC fork seal tool... Just recently reposted for another.
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,29980.msg324952.html#msg324952

Homemade 'D' tool for pilot adjusting...
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,8485.msg66684.html#msg66684

Mike "Dodis"

[mmurffy03]

clearview has a claim rite in there online site that there shields CAN  be buffed out if scratches are not too deep in there glass  thats what sold me the xmas sale price didnt hurt either $70.00 maybe they should ha a 4th of july sale too

[BIG--T]

clearview has a claim rite in there online site that there shields CAN  be buffed out if scratches are not too deep in there glass  thats what sold me the xmas sale price didnt hurt either $70.00 maybe they should ha a 4th of july sale too

Are you saying you bought a New Full size CV shield for $70? $203 for standard size is the cheapest I found. Did you buy their scratched specials?

[mmurffy03]

yes there xmas and new year sale was for anything in there what they call scratched stock for $70 bucks  originall 203 bucks mine was listed with several scratches but i took a chance and trust me im real fussy about what i buy i want it all perfect and could not find a single flaw on my shield which just says to me that there final inspector and there quality control people have a very high standard of what they sell ive seen brand new national cycle and other brands ship out shields that they passed inspection but if i had bought them they would go rite back to them they advertise there sale prices on there facebook page thats how i found the sale and i bought mine on jan 8th and the sale ended on dec 31st now thats service

[signart]

If it's O.K. to buff a clearview windshield, that means it does not have a protective film like the o.e.m., right? You just as well use the one you have, it shouldn't need much buffing after the film is removed. The film carries the brunt of the scratches. Mine has the film removed and I buff it each time I clean it, (with Brasso). Then I finish it off with Lemon Pledge, makes the bugs  & oil easier to remove, puts on a nice shine and removes the buffing residue completely.

[mmurffy03]

rite clearview does not have the coating like the OEM has on it

[BIG--T]

If it's O.K. to buff a clearview windshield, that means it dose not have a protective film like the o.e.m., right? You just as well use the one you have, it shouldn't need much buffing after the film is removed. The film carries the brunt of the scratches. Mine has the film removed and I buff it each time I clean it, (with Brasso). Then I finish it off with Lemon Pledge, makes the bugs  & oil easier to remove, puts on a nice shine and removes the buffing residue completely.

Thanks, that makes a lot of sense so I'll just do the duct tape trick and see what happens!

[signart]

Duct tape should work well, I used my scrap sign vinyl. You will have to go back over it carefully and pick up a few little chunks. I left the inside alone, it's still good shape.

[Led]

After 20 years with my Woman, I have flipped out on Her twice.  The one time, was when I came out of the Gas Station, and She was using the "complimentary" bug scraper/windshield wash they have, on my windshield.........

I love the Woman......She is the BEST thing that has ever happened to me, in my life........She was just trying to help out. My windshield was scratched up beyond belief.

I have tried to "fix" it, as best I can, but have been living with it all these years. I have thought about just taking it off, and being a "real" Biker........NO thanks!!!  I NEED my windshield!

If there is a way to REALLY.....fix it up, I am game.  But I feel, it is time to spring for a new one, even though I would like to have the "stock" one.........

 

[signart]

They are easy to buff, but if the clear is scratched, the clear got to go.

[BIG--T]

Led mine is really bad with many deep scratches, yellow with the coating coming off. I'll let you know how it comes out