Cloudy Port Lights

[Bay Sailor]

Hey fellas,

Does anyone know of a product and method to polish out my plastic portlights so that the are clear again? As they are they are so cloudy they scarcely admit light. I know there are dozens of products available but of course not sure which actually do a good job.

Thanks,
Mark

[SailingSeaDragon]

Mark,

I have had good luck with the Meguiar's products. It does an outstanding job on dodger windows and a pretty nice on the plastic portlights.

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|10918|309314|311452&id=72996

Followed with -

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|10918|309314|311452&id=72981

Garner

[Jim Cozy]

For 20 years, I have been using TOOTHPASTE !!! Works great, always available. Just be sure it is the type with an abrasive in it (most of them). Work it with a little water to keep it moist, rinse and dry. Jim

[EdHouston]

http://marinerv.meguiars.com/product/Clear-Plastic-Control-Panels/Mirror-Glaze-Clear-Plastic-Cleaner

This works

[Bay Sailor]

Thanks, guys.

Jim, I did try a little toothpaste, rubbing by hand but it didn't do a lot.

Ed: I think this is the product I used some time ago on my motorcycle windscreen. I've give it a try here. My lights aren't 'scratched' but just plain foggy from 30 years of life.

Mark-

[barrylab]

I have the glass from the worst port light out. After cleaning, soaking in caustic, soaking in sodium percarbonate and soaking in bleach, I still have the white haze. I put the glas in a microscope and found the plastic layer (it's safety glass) has discolored. I doubt it can be removed, so I'm looking to the local glass shop to build me new port light glass (tempered safety glass, 3/16" thick overall).
I'll post progress and prices.

[BlameItOnBuffett]

I went out to the port light manufacturers site (beckson if I remember correctly) and looked, as mine were hazy and all the screens were torn. The new screens were like 20+ each. Then I looked in the specials or clearnace section, and low and behold, I could get brand new complete sets for around 32+ each. They were all off-white as opposed to white, but I can accept that for roughly 1/4th the price of new. On top of that, they gave me 5 new trim rings (white) for the outside, at no charge.