Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: How can you rejuvenate running light lens

Posted by cdnwhaler on 10/06/07 - 7:01 AM
#1

On my 1984 Outrage 22 the lens for the red/green running lights have become very cloudy and dull. I have the Wilcox Crittendon type lights and I'm aware these lenses are like gold now so I'm looking for some tips to rejuvenate them. I've checked the correct bulbs are being used and they are. I've not tried anything yet to clean them for fear of making them worse.

Any ideas?

Peter

Edited by cdnwhaler on 10/06/07 - 7:02 AM

Posted by Tom W Clark on 10/06/07 - 7:26 AM
#2

Peter,

The best product I have found for the plastic lenses is Brasso metal polish. It sounds weird, but try it. I think you will impressed with the results.

Posted by cdnwhaler on 10/06/07 - 8:09 AM
#3

Tom,

You're right, it does sound weird.
But as I was just reaching for the Brasso I remembered it's also recommended for removing the scratches from iPods and I used it on my son's iPod a few years ago. And, it worked pretty darn good.

As I recall the theory isn't that you're polishing it, but that due to Brasso's mild abrasive quality, you're removing the scratches by actually removing some of surrounding material, similar to sanding scratches from wood.

Thanks.

Peter

Posted by kamie on 10/06/07 - 9:44 AM
#4

Peter,
got any before / after shots of how well it worked. I really need to do my lenses as well.

Posted by drandlett on 10/07/07 - 12:13 PM
#5

After being stopped by the Coast Guard for a faded bow light (they must have been bored) I used some Sharpie markers of the correct color to brighten up the colors... however sounds like brasso may have a longer lasting effect.

Posted by 1531665anthony on 10/15/07 - 11:41 AM
#6

on my 73 boston whaler bassboat the front running light globe has faded clear. brasso will bring the green and red back?

Posted by Jeff on 10/15/07 - 12:22 PM
#7

I doubt it.

Posted by ioptfm on 10/15/07 - 7:05 PM
#8

If it has faded to almost clear, you can go to a craft shop and get some glass paint. This will give it the green/red color, and still let light shine thru. I did it on mine...........not perfect color match, but it works.

Posted by Joe Kriz on 10/15/07 - 7:49 PM
#9

I have a source for brand new old stock lights for the smaller Whalers.
Not the Outrage models with the Wilcox lights unfortunately...

I thought I was the only one in the world who had 3 of these new lenses left.
Well, I found another source.....

If you members want to know where to buy the older, single piece bow light in red and green, please send me a Private Message [PM]...
This is for members of WhalerCentral.com ONLY.......
Only members can send a PM so I know it will be from a member.

This is the lens I am referring to:
[img]http://countylists.com/jkonline/images/Bow_Lens_t2.jpg[/img]

These are BRAND NEW OLD STOCK................
I have nothing to do with the company I am going to refer you to.

Edited by Joe Kriz on 10/16/07 - 12:39 PM

Posted by miken07 on 10/16/07 - 10:51 AM
#10

If you have a clear lens that was painted over, then this won't work for you. If you have a colored plastic lens, you can wetsand and then buff with mother's plastic polish.


Wash the lens to get rid of all the dirt/debris
Get 1500 grit sandpaper and wetsand the lenses
Then use Mothers aluminum polish (or like product) to bring the shine back

Posted by SuperiorShepherd on 04/04/08 - 9:02 PM
#11

The red lense on my wilcox lamp was faded out. I used red repair tape, sold by NAPA for fixing red auto taillights. An easy and effective fix.
Dave

Posted by Binkie on 04/05/08 - 5:12 PM
#12

Will Brasso work on my car headlight lenses to make them clear again?
Rich:)

Posted by wrangler on 04/06/08 - 10:58 AM
#13

Watching the automotive TV shows, Two guys garage etc, they all recommend toothpaste to clean lenses.

Posted by linehook on 04/06/08 - 4:31 PM
#14

I have used Brasso to clear up cloudy taillights and red/green bow lights for years. I have never tried it on glass but it works great on plastic lenses since the color is in the plastic. I have also used it to polish a cloudy windshield on my antique Proline that had a plexiglass windshield and it worked pretty good. Hope this helps.
Linehook:D

Posted by Binkie on 04/07/08 - 5:41 PM
#15

Well I polished the headlight lenses on my Town Car today, and they look like new. Amazing.:D
Rich

Posted by Binkie on 04/07/08 - 5:42 PM
#16

I neglected to mention that I used Brasso.
rich