Tank Restoration

A chipped tank post gave me an idea. NAPA Auto Supply sells a five minute headlight glass polishing kit which I've used on the headlights on my van. Worked excellent. So, I was wondering if anybody's tried that stuff or anything like it to polish out the scratches on an old tank? Think it might worK?

J double R said:

i'd be worried about any sort of chemical residues... also, are you sure it was a glass polishing kit? a LOT of cars these days have poly or plastic headlight lenses... very few american cars actually have glass headlight lenses.. but the theory is definitely good.. if you do it, post results!

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Yeah, I hear you. It uses some kind of mineral, don't remember it specifying what kind. I'll have to look again. And you're right, few cars have actual glass anymore. What is it, lexsan they're using these days? Don't know. Suppose I could try polishing an old window payne and see what happens. Or maybe I should read the label. lol D Like that's gonna happen!) I dunno, seems like I'm never gonna get around to getting a new tank. Every time I try some "emergency" comes up. Yeah well, emergency is in the eye of the beholder I guess. The latest one is the new (used) cars I'm suppose to fix up for my girls. In best Violet Beauregarde voice from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, "I want it nowwwww daddy." Gotta love 'em

Oops, it wasn't Voilet Beaureguarde it was Varuca that did the "I want it now daddy." Oh man, she's gonna have such a tantrum now...

OK, the verdict is in. Or at least I've done the test. Anyway, I'll start with what it says on the package.

CCP 5 Minute HEADLAMP Len Restorer - NAPA Auto Supply

What it is: It says it uses a 1.2 micron mineral (smaller than the eye can see) formulated to restore the optical clarity of your headlamp. Doesn't say what the mineral is. State secret I guess.

What it isn't: Says it contains no silica, silicone, petrol chemicals, acids, waxes, clay fillers or chemicals that can be hazardous to you and the environment. It is a water based product. note: sounds like it wouldn't hurt a living thing. Still, no guarantees. Wash and rinse. Then rinse again.

What it does: Well, the proof is in the pudding as they say so I grabbed my screen door replacement window and polished it a little. No problem so far. But what if I scratch it!!! Well as it happens, that's a lot harder then you think. You know how it is. If you're trying to keep something nice, sure as shootin' it gets screwed up. If however, you're trying to damage it on purpose... forget it. Oh I finally managed put a scratch in it. Had to use a file to do it though. Anyway, I started to try and polish the scratch out. I polished and I polished. Then I polished s'more. And you know what, it started getting better. It took a long time but it actually started to get better. And there were no swirl marks, hazing or anything. Just perfectly clear glass. Now I didn't finish taking all the scratch out as I'm doing this early in the morning and it would take quite a while but I think I'll have to give this product the thumbs up. It actually does what it says it will. Sure, it will take quite a while on actual glass but hey, glass is really hard stuff. Practically hard as rock. Or sand anyway. lol :laugh: So there you go then. It works. Really slow on glass but it does work.

Glad I could help.