04-27-2009, 07:06 PM
Jim and TerePlexiglass fan covers
The plexiglass covers on both of our roof vents are sort of a bronze see through, but are oxidized. I want to clean them and get them back to their originally brilliance. I tried some Mcquires cleaner and that sort of worked but then I thought 'This probably is not a good idea'. I'm looking for something that will remove the oxidation, clean some minor scratches and leave a durable film to protect the plexiglass in the future. There are several products on the 'net but I'd rather hear from one of our Barth friends who actually knows what works.
04-27-2009, 10:36 PM
RustyConsidering the amount of labor involved, I'd recommend replacing. I doubt these are plexiglass - most are polystyrene. I suspect the "oxidation" is more likely deterioration of the material caused by exposure to UV rays.
Anyway, rubbing compound followed by polishing compound will restore the finish if the deteroration is actually on the surface. Note that styrene should not be buffed with a power tool unless at a very low speed, and lubricated liberally with water. A coat of Nu-Finish or Astro-Shield will provide limited protection from UV.
Rusty
"StaRV II"'94 28' Breakaway: MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP
Nelson and Chester, not-spoiled Golden Retrievers
Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not.
In either case the idea is quite staggering. - Arthur C. Clarke
It was a woman who drove me to drink, and I've been searching thirty years to find her and thank her - W. C. Fields
04-27-2009, 10:42 PM
olroyThe material in those vent covers gets brittle as it ages. Odds are if you hit them hard enough to polish out the scratches you'll break them before you're through. New ones are inexpensive (or were the last time I looked) & are easier to replace than clean & polish. Been there, done that.
04-28-2009, 06:06 PM
Danny ZI gotta go along with the guys on this one. My covers were white, but they looked just fine before leaving for Dega about 4 years ago. By the time we got there they had pretty much shredded to nothing. Like most things, when they give it up to the UV gods, they are history.
04-28-2009, 10:18 PM
bill hDo not make a decision on the tint of a new top until you have experienced the light from the open hole.
We use a clear top now, and would never go back. I used to change from clear to tinted and back with the seasons, but we like the extra light so much we now use the clear top year-round. We block them at night when we have overnight guests.
04-29-2009, 02:51 AM
Medic37Looks-like you can pick these up for between 15 and 20 dollars, regardless of manufacturer.
04-29-2009, 08:57 AM
Neil T.Has anyone been able to find the seals for the covers?
(At least the 30 year old one on my Barth).
Neil.