what to do with for scratched windshield

[josh_booth]

Recently bought a 1976 Aristocraft nineteen. Paid next to nothing for it because it WASN'T running, I'm a mechanic by trade so engine work isn't a problem, it's running now and hopefully going to put it in the water Sunday. My problem is the windshield is covered in light scratches. Most of the time its not a problem but if there is much sun glare it becomes hard to see. I believe it is plexiglass or some other sort of clear plastic. Does anyone know of a way to repair it or will I end up replacing it?

 

[jbcurt00]

Old windshields tend to craze, which is lots and lots of small cracks IN the plastic (plexi or whatever) not scratches on the windshield.

Are you sure its scratched and not crazed?

 

[josh_booth]

You can feel then with your fingers, not enough to call it rough, but not smooth. I can "try" to post a picture if that will help

 

[josh_booth]

Will have to get it out in the daylight, lighting in my barn isn't good enough but they look like swirls

 

[DeepCMark58A]

3500 grit and wet sand the scratches, then buff with a plastic polish best to use a power buffer.

 

[fhhuber]

Basically treat it like the yellowed/scratched headlights of a car... Polish it or maybe even wet sand it to get the scratches out. Then use a UV resistant clear coat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEJbKLZ7RmM


This works for SCRATCHES and surface issues, not for "crazing" which is cracking more than 1/4 of the thickness of the plexi.