Peeling Tailights

[Duronimal]

My '02 Suburban is starting to shed a little, lol......it appears the clearcoat is flaking off both tailights.

I've searched around the net and gathered that a good cleaning and light wet sanding with 800 grit paper, followed by a spray of enamel clearcoat should do the trick. Any other tips or advice? The search hasn't yielded very much.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

-Ron

[Zembonez]

My '02 Suburban is starting to shed a little, lol......it appears the clearcoat is flaking off both tailights.

I've searched around the net and gathered that a good cleaning and light wet sanding with 800 grit paper, followed by a spray of enamel clearcoat should do the trick. Any other tips or advice? The search hasn't yielded very much.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

-Ron

There isn't a factory clear coat on the light. The surface layer of the plastic is deteriorating. (same problem all of those foggy headlamps have)

 

You are on the right track with the light very very fine grit sanding and polishing. This is best done with the light removed from the vehicle using a buffing wheel on a bench grinder. Light compound and patience will net you a pretty clean result. Give em a coat of wax and it will last quite a long while. I've never tried clear coating afterwards... sounds like a risky move. Plastics are pretty picky when you start spraying paint on them. You might end up with a milky looking light.

 

Maybe somebody else can chime in about that part.

[Duronimal]

There isn't a factory clear coat on the light. The surface layer of the plastic is deteriorating. (same problem all of those foggy headlamps have)

 

I've seen the foggy headlamps you mention. The surface of these tailights can be peeled off in actual flakes, which seems a little different ??

I bought this truck used, so perhaps it was involved in some cheapo repair?

I'll take your advice and try the light compound and buffing.

Thanks for the info!

 

 

-Ron

[mini1]

Sounds like UV damage due to to neglect.

[Duronimal]

Sounds like UV damage due to to neglect.

 

What kind of neglect ? This is one pampered truck, unless I'm only supposed to drive it after sunset... lol

 

-Ron

[Zembonez]

Sounds like UV damage due to to neglect.

 

What kind of neglect ? This is one pampered truck, unless I'm only supposed to drive it after sunset... lol

 

-Ron

 

Over time even the most pampered vehicle can have this issue. The headlamps you mention are peeling because the clear plastic in crumbling. If it isn't too severe even those headlamps can be saved. Our shop has buffed hundreds of headlamps and tail lights with exceptional results. I think you will be pleased. Get some liquid compound...