Scratched compass

[Harry van der Meer]

The plexiglass of my compass is heavily scratched. I suspect salt crystals trapped between the cover and the glass have caused this.

Is there any way to polish the plexiglass to remove the scratches? I want to make sure the glass does not get cloudy.

Your help is much appreciated.

[Tom Root]

I use toothpaste on plexiglass with varying degrees of success. Use a soft cloth, and rub vigorously. I have a can of cleaner that I don't even know the brand anymore, as I have had it for years, and the label fell off. In the event the toothpaste doesn't work, I resort to that.

BTW, if your headlight bezel is yellowing or looking dull, IE: late model Fords, the toothpaste trick works wonders, and your portholes (windows on the Mac), and the head door, scatches are easily removed on these also! Heat(provided by friction) is the key.... deep scratches are removed by the vigorous action I discussed earlier! And little goes a long way....so use sparingly!

[Captain Steve]

Harry, go to a motorcycle shop and get scratch remover for helmet faceshields and windshields. The motor cops at my station keep me supplied and it works wonders!

[Frank C]

Meguiar's makes a special polish for plexiglass called Meguiar's Mirror Glaze
. . . always used that on my Corvette hardtop (the rear window).

If the problem is internal, I think you're hosed. Time for a new compass.