K11 Owners Group

Ernie-NH · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 1:14 pm Post subject: cloudy windshield ???

Good morning all...

My "new to me" '95 K1100LT has a clouded windshield. It looks as though some PO tried to use Scotchbrite or someting similar and has micro-scratched the Lexan... Does anyone here know of a plastic buffing compound such as rouge that can be used to bring up some level of clarity to the surface, OR am I in the market for a new plastic piece ?? Any help or tips would be appreciated...

Thanks in advance......// Ernie-NH
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'11 G650gs
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Jim · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 1:42 pm Post subject: shield

Hi Ernie - you can try PlastX. If you have access to polishing rouge and a buffing wheel, that's probably a better way to go.

These shields come with some kind of coating that starts to flake off after a number of years - I finally got almost all of it off my shield with ScratchX or PlastX - I forget which one I used. Here's something else you can try: http://www.superiorcarcare.net/mg1017k.html
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 2:36 pm Post subject:

Ernie,

No input on your windshield problem, but WELCOME. Another NH brick rider!

John
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Don Sproule · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 3:48 pm Post subject: cloudy windshield

Hi Ernie,

I think you might be wasting your time. There is some kind of coating applied to the windscreen on LTs. You have to get all of it off and then try to polish up the Lexan (I believe that's what they used).
I just said screw it and bought an aftermarket one. Can't remember the name right now.
It cost around $150 and was an easy swap and very little swearing.

Don

Sonu · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 3:53 pm Post subject:

Hi Ernie,

Welcome to K11OG.

A lot of us on this newsgroup went with a new CeeBailey windscreen. So far everyone is very happy with the aircraft grade material. Do a search and you will find several threads.

I use Plexus & a soft cloth to keep mine in scratch-free condition. Dont use paper to wipe the screen.

Sanjiv
_________________
1997 K1100LT "Ziggy" _GarminGPS_Corbin saddle_K Guards _Hyperlights_Fog lights_Eastern Beaver Relays_Cee Bailey_4"speakers_Michelin PR4's_MoS2_Spiegler lines_TPMS_VDO

BobZ(IL) · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 4:35 pm Post subject:

Welcome to the site.

Meguiars PlastX cleared up what I thought was a totally wasted windscreen on my '93 LT. I'm sure glad I tried it before buying a new screen.
_________________
'93 K1100LT
'78 R100S
'05 R1200GS
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Live well, do good work, enjoy the ride.

Saltcreek · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 4:43 pm Post subject:

Ernie-NH · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 5:06 pm Post subject: cloudy windscreen...!!

Hello all..

Checked the CeeBailey site and their direct replacement is only 148$ as compared to MAX at $319... This should be a "no brainer"..eh? First however, I'm going to try the PlastX and a power buffer to see just how good I can get it. Thanks EVERYONE for the input and advice !!

best regards......// Ernie in NH
_________________
AMA,, American Deaf Bikers
Airhead Beemers Club
'11 G650gs
'95 K1100LT
'76 R100/7

Phil Marvin · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 5:24 pm Post subject:

Hi, Ernie,
The part number for the K1100LT windshield is 46 63 2 307 474. It is listed on Max BMW's website at $391.55, meaning it would be $313.24 from Chicago BMW (20% discount). I have one I scored on e-bay. It is NOS (new-old stock) which I won a year or so ago. The K1100LT and K75RT (electric windshield) use the same windshield and moving parts. If you NEED a windshield, make me an offer. I'd let it go for significantly less than $313.24, but won't give it away. If you go the aftermarket route, you can (I believe) get a taller or shorter shield, if necessary. BTW, I also have a K1100LT front wheel for sale, complete with a new tire AND very good brake rotors.

John (and OTG),
No, I didn't carry the spare windshield with me to HL. The ex-radio box will hold a lot, but not a windshield!
_________________
Ride Safe,
Phil Marvin in El Paso, TX
'94 K75A/3
'95 K75RTP

Ted · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 6:35 pm Post subject:

Meguiar's #10 - For deep scratches and heavy fogging - works wonders.

Meguiar's #17 - For smaller scratches and minor fogging, and after #10 has been used.

Meguiar's #18 - For regular maintenance and touch ups.

This stuff works wonders.
_________________

Ted

KOG#1

Flying Duck · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 8:06 pm Post subject:

Someone I know said he had good luck using toothpaste on a K75RT windscreen. Apparently toothpaste has a very mild adhesive in it.
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94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
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Buy parts HERE

sdaniel · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 10:48 pm Post subject:

Novus #1, 2, and 3.

My father had a plastic eye, He's gone now.

It will clean it up no matter how bad it is, but you've got to use elbow grease. Hope you have some. Cool

_________________
1993 K1100LT

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

ColoradoRod · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 10:54 pm Post subject: Micro Mesh

The aviation guys use a system called Micro Mesh to restore 'plastic' windows. It's a kit consisting of progresssively finer sanding cloths and then a final polish.

I've personally used it on an old plexiglass canopy and am very impressed with the results. I'd estimate that an LT windshield would take about 2 hours' effort to restore.

The only thing I'm uncertain about is how any coating would react to the process. It'd definitely be removed.

It'd be worth a try before springing for a new windshield. I'm sure it's available from a bunch of places, but I bought mine from Aircraft Spruce. www.aircraftspruce.com. You will only need the smallest kit. Plenty enough product to do a dozen windshields...

Best regards,

Rod
1996 K1100LT
23,500 miles
Mystic Red

Saltcreek · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 7:10 am Post subject:

RAL88 · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 7:17 am Post subject:

I used the micro mesh on mine when I got it. It had the hazing of the scratch resistant layer that they put on. I had to remove that layer and then polish it. It took me about 2-3 hours to get it looking good. The scratch resistant coating is tough because it is scratch resistant. I used Novus to finish the job once I got down to the acrylic. Try the headlight polishing kits that you can get at the auto stores. The car headlights use the same type of scratch resistant coating.

The plastic is an older and softer style acrylic and once you remove the coating you will find that it will scratch easier and required more maintenance to keep clean and scratch free.
_________________
Rich

"If it ain't broke, take it apart and make it work better"
*************
'96' K1100LT-SE
'97' R850GS-R

Flying Duck · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 9:27 am Post subject:

Off the grid · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 9:34 am Post subject:

Ernie-NH · Posted: Sat Oct 24, 2009 4:52 pm Post subject:

Hello all... and Hello Ted !

Just a brief note to Ted since he suggested the Meguiars products... I could only find the #10,,,, so here is what I did. First I spend several hours "in the bathtub" with my windshield ( nothing erotic I can assure you ! ) and a sheet of 2000 wet/dry paper. Plenty of water and plenty of elbow grease. When I dried the windscreen off, it was cloudier than before BUT this time it was from the abrasion and not from the deteriorated coating that BMW used. Next I spent another hour or so using the Meguiars #10 which you recommended and an old T-shirt t bring up the clarity and the luster. It was remarkable to say the least. Next I finished off with the PlastX compound and buffed again with the soft cloth T-shirt and a hand-held wool buffing pad. The screen is not yet totally restored but its more than 1000% better than is was ( ie: completely opaque ) When I get the energy and the muscle power to tackle it again will repeat everything with the exception of the wet/dry.

Thanks for all the suggestions and methods of dealing with this problem, and I have to assume that this has been and ongoing problem for BMWs..

I appreciate your help and thanks again .....// Ernie-NH
_________________
AMA,, American Deaf Bikers
Airhead Beemers Club
'11 G650gs
'95 K1100LT
'76 R100/7

Jim · Posted: Sat Oct 24, 2009 6:09 pm Post subject:

Ernie - I posted a link to an online seller right under your first post. I also placed an order from that seller - I've had the product here since Wednesday or so. I didn't look around to see if they had the best price - but I don't think they're too out of line, and they ship fast.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

Ernie-NH · Posted: Sat Oct 24, 2009 6:27 pm Post subject:

Hi Jim....

..and THANKS for that link by the way. I just got impatient and the local hardware had the #10 so I went with it. It was the auto-detailer on Rt104 that suggested the 2000 wet/dry and I had some so off I went ! In fact the 'on line' price of the Meguirs is less than the local retail...

Thanks again for your suggestion,,, hope when it dries out perhaps you and I and John can do that ride !

best regards..........// Ernie-NH
_________________
AMA,, American Deaf Bikers
Airhead Beemers Club
'11 G650gs
'95 K1100LT
'76 R100/7