SOLVED: Need to remove silicone from plastic lens

[themechanic]

Outer front turn signal lens for the Cuda has black RTV silicone stuck on it. Some idiot used RTV to glue the inner lens to the outer lens because one screw was broken off.

How can I remove all of it without damaging the clear plastic lens?

Are these lenses made of acrylic plastic?

Thanks in advance.

 

[themechanic]

The interwebs says use 99% isopropyl alcohol. Will that do it?

Also, avoid Xylene and methylated spirits. Is that another name for mineral spirits? What about gasoline?

 

[Dennis H]

Like sanding etc, start with the least aggressive. Overnight soak with this?

 

[themechanic]

Like sanding etc, start with the least aggressive. Overnight soak with this?

View attachment 1366840

I have a large bottle of that. Looks like I'll be Goofing-Off all night long.

 

[f569]

Outer front turn signal lens for the Cuda has black RTV silicone stuck on it. Some idiot used RTV to glue the inner lens to the outer lens because one screw was broken off.

How can I remove all of it without damaging the clear plastic lens?

Are these lenses made of acrylic plastic?

Thanks in advance.

View attachment 1366834

Idiot you say?
You call that silicone?

That's silicone!
What are some people thinking?

 

[dadsbee]

Ronsons lighter fluid... or BBQ lighter fluid..

 

[69Bee]

WD40 works well dissolving the RTV, and won't melt the plastic.

 

[Photon440]

You could also try scraping most of it off with plastic razor blades.

 

[eldubb440]

WD40 works well

i put dat **** on everything

 

[Fran Blacker]

If it' cloudy/scratched afterward if you have a buffing wheel try that with white or red compound. Go easy at first.

 

[themechanic]

I bought Kingsford odorless charcoal lighter fluid and soaked the dried silicone for 2 hours. That was enough to soften it so I could use a plastic scraper and a brass bristle brush to remove most of the silicone. I used a red shop rag and rubbed the stubborn spots away.

I used a 3M headlight restoration kit to polish the lenses.

Thanks everyone.