Need Windows for AMT 67 through 69 Thunderbird

[bh1701]

I am looking the windows for a 1967 through 1969 AMT 1/25th scale T-Bird.

I bought a promo model of it through an online auction, but the windows have a very noticeable yellow tint to them. This is also true of the body that has gone from a whitish color to a very yellow now. I am assuming that this is a result of exposure to light or less than desirable storage for 50+ years.

I am trying the retrobright technique to remove the yellowing on the windows.  First attempt was with 3% hydrogen peroxide and 7 hours of sunlight - some improvement, but not enough. Will do this again to see if it just needs more time. Finally, if needed, I'd try a stronger solution solution like 30-40% from a beauty supply store.

Figured I ask to see if anyone had a set of good, clear windows - which would save me from the retrobright process (which might not even help!).

Thanks,

Bart

 

[stavanzer]

It could be Nicotine stains too.

I've seen plastic turn yellow from exposure to Cigarette Smoke.

See if the yellow stains feel a bit greasy.

[bh1701]

1 hour ago, stavanzer said:

It could be Nicotine stains too.

I've seen plastic turn yellow from exposure to Cigarette Smoke.

See if the yellow stains feel a bit greasy.

Thanks for the suggestion, Alan!

The body and windows are shiny and smooth to the touch, so I do not think it was caused by being around a heavy smoker.

Wondering if you know of a technique to remove tobacco stains. I might want to try that, even though I don't think that it the issue with may windows.

Bart

[stavanzer]

Vinegar, would be where I'd start on Tobacco stains.

[SSNJim]

Two things I would try before replacing it. One would be to try a headlight cleaning kit from the autoparts store. Currently plastic headlights fade due to age and UV; those kits clean it up.

The second thing is to take some sandpaper to the windows. Fairly coarse at first (100-200 grit may not be too coarse but I would try 600-800 to start with), then increasely finer until you hit the polishing kits. By the time you get to 12000 grit, things ought to be pretty clear and smooth. OK, taking sandpaper to the windows is pretty nerve-wracking, but it can pay off with a bit of care.

The third of the two things to try would be to have someone vacuum form a new windshield. Plunge molding may work also. Be sure to support the windshield fully whatever method is being used. Clear styrene plastic is not "impact resistant" and is quite susceptible to cracking under light loads.

I think I would try the vinegar method that Stavanzer suggested (he posted while I was typing - I always forget what a good cleaner vinegar is), and then work my through mine. I've got several, but they are allocated to 67-69 tbird bodies - no spares.

It's probably sun damage. I've got a few promos like that, but haven't done anything with them. I may have one or two where the car sat in a shop window for a while, and the sunny side is fading badly, but the other side is perfect. 

Edited June 29, 2024 by SSNJim