The front L on my LX570 is badly weathered. I could pay the $400 to just replace it, but I'm wondering about just polishing it up, like a headlight. Does anyone know any reason this might be a bad idea due to the radar behind the badge?
polishing the radar cruise control badge? (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter spirosand
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If your cutting compound is too coarse, it could leave a haze/imperfections that effectively render it useless - which would make replacement the only option. If you slowly work up to a finer and finer compound, you might be just fine. Don't forget to seal it when you're done polishing or you'll be back at square 1 before long.
Worst case, you'll be out the $400 for a new one and some time. Give it a shot and post results.
I've done this on my 2013 LX radar badge. It cleaned up nicely and functions just fine. I can't recall the headlight kit that I used, but I did the headlights at the same time.
Just use paint correction compounds if you already have them. No need for a headlight kit.
Keep in mind that the plastic is softer than the clear coat so start with the fine compound.
If the condition is bad, you can wet sand it using 1500 or 2000 grit depending on condition.
Anyway don't worry about affecting the radar functioning. It is working when you have bugs and dirt so a less than perfect polishing should have no bad effects.
Use a polisher for best results and easy/quick work.
Take care of surrounding area and mask any surface that you do not want polished or accidentally touched, especially if you are sanding.
This is an easy project so go for it.
BTW I did headlights and badges this way and they turned out great.
Keep in mind that the plastic is softer than the clear coat so start with the fine compound.
If the condition is bad, you can wet sand it using 1500 or 2000 grit depending on condition.
Anyway don't worry about affecting the radar functioning. It is working when you have bugs and dirt so a less than perfect polishing should have no bad effects.
Use a polisher for best results and easy/quick work.
Take care of surrounding area and mask any surface that you do not want polished or accidentally touched, especially if you are sanding.
This is an easy project so go for it.
BTW I did headlights and badges this way and they turned out great.
I polish these style emblems for customers probably once or twice a month. Start with masking it off well and then try just headlight polishing compound with a rotary pad (3” works well). If the deeper scratches remain then you need to go to something more aggressive like the trusty 3000 grit 3M Trizact pad but you probably won’t need anything more coarse than 2000 grit. Then, follow that up with your compound. I like to keep the surface wet with soapy water while sanding.
Last edited:
hoser
SILVER Star
Paint protection film could extend the polishing intervals but not sure if it'll mess with the sensor in any way.
I wouldn't sweat the potential for sensor issues too much -- I put a couple coats of Rustoleum metallic wheel paint (and a clear coat) over my plastic piece to "debadge" it, and all the radar functions still work exactly as before.
I used a sand and polish kit on my front radar sensor a couple of times, but it was clear the prior owner had also tried and failed to get rid of the haze. I ended up buying all new OEM headlights, front radar sensor, and grill to freshen up the front end and it made a huge aesthetic difference. It was pretty expensive even with a big sale a couple years ago but totally worth it in my opinion. I was able to partly offset the cost by selling the parts I took off to a local Toyota club member who was updating his 08-11 200 to look like the 13-15.
A tip: installing paint protection film over the badges help with both mechanical and sun protection. You can replace the film when it gets damaged. I have done it on some of my cars but did not get to it on my truck. I should do it before next winter.
