Bottle door glass - v81

[Bob K]

I restored a V81 years ago and it looks great with the exception of the bottle door plexi-glass, which is scuffed and marked up.

It sort of takes away from the overall appearance a bit, especially when the bottle door light is on.

Any tips on polishing up the plexi-glass?  

Thanks, Bob

[johnieG]

I'd just replace it, it's easy enough, & I'd replace the plexiglass with real glass, then it won't get as scratched up.

[MoonDawg]

You will find that real glass is also much clearer than brand new plexiglass

[Bob K]

What about the little hole in one of the sections?  Is it necessary? '>

[johnieG]

It's purpose is to prevent condensation forming between the inside & middle glass panes , & you can get a tile/mirror carbide drill at home depot that will allow you to add it, it looks like a spade tip, not a regular spiral drill! (ie: not the massonary type of carbide drill bits). it works nicely, you just have to drill slowly & apply very light pressure.

[MoonDawg]

Great tip Johnnie.  All these years I've been paying the glass shop to drill these holes for me.

[glassbottlesrule]

Another thing is use some coolant for your bit.  Make a little donut of glass sealant putty and put around area to be drilled.  Next place a small amount of light weight oil(I use air-tool oil) inside donut.  This will keep the bit cool and give a cleaner edge without as much chipage or a chance of running the glass.

[glassbottlesrule]

Another idea although not as original is to have a glass shop fab a double or triple pane insulated glass unit to go into the door.  This is the best looking solution and insulates much better.