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Headlight Restoration

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  • #1

    Headlight Restoration

    I have a 94' Crown Victoria. I have never seen a crown victoria with clear headlights. I have tried everything to restore mine, but they still don't look good to me. I am probably going to replace them soon.

    There is like a sealant around the inside of the headlights that has turned brown over time. I can't do much about that but I have tried:

    Plastx By hand using microfiber and terry applicators.

    Sanding: 2000Grit Auto sandpaper + Plastx via Microfiber App.

    Sanding: 1000Grit + 2000Grit sandpaper + Plastx by microfiber.

    I am getting the DA on christmas. I saw someone on youtube use it on the headlights... Think i could get any better results? Thanks.

    Before:




    After:






    Before:



    After:

    Matt
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: Headlight Restoration

    I actually use an attachment that lets me use a 3.5 incn backing plate to my drill. I then use a 4 inch LC orange foam pad.

    Looks like this.......


    I use this in between wet sanding. #105 does the best job for me. I then finish out with PlastX.

    On another note.......
    I've added this to my detailing services and boy, has it taken off. I actually left cards on vehicles that I spotted while at Wal Mart after my wife recommended me to. I left a hand written note explaining what I can do. A lot better than fliers. I've gotten 5 responses out of 15 and have picked up 3 full details. I get 50.00-75.00 for a set of head lights.

    Thank my wife again!
    www.clean4udetailing.com

    Comment

    • #3
      Re: Headlight Restoration

      Originally posted by justin30513 View Post
      I actually use an attachment that lets me use a 3.5 incn backing plate to my drill. I then use a 4 inch LC orange foam pad.

      Looks like this.......


      I use this in between wet sanding. #105 does the best job for me. I then finish out with PlastX.

      On another note.......
      I've added this to my detailing services and boy, has it taken off. I actually left cards on vehicles that I spotted while at Wal Mart after my wife recommended me to. I left a hand written note explaining what I can do. A lot better than fliers. I've gotten 5 responses out of 15 and have picked up 3 full details. I get 50.00-75.00 for a set of head lights.

      Thank my wife again!
      Where can I buy that backing plate attachment for the drill gun?

      Comment

      • #4
        Re: Headlight Restoration

        Just curious - why are the "before" pictures of a red Crown Vic and the "afters" a black one?
        Michael Stoops
        Senior Global Product & Training Specialist | Meguiar's Inc.

        Remember, this hobby is supposed to be your therapy, not the reason you need therapy.

        Comment

        • #5
          Re: Headlight Restoration

          Originally posted by Michael Stoops View Post
          Just curious - why are the "before" pictures of a red Crown Vic and the "afters" a black one?

          Comment

          • #6
            Re: Headlight Restoration

            ^ he's trying to find out why is the process of the headlight restoration shown with two different vehicles.

            Comment

            • #7
              Re: Headlight Restoration

              I think he actually ad the vehicle re-painted, and then detailed it when he got it back.

              Comment

              • #8
                Re: Headlight Restoration

                After everything you've done already to improve the clarity of the headlights you're not going to get huge increases in improvement by trying to do more. Either by changing machine or product or pad.

                So if you're not happy with the results you've produced so far then the next best step would be to replace them with new units or live with the results you already have achieved.

                Personal preference.

                Ah... the days when headlights were glass...

                Mike Phillips
                760-515-0444
                showcargarage@gmail.com
                "Find something you like and use it often"

                Comment

                • #9
                  Re: Headlight Restoration

                  Yeah, I had the car repainted. I ended up replacing them. But those pads work great on my other cars.
                  Matt

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Re: Headlight Restoration

                    Just did this '96 Dodge Ram. They weren't scratched or pitted so I didn't sand, just buffed with medium compound and polished with fine polish using my Makita rotary and a 3.5 pad kit from SM Arnold (Summit Racing), wool, polishing foam, finishing foam. The headlights still have some slight yellowing when viewed in the sun, but it appears that it's the plastic and not on the surface.

                    I'm wondering if I would have sanded would they have gotten any clearer? One has continuous moisture inside it too so I'm thinking some of the yellowing is inside surface as well.

                    Last edited by 10degreesbtdc; Mar 12, 2009, 12:34 PM. Reason: content

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Re: Headlight Restoration

                      Originally posted by 10degreesbtdc View Post
                      Just did this '96 Dodge Ram. They weren't scratched or pitted so I didn't sand, just buffed with medium compound and polished with fine polish using my Makita rotary and a 3.5 pad kit from SM Arnold (Summit Racing), wool, polishing foam, finishing foam. The headlights still have some slight yellowing when viewed in the sun, but it appears that it's the plastic and not on the surface.

                      I'm wondering if I would have sanded would they have gotten any clearer? One has continuous moisture inside it too so I'm thinking some of the yellowing is inside surface as well.

                      Looks great! Nice work

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Re: Headlight Restoration

                        Originally posted by Mark Kleis View Post
                        Looks great! Nice work
                        Thanks!

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          Re: Headlight Restoration

                          Originally posted by Mark Kleis View Post
                          Looks great! Nice work
                          Was thinking the same, awesome results!

                          Comment

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