Headlight Restor problems

[boost]

I tried to use plastx to get the headlight back to an original clarity. After that did not work, I tried to use 105 with a Orange pad on the 7424. The results are not what I have seen in this forum. I must be doing something wrong. Am I dreaming in thinking I can get the headlight to look like the left one or am I using these products incorrectly? Please help.

After plastx and 105



The Left one notice the reflectiveness of the chrome between the yellow turn signal and the headlight.

[hot rod]

Re: Headlight Restor problems

You need to wet sand them first to knock out the old plastic.
Might have to step up to a rotary with a wool pad or heavy cut foam.
Hope this helps Jim

[Innovative Detailing]

Re: Headlight Restor problems

The results you are looking for can be achieved, I just think you are taking the wrong approach and or using the incorrect method to restore your headlight lens.

Here are a couple shots of before and after on a Jaguar that I recently restored.




You definately need to get a bit more aggressive using a multi step system that involves sanding from 500 - 3000 grit then polishing using a high speed polisher, either electric or pnuematic. Two passes and your good, one to clean and the other to polish. Follow up with a quality sealant like # 21 or wrap using PPF or seal using a SEM headlightlens UV paint.

Here is a video that I put together on a headlight lens restoral on a 2002 V.W. Jetta.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=260TxpkxgOk

[cnfowler]

Re: Headlight Restor problems

The driver side lense doesn't look bad enough to require wetsanding. Its pretty clear, just needs a little more polishing.

Wetsanding should be reserved for the really bad headlights, like the ones David posted.


Colin

[William_F]

Re: Headlight Restor problems

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=260TxpkxgOk[/URL]

Dave,

This video was great. Thanks for sharing the info. I have a couple questions if you don't mind.

1. Am I correct in assuming that one can achieve the same results stepping up the grit of the paper but sanding by hand?

2. How close to real time is that video? Obviously there is some time lapse when changing sanding discs. Was the actual sanding time on each grit what was shown?

3. I don't want to come right out and ask about your "secret sauce" as you obviously chose to use that pharse in place of product for a reason, but would something like PlastX be an acceptable "sauce"?

My head lights aren't near as bead as the one in the video, but they could surely use some attention.

Also, any advice on how to deal with the marring that feels like it's inside the lens? My car and the wife's truck both seem to have interior damage, but I'm not sure how it got there. Is it possible that it's exterior, but still feel smooth to the touch?