MythBuster

Cousin Jew

We here have sand storms, and my Nissan patrol headlights became sand blasted.

That is why I want to see if this procedure will apply or not.

I doubt that it is applicable to glass.

My nissan head lights seem and feel like glass, but I need to do some testing first, may be they are some kind of very hard plastic.

Thanks

cbrasian

i did mine using rubbing compound then polish i'll send up pics on a thread after i'm done

SClean4

Nice result I am taking my headlights apart from my SC 400 and wanted to check some different methods out.

Jewcano

iTrader: (4)

Best way to tell bro is flicking it. Glass makes a DISTINCT sound that plastic as far as i know, cannot emulate. You will be able to tell if its glass or plastic right away. Something about the resonance of glass will give it a light "ding" sound when you flick it. Let us know .

MythBuster

Jewcano

They are definitely glass the way they sound when hit with my metal key chain.

You are correct. Glass will respond with narrower bandwidth (Hi pitch) than plastic when exited (Shocked).

Thanks buddy

Jewcano

iTrader: (4)

No problem buddy.

As for how to clear them up, I'm kinda stumped, unless you use some high powered polisher

gransinger

Please help, I used 1500 and 2000 grit paper. After using Plastx, I still have a haze. If doing this step by hand, how hard and how long should I do each headlight. Also, should I apply it in one direction?Thank you !

Debonair

Is it the same haze you had before you started or is it a new haze from the wetsanding?

gransinger

It's a new haze.

Jewcano

iTrader: (4)

Pics definately help us help you. Get some pictures of the "haze" online and we can try to point you in the right direction.

Rich27

iTrader: (9)

Thanks to everyone in this tread. I was able to make my headlights look a lot better then before, however I still a little haze. I went from 1500, 2000, then Meguiar's plastic cleaner, then polish.

However, on the headlights, I can still see very light scratches from the sandpaper, which I think is causing the haze.

What should I do?

Do I need to use 2500 grit sandpaper, or sand it longer with 2000?

Thanks for the help!!

JoelGs

iTrader: (1)

That look great...this is remind me to do that on mine...thanks for the post

Vincent123

iTrader: (24)

recently did this to my car. you definitely have to use alot of elbow grease to get the headlights shining again, but it was well worth it

jfelbab

PlastX works but it does require a technique and perseverance. The product cuts well initially then kind of dissolves. You need to start with a more aggressive applicator like a MF covered pad and wipe it clean after a couple passes. Otherwise it will contain too much polishing oils and will not be abrasive enough to remove the deeper scratches. Once you are getting close to perfection switch to foam applicators and use less pressure.

FWIW, if you have a rotary or DA polisher this works even better. Meguiar's now has a new product kit designed just for headlight restoration that contains PlastX and a smaller pad and arbor for use in a hand drill for around $25.

Big Mack

iTrader: (1)

If you guys love the Plastx, you really need to try the Mirror Glaze stuff from Meguiar's. Use #17, then #10. In between cleanings, you can use #18 to protect them. I believe, but I'm not 100%, that the #10 has UV protectant in it. Once you've wet sanded with at least 2000, you should be able to hit it with these and make them purdy.

http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/detail/MEG+M1008

I have no pics of the lenses that I've cleaned with this stuff right now, but I've got a few projects to do that will certainly be getting the treatment. Oh, for those with a PC buffer, get a 3.5" backing plate and a 4" buffer pad. Life is good with that.

For you drill users, I do recommend getting a buffer, but you can get a 3.5" backing plate as well and then you can use a 4" pad.

I believe that Chris from Glimmer gives CL members a discount, but you'd want to verify that with him.

Big Mack