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06-01-07, 06:31 PM
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#1
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Lead Lap
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 644
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headlight restoration with 1500, 2000, PLastX
The headlights on my 01 LS430 had several pits and scratches from the sandy desert of Arizona. I wet sanded them with 1500 grit sandpaper, followed by 2000 grit sandpaper, and then PLastX from Meguiar's. While this worked well, I still notice very slight haziness, not perfect clarity. They are definitely much much smoother from the sanding though.
I feel like there should be a step for some product in between the 2000 grit and the PLastX, in order to achieve a completely clear result. Or maybe something to use after the PlastX?
I'm tempted to try the Wolfgang Plastic Lens Cleaner kit or the one from Lake Country, but can't bring myself to spend the $50 if it won't make that much of a difference.
Here's a few before shots:
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06-01-07, 06:32 PM
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#2
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Lead Lap
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 644
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another angle
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06-01-07, 06:33 PM
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#3
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Lead Lap
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 644
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polishing with the sandpaper
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06-01-07, 06:34 PM
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#4
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Lead Lap
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 644
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and the 2000
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06-01-07, 06:35 PM
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#5
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Lead Lap
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 644
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after using the 2000, the lens looks very hazy. All the pits and roughness are gone though, its very smooth. Although it looks like I was sanding dry in the photos, I actually used a lot of water.
Last edited by jpcdmd; 06-01-07 at 06:42 PM.
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06-01-07, 06:36 PM
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#6
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Lead Lap
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 644
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followed up with the PlastX
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06-01-07, 06:37 PM
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#7
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Lead Lap
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 644
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the bottle
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06-01-07, 06:38 PM
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#8
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Lead Lap
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 644
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finished product
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06-01-07, 06:39 PM
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#9
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Lead Lap
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 644
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another angle
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06-01-07, 06:40 PM
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#10
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Lead Lap
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 644
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another angle, you can still make out some very light scratches but they look better overall.
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06-01-07, 06:49 PM
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#12
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Lexus Champion
2004 Lexus LS My Garage
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Queens, NY to Hella Vegas!
Posts: 3,796
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wow great job they look awsome
__________________
myspace.com/rensino
2000 GS300 Junction Produce - GTE Powered!
2004 LS430 Junction Produce & PINK 20' Fabulous Profounds
2001 GS430 & IS300
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06-01-07, 07:04 PM
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#13
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Lexus Fanatic
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Jax, FL
Posts: 5,435
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Next time hook a pad up to an orbital buffer and try that out. You should get a clearer result for the polishing aspect of it.
__________________

92 SC400 -SOLD 
02 Sentra -Sold on payment plan...
99 Avalon -DD Cruiser
MYSPACE
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06-01-07, 11:41 PM
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#14
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Lexus Fanatic
1999 Lexus GS
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: CA
Posts: 11,122
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I agree. If you want top notch work, use a buffer. My friend did his car. It went from the nastiest looking headlight (5x worse than yours) to OEM clear lens. You'd think he bought new headlights. It's that good
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06-02-07, 08:20 PM
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#15
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Lead Lap
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 644
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I just tried it with my PC and a white pad, no difference. Go figure.
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Tags
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arizona, clear, dr, forums, hazy, headlight, headlights, lexus, long, plastx, protection, restoration, restore, restorer, uv, vip  |
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