AustinHusk

I know there are prob. a few threads on this topic, but just wanted to see if anyone has any quick pointers.

I don't own a rotary/orbital buffer (thinking about buying the flex 3401 or whatever it is)... Anyone have any advice on which one to buy and what types of pads/extras to get with it? I want to use it for all buffing tasks, not just for the headlights (paint cleaning, waxing/sealing, etc).

Was also thinking about switching out to LED's but looking at the XenonDepot thread from 14+ yrs ago... it looks like it's a lot of work (just don't have that kind of time on my hands)

IanB2

I've used a Mother's kit several times, it comes with 4 stages of sandpaper pads, and a polish with a powerball attachment that I just use in a drill and it's worked really well. Make sure you tape off EVERYTHING that surrounds the headlights, I've seen it change the shine on plastics and haze clearcoat very quickly.. The longer you spend with each stage, the happier you'll be with the results. You need to find something to use as a sealant once your done, or you'll be really disappointed by how quickly all your hard work becomes undone.

MrTorgue

Any suggestion for what you (and anyone else) use?

se7enine

The Sylvania kit comes with it's own UV sealer that is good for a year or so. That kit uses no power tools, just good old hands on scrubbing. I would start saving up for new headlights in the mean time cause these restore kits are band-aids only.

IanB2

Best would be a clearcoat, but there are lots of UV protectant coatings you could use. I don't have one I can recommend that doesn't need to be reapplied periodically.

Lextazy

Watch till the end.

DAKONA

3M Rubbing Compound & a Highspeed buffer is your friend.


DAKONA

se7enine

The issue is having a good UV protector after that. Otherwise you're just polishing and buffing every few months.

DAKONA

Actually, it last longer then a few months. Last time it was done was I think 8 months ago and it takes less then 10 minutes per side.

And I already had the 3M RC and Highspeed Buffer.


Cheers!

DAKONA

MrTorgue

While it looks like the dealer did the headlight polishing and they are clear right now I’m concerned about having this on-going problem.

So I went to look at aftermarket options...surprise surprise there is pretty much nothing other than a close matching but not OEM-quality replacement. I’d hate to be stuck with no options if one of mine cracks or needs replacing.

se7enine

I didn't have any issues with the DEPO's and I think they are CAPA certified so no fitment issues at all. How long the lens will last is still up in the air. I also plan to restore my OEM ones and retro some HID projectors.

cr4west

Tape off the edges of the headlight with masking tape to protect the paint. I wet sand with lots of water using 400>600>1000>2000 grit waterproof sandpaper to get the yellowed scale and dirt off the surface. You always sand in a circular motion until the water appears milky white. Then comes the rotary foam pad on low speed using a light weight battery drill. I use mothers aluminum wheel polish compound. Work slowly and keep the pad moving around on the light surface. Then again with Meguiar's plastic polish compound. When done any clear acrylic spray works to protect it. Some sprays leave a slight orange peel finish so you can use the foam pad and the wheel polish again to smooth it out. This will not remove the tiny fine cracks (crazing?) on older headlights in the washboard area at the back of the headlight. I've seen others use various products including toothpaste but this works well for me.

Wronglane

I use tooth paste with a coat of wax once a year.Works pretty good...:-)

jds4u2

What do you use to apply the toothpaste?
Thanks.

Wronglane

An old sock.Toothpaste used in Sensodyne. Squeeze some tooth paste on the wet sock and rub it all over the head light.Rub over and over in circular motions as much as you like.Then I take a wet tee shirt wiping everything off.Wipe with a clean dry cloth.I do this twice.Apply wax,wipe off and done.Nice and clean.