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Looking for Professional Headlight Restoration Service in East Bay

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Old 04-05-13, 09:44 AM
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BayAreaLex
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Default Looking for Professional Headlight Restoration Service in East Bay

Hi folks,

The headlights on my 2001 Lexus GS have seen better days and I'd like to go ahead and get them restored. Other than a haze they are in great shape so I don't think it makes sense to replace them.

I've searched the forums along with youtube and have considered doing it myself, but trying this once, I didn't quite get the results I wanted.

I'm wondering if you know of any pros in the East Bay (mobile would be convenient) that do this type of work?

Thanks,

Luke
Old 04-05-13, 03:42 PM
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silver750
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I'm in the East Bay (Hayward) would do it for a a modest charge for a CL member. PM me if you are interested!
Old 04-05-13, 04:11 PM
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BayAreaLex
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I appreciate the reply. With all due respect, maybe you can tell me who you are and why you are qualified to do a great job?
Old 04-05-13, 04:15 PM
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nitrotang
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Which product did you use yourself? I did a lot of research and ended up deciding to go with the Sylvania kit (
Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit : Amazon.com : Automotive Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit : Amazon.com : Automotive
) and I was not only able to get rid of the haze, but I smoothed out all the rock chips as well.
Old 04-06-13, 01:01 AM
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silver750
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Originally Posted by BayAreaLex
I appreciate the reply. With all due respect, maybe you can tell me who you are and why you are qualified to do a great job?
Understood

I use this kit and I've done about...30 pairs or so of headlights.

http://www.autogeek.net/diamondite-clear-plastic.html

Let me dig around my archives, recently did my friend's 2001 C4S.
Old 04-06-13, 01:10 AM
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Davidddd
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Hit up T&R Lighting in San Lorenzo. Tell them David sent you. They do quality work.
Old 04-06-13, 10:16 PM
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silver750
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Ahhhh left my backup drive at the office with all my good shots. Here are some photos of a civic I did today, probably the worst headlights I've ever seen on a 2007 car...hehe.

Apologize for the crappy photos.
Attached Thumbnails Looking for Professional Headlight Restoration Service in East Bay-image.jpg  
Old 04-06-13, 10:21 PM
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silver750
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Afterwards.

Old 04-07-13, 03:13 PM
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silver750
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This is a good example that shows the effects of time on plastic. This was an insurance repair and the owner didn't want to pay $2k for a new matching headlight. I was able to recover it to 90%...but it will never truly be the same because of the elements and yellowing effect of sunlight. Fortunately if you weren't in an accident I can get both pairs to look identical!

I don't need the $ (i'd never make any, way too ocd lol... but enough to cover my materials and a 6 pack will suffice!

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...12210149_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...52951833_n.jpg

After:

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...33221204_n.jpg

Last edited by silver750; 04-07-13 at 03:14 PM. Reason: photo links.
Old 05-26-13, 05:39 AM
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BayAreaLex
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Thanks guys, I ended up using this shop who did a great job in Berkeley, CA

http://www.yelp.com/biz/panel-craft-...%20restoration

Old 05-26-13, 08:19 AM
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might I suggest that you get meguiars headlight plastic polish, since you restored your headlight the meguiars plastic polish will keep them shiny and smooth for a long long time. I use it all the time, and has not let me down. I use it for my 2001 xterra, 2006 is350, my friend's ap2, 2004 lexus lx470.
Old 05-27-13, 12:07 AM
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how much did they charge if you don't mind me asking? and how long did they take?
Old 05-27-13, 01:23 AM
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Awesome looking job, definitely grade A work!
Old 05-27-13, 06:36 AM
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BayAreaLex
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I suggest you contact them for pricing. It was very reasonable however.

I was in and out in less than an hour (I scheduled a lunch time appointment)
Old 05-27-13, 11:00 AM
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Originally Posted by BayAreaLex
Thanks guys, I ended up using this shop who did a great job in Berkeley, CA

http://www.yelp.com/biz/panel-craft-...%20restoration

I have used Dave at Panel Craft for over 10 years now!!! He's awesome and I completely trust him and his crew.


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