Hil

iTrader: (61)

I've wet-sanded and buffed my headlights but they still look yellow from the side angles - I'm guessing because of the edges are still yellow and give off reflections. Do you guys take the headlights off the car and remove the weather stripping to really get the sides? Thanks

jetlife

dlsoul87 bro your headlight restoration is sick bro awesome *** job bro!!!!

how long did that take you?

well worth it!!!

dlsoul87

iTrader: (12)

It was the first I have ever attempted. I read up a lot on a few professional detailing forums and followed the instructions. I used the exact chemicals they recommended. I used a higher grit (4000) as the last sandpaper.

The tapeing around the headlights took longer than polishing. I would recommend at least double if not triple layer of the blue painters masking tape to protect the paint. Keep in mind as you are spraying the headlights with water while you are sanding, the tape will begin to get soaked and loose. Try your best not to make contact with it. There is no need to remove the headlights. With each grit of sandpaper I did at least 3 slow passes lightly.

These are the parts (along with a drill) I used (and I only used one of each):

http://www.2sand.com/1140/2-and-3-in...nch-thick.html
-foam is meant to go around curves evenly and it helps you to not apply too much pressure and possibly damaging the lens.

http://www.2sand.com/92/3-inch-Micro...nch-Shank.html

http://www.2sand.com/998/Mirka-Abral...ngle-Disc.html
-500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 grit.

and these chemicals...


You should be able to do this in less than an hour, but I recommend taking your time and doing it right. Hopefully, from what I read, the mineral spirits/urethane mix will last for 1-2 years, like they say, with very little upkeep.

SC400DAVE

I have an extra set that I was planning on upgrading some day. We can use those.

Do you have an updated method yet for sealing the lights after all the sanding and polishing? Without sealing out the UV, it's pointless to do all the work.

Are you still interested in doing this challenge?

Thanks

1siksc

iTrader: (8)

Hello, I am still interested I've been throwing around the thought of seeing how good ppg clear coat will hold up since we use that at our shop.

SC400DAVE

OK. Let me know. They are in good shape, so it won't be that hard to really get them perfect. The main thing I think you want is knowing how long the restoration will last. Right? Not really the before and after the restoration comparison.

We want the restoration to last and give the members the latest information on this restoration process.

At least that is my motivation.

Give me your name and address so I can ship them if you want by PM or here.

Thanks.

Toyboxx

iTrader: (1)

Here are my results using 3M HEADLIGHT RESTORE for $30. Took me about an hour and a half all together.

I live in AZ and today we even have a heat advisory for 115 degrees. I did both mine & my buddies back in Novemeber for mine and January for his.

Tools that were used was just a basic drill, and the supplies by the 3M kit

Mine Before:


After:




Buddies Before:


After:

dlsoul87

iTrader: (12)

Same here. I will post updates with pics to show how the way I did mine holds up. I think this is a great way to come to a conclusion of some of the better ways to restore headlights and actually make them last. Thanks OP for the thread.

SC400DAVE

Those after pics look SEXY! lol Really nice job!!!

Did you coat them with anything after to keep the sun from yellowing them again. If you didn't, are you?

The intent of the OP is research and development on the different processes.

We want to do an in depth, scientific study of real world conditions on the different protective UV coatings to KEEP them looking SEXY.

Take pics on a monthly basis and post them to see how long that 3M process holds up. That would be a huge contribution!!!!

Thank you my brother from another mother!