Headlight Restoration

Body kits, bling, lights
User avatar
DV5420
Member
Posts: 52
Joined: Sun Aug 11, 2013 9:14
Location: Fort Collins

Headlight Restoration

Postby DV5420 » Sat Mar 29, 2014 9:14

Currently looking at Reddit.com/r/autodetailing for tips & products. Figured I'd ask locally too if anybody has done it themselves/Paid a shop to do it.

I don't have a picture at the moment, But my headlights are preeety hazy.
Image

User avatar
Dwduc
Senior Member
Posts: 290
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2013 9:14
Location: Sedalia

Postby Dwduc » Sat Mar 29, 2014 9:14

Pull the headlight assembly out. Sand it down with 1000 grit then 1500. Clean it very well. 2 to 3coats of UV resistant clearcoat. Let dry. Better then new!

User avatar
AuroraAxela
Posts: 397
Joined: Wed Dec 14, 2011 9:14
Location: Aurora, CO

Postby AuroraAxela » Sun Mar 30, 2014 9:14

I have done them both privately and professionally. I recommend the Meguire's kit for do-it-yourself stuff. You can get it at several of the big chain parts stores. Either remove the headlight (which requires bumper cover removal) or tape off the paint around the lens really well.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
[color="Blue"][SIZE="3"]2009 Mazdaspeed 3 GT[/SIZE][/color]

[SIZE="1"][color="Blue"][color="Blue"]POWERTRAIN: GTX3067R . Cobb AP . Cobb 3-port . Autotech internals . HTP 3" intake . cp-e FMIC . Forge v1 BPV . TWM STS . CNT Turboback
NGK 1-step colder . Bosch 3-bar . cp-e xFlex™ RMM/TMM/PMM . CorkSport recirc tube . Kosmic EGR delete
SUSPENSION: K-Sport coilovers . Whiteline RSB . custom MS6 wheels
EXTERIOR: cp-e TowPlate . DDM Tuning 5000K HID low/fog
INTERIOR: Defi boost gauge/cp-e defroster mount . NRG shift knob . CorkSport LEDs[/color][/color][/SIZE]

User avatar
Dwduc
Senior Member
Posts: 290
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2013 9:14
Location: Sedalia

Postby Dwduc » Sun Mar 30, 2014 9:14

The Meguiars kit and all the store restoration kits will restore the clarity. However I caution you to read the reviews. you usually will have to do it yearly or more frequently depending on how often you wash your car as it uses a wax for UV protection or if the car is kept outside during the day. The method I described is used in many shops and will provide a clear lens that won't be subject to oxidation for many years. The higher quality GLOSS clearcoat you use and the more coats will determine its life. but at least it won't wash off in a few months like Meguiars UV wax and begin oxidizing. don't put too many coats on or it will tint the lens a little! 2-3 is plenty, thats what is protecting your paint color also.

http://www.amazon.com/repair-lasted-tried-Camry-single/forum/Fx3C773C35JZ5IJ/Tx276K5P9THIK0V/1/ref=cm_cd_dp_aar_al_a?_encoding=UTF8&asin=B004HCOE72

User avatar
RX-7 Chris
Posts: 7800
Joined: Tue Oct 02, 2007 9:14
Location: Colorado Springs
Contact:

Postby RX-7 Chris » Mon Mar 31, 2014 9:14

I really need to do the wife's saturn.
1984 RX-7 GSL-SE [size=84]My restomod project[/SIZE]


1964 Ford Galaxie 500XL flat black w/ white interior, 2 dr fastback, 390 thunderbird, C6 auto, 2500 rpm high stall converter, shift kit, AC, Holley 750 cfm

[size=100]RIP 1983 RX-7[/SIZE]

My Car Blog

User avatar
Shadowden
Posts: 2288
Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2011 9:14
Location: Highlands Ranch
Contact:

Postby Shadowden » Thu Apr 03, 2014 9:14

How are you sanding the lens (hand or RO)? What do you recommend for clear coat? Do you wet sand the final coat of clear with 1500 grit too?

User avatar
Dwduc
Senior Member
Posts: 290
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2013 9:14
Location: Sedalia

Postby Dwduc » Thu Apr 03, 2014 9:14

Just hand sand, just to scuff evenly and remove any defects. PPG, house of kolor. Any quality brand clear its good. I have actually heard that the Rustoleum band aerosol UV clear is quite good if you are on a budget or lack an airbrush.


Return to “Exterior Modifications”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 44 guests