Another Headlight Restoration...Ford plastic :(

89gt-stanger · 11-25-08, 04:45

These were some really nasty lights, but actually came out really nice! My process was:

800 grit
1000 grit
1500 grit
2000 grit
about 10 minutes on the rotary with TW polishing compound
about 20 minutes on the rotary with Megs Plastix
a coat a wax

Comments, critiques are welcome and encouraged.

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/p...g?t=1227660959

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/p...g?t=1227661265

Flashtime · 11-25-08, 05:06

Looks good! But you can start with P400 to make it go a bit faster.
Can you post longterm follow up pics? Maybe in a few months? (no waxing)

I'm very sure they'll get dull again without periodic waxing or sealant.

89gt-stanger · 11-25-08, 05:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flashtime

Looks good! But you can start with P400 to make it go a bit faster.
Can you post longterm follow up pics? Maybe in a few months? (no waxing)

I'm very sure they'll get dull again without periodic waxing or sealant.

I also, am sure that they will dull again. I have done 9 headlight restos', and all of them have redulled. Some after 2 months, some after 8 months, I guess it depends on the plastic, and UV protectant.

I'll try the P400 and see where I get on my next project.

Thanks!

ScubaStevo · 11-25-08, 06:27

I will normally give the headlights a shot of clear after I clean off all the oxidation. Does the trick

smoknfastlegend · 11-25-08, 06:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by 89gt-stanger

These were some really nasty lights, but actually came out really nice! My process was:

800 grit
1000 grit
1500 grit
2000 grit
about 10 minutes on the rotary with TW polishing compound
about 20 minutes on the rotary with Megs Plastix
a coat a wax

Comments, critiques are welcome and encouraged.

There you go, will help those who dont want to click links

Legacy99 · 11-25-08, 06:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by smoknfastlegend

There you go, will help those who dont want to click links

Is that a before shot on that second photo?

toyotaguy · 11-25-08, 07:24

^^^^^ obviously it is...I doubt anyone would be satisfied with the 2nd photo as the end result

89gt-stanger · 11-26-08, 06:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by smoknfastlegend

There you go, will help those who dont want to click links

How the heck do you do that? I try to post the embedded code in the description box. When I go to click post, the screen goes solid white, I get sooo mad

NRZ · 11-26-08, 06:31

From Photobucket just use the link that has [IMG] on the ends of it.

Very nice resto. That shot of clear is not a bad idea!

89gt-stanger · 11-26-08, 07:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by NRZ

From Photobucket just use the link that has [IMG] on the ends of it.

Very nice resto. That shot of clear is not a bad idea!

All right, I'm going to try it.

[IMG]

EDIT: Thanks for the picture hosting help, and thanks for the comments guys!

Len_A · 11-26-08, 08:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by NRZ

From Photobucket just use the link that has [IMG] on the ends of it.

Very nice resto. That shot of clear is not a bad idea!

I use X-Pel headlight protection film right from the beginning, and they never dull. I see no reason you couldn't cover them after the restore process.

Flashtime · 11-26-08, 10:42

Several options:

1. Keep waxing/sealing.
2. Apply a protection film.
3. Shoot a few coats of aerosol clear (SEM Solaray, 2K SprayMax, etc.)
4. Have a body shop clear them. Wont cost much if you bring them in. ($75 bucks)
5. Replace headlights.