View Full Version : Another Headlight Restoration...Ford plastic :(
89gt-stanger
11-25-2008, 06:45 PM
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/pp253/89gt-stanger/DSCN0899.jpg?t=1227660959
http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp253/89gt-stanger/DSCN0898.jpg?t=1227661265
Flashtime
11-25-2008, 07:06 PM
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
11-25-2008, 07:21 PM
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
11-25-2008, 08:27 PM
I will normally give the headlights a shot of clear after I clean off all the oxidation. Does the trick
smokinfastlegen
11-25-2008, 08:46 PM
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/pp253/89gt-stanger/DSCN0899.jpg?t=1227660959
http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp253/89gt-stanger/DSCN0898.jpg?t=1227661265
There you go, will help those who dont want to click links ;)
Legacy
11-25-2008, 08:57 PM
There you go, will help those who dont want to click links ;)
Is that a before shot on that second photo?
Envious Eric
11-25-2008, 09:24 PM
^^^^^ obviously it is...I doubt anyone would be satisfied with the 2nd photo as the end result
89gt-stanger
11-26-2008, 08:14 AM
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:wall:wall
imported_NRZ
11-26-2008, 08:31 AM
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
11-26-2008, 09:50 AM
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!
Lenny
11-26-2008, 10:03 AM
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
11-26-2008, 12:42 PM
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.