hey guys what is the best way to remove oxidation/scratches from headlight lenses? I know of a couple of products made specifically for this, but I`m looking for someone who has tried them or something that works so I don`t have to go through the trial and error,
thanks,
Heff
adrianko43
12-21-2003, 05:38 PM
i used a claybar, and it worked real nicely.
andriver
12-21-2003, 05:54 PM
I have used a metal polish by hand on a 97 Mustang. Cleaned up really well.
stainbuster
12-22-2003, 12:40 AM
Generally, there are two types of "oxidation". (See attached photos)
One, simple oxidation. The lens is yellowed and cloudy. On vehicles like mid 90`s mustangs, rangers, etc., we use a process involving a pre-treatment, oxidation remover especially designed for auto headlights, followed up with a shine restorer. Done.
On the other side of the spectrum, Caravans, Sebrings, Intrepids, Tauruses, and other models with the clear or "crystalline" headlights, it`s a little more complicated. The surface of the lens will appear cloudy and feel very rough. The simple oxidation rem over method will not work on these lenses. This is cause by the plasticizers migrating to the surface of the lens. On close inspection, you will see very very small etching throughout the lens. Like little cracks everywhere. You may even see what`s called a "net line" (pronounced nit), or "well line", a line running horizontally from one side of the lens to the other. Somtimes the oxidation is worse on one side of the net line. Net lines are what happens when the plastic, lexan, acrylic, whatever are injected into the mold. Where the plastic meets together inside the mold, it forms this line.
What`s happening with these lights, and more specifically, 95-01 Chryslers, is the UV resins are evaporating into the air, the platicizers migrate to the surface, and bam... ugly, UNSAFE lights.
Simple. Clean using pretreatment, wetsand using 600, 1000, 1500, and 2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper, clean with PT again, buff with oxidation remover, clean again with PT, apply deep fill, then several coats of shine restorer. It`s easy, quick, and permanent. Sorry for the long post. Mike R.
LouisanaJeeper
12-22-2003, 01:11 AM
Mother`s Mag and Alum. polish.
stainbuster
12-22-2003, 02:41 AM
This is a 98 Caravan before headlight restoration
AD Qi
12-22-2003, 07:53 AM
stainbuster, Please send an after photo. Those head lights look like they came off of my Grand Marquie. I`ve tried using Meg Plastic cleaner & Polish but they did not clean the lens.
stainbuster
12-22-2003, 10:07 AM
Fred, the AFTER photo is above the BEFORE photo on this thread. OOPS, I posted them backwards.
Mike