Wetsanding Plastic Headlight Lenses. Help!!!

[Brk4euros]

Well, I removed my lenses from the headlight assembly on my 2004 VW GTI. I have sanded them in/out with 1000grit and then 2000grit. I have tried removing the sanding scratches with many types of polishes and light compounds....no luck. Would a good plastic polish take care of this....Meguiars Cleaner/polish for clear platics?



Here are a few shots of my ride just for fun, I don`t have any pics of them sanded. My car is currently on stands waiting on new wheels and to finish up prep work and paint. The reason I did this was because there was moisture getting in and some minor pitting from canyon run rocks and what not... :har:



http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y101/Brk4euros/ForneysGTI2Medium.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y101/Brk4euros/_MG_0111.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y101/Brk4euros/DSCF0496.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y101/Brk4euros/Picture002Medium.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y101/Brk4euros/BandW.bmp

Old shot

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y101/Brk4euros/DSCF0163.jpg

[4830Deuce]

try metal polish with a wool pad at very low speeds if using a rotary or 5 using a PC...then make sure you step down your polishes to get a perfect shine!



I used Menzerna PG after wetsanding my headlights I saw a write up that used metal polish so im just passing it on...



-Justin

[Brk4euros]

try metal polish with a wool pad at very low speeds if using a rotary or 5 using a PC...then make sure you step down your polishes to get a perfect shine!



I used Menzerna PG after wetsanding my headlights I saw a write up that used metal polish so im just passing it on...



-Justin

Thanks!!! Any recommended metal polishes?

[4830Deuce]

I would suggest NXT for this job...



-Justin

[lnkprksoldier]

nxt polish kicks ***. but first off, i would try a finer grade sandpaper like 3000. and emphasize the WET in wetsand. soak the paper in soapy water for like 15 minutes

[the other pc]

Nice pair of, … headlights. :D



You may want to take it a couple grits finer on the abrasives before polishing too. You could try Meguiar’s #3000 paper and/or Mirka #4000 foam pads.





PC.

[Brk4euros]

Thanks all! Awesome tips!

[Ed Fisher]

Nice *gulp* (is it hot in here ??) :drool: headlight assy... I never knew VW`s came with pink`n white headlights though... Huh ? The headlights are the other ones underneath ? Who cares ??? :D

[imported_Dave Holmes]

Here`s a write-up I did on Maxima.org on wetsanding my headlights (with pics):

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=375480



Without trying to offend anyone in any way, I must say the ladies look stunning. I really like the brunette`s ahhhh, hair. Are those two a normal sampling of the population in San Diego? I may be moving.



Hope this helps.



Dave



PS: Thank the ladies for brightening a Jarhead`s day for me.

[DrSauekraut]

I sanded the headlamps on my GTI 337 . . . first use 1000/2000/3000 grit paper. Proceed with a rotary polisher, 4� polishing pad, and light abrasive compound. Wipe with alcohol to ensure the lens is crystal clear. Finish with Meg`s Plastx, again using a rotary and 4� polishing pad. Good luck :xyxthumbs



PS: You may want to consider X-PEL Headlight Protection to guard against rocks.

[Alfisti]

http://www.waxforum.com/showthread.php?t=743&highlight=polish+headlights

[Brk4euros]

:2thumbs: thanks for all of the quick feedback!

[imported_Malachi]

I found this link on another forum and though it would best fit under this subject matter:



http://www.nseconsulting.com/bmw/hpt.pdf



I think it is an excellent write up with pics.

[imported_Malachi]

I finally tried the the method posted in the link of my response above. It work great on a Jeep I worked on today, then I tried it on two of my cars with excellent results. I did sand up to 2,500 and 3,000 sandpaper (did not stop at 2,000).



After the sanding I polished with Megs 85 using a drill then I followed with Megs 17 and 10. Plexus was my last step.

[Old Pirate]

I forgot what i was going to type:shocked