Wetsanding Plastic Headlight Lenses. Help!!!

**Brk4euros** · 11-06-2005, 08:08 PM

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:

Old shot

**4830Deuce** · 11-06-2005, 08:45 PM

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** · 11-06-2005, 08:49 PM

Originally Posted by 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

Thanks!!! Any recommended metal polishes?

**4830Deuce** · 11-06-2005, 08:52 PM

I would suggest NXT for this job...

-Justin

**lnkprksoldier** · 11-06-2005, 10:02 PM

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** · 11-06-2005, 10:11 PM

Nice pair of, Ã¢â‚¬¦ headlights.

You may want to take it a couple grits finer on the abrasives before polishing too. You could try MeguiarÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s #3000 paper and/or Mirka #4000 foam pads.

PC.

**Brk4euros** · 11-06-2005, 11:14 PM

Thanks all! Awesome tips!

**Ed Fisher** · 11-07-2005, 04:28 AM

Nice *gulp* (is it hot in here ??)

headlight assy... I never knew VW`s came with pink`n white headlights though... Huh ? The headlights are the other ones underneath ? Who cares ???

**imported_Dave Holmes** · 11-08-2005, 02:11 AM

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** · 11-08-2005, 03:11 AM

I sanded the headlamps on my GTI 337 . . . first use 1000/2000/3000 grit paper. Proceed with a rotary polisher, 4Ã¢â‚¬ 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 4Ã¢â‚¬ polishing pad. Good luck :xyxthumbs

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

**Alfisti** · 11-08-2005, 04:33 AM

http://www.waxforum.com/showthread.p...ish+headlights

**Brk4euros** · 11-08-2005, 06:07 PM

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

**imported_Malachi** · 03-09-2007, 11:55 PM

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** · 05-26-2007, 07:52 PM

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.