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/p...g?t=1227660959

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/p...g?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

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** · 11-25-2008, 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

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

**Legacy** · 11-25-2008, 08:57 PM

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?

**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

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

**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

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!

**Lenny** · 11-26-2008, 10:03 AM

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** · 11-26-2008, 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.