My first headlight restoration.

[FMS]

Ok...don't come down too hard on my first headlight restoration project. My brother-in-law said I could practice on his headlights before he sells the car. 04'Hyundia Sante Fe. I always wanted to try it and now was the perfect chance. So with what little material I had on hand I would give it a shot.



Only used two levels of sanding disc. Maybe should of used 3 levels of disc to help cut the time down a little and use less of them. Also I think some type of plastic sealer versa's the Glare polish would be better but this is what I had on hand. Hope I can get some good suggestions from people that have done this 100's of times. I know tape job is aweful but I think the end result was good. Brother-In-Law was impressed.



Start to finish was 40min. for both headlights.



Tools:



Scrub pad

Painters tape

Makita

Dynabrade Orbital Sander(6")

2-Polish Pads(4")-One for the 3M Perfect-It and one for polish step with Glare

1-Finish Pads(4")

4-3M P1500 disc

4-3M P3000 disc

3M Perfect-It 3000

Glare Professional Polish(2 coats per instructions)-Glare instructions says first application to be used like a componnd. Second application like a wax. Strange but looked ok in the end.



Next I will post some pics.

 

[FMS]

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First pic just taping off.

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[FMS]

After using 3M 1500 disc.

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After 3M 3000 disc.

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After 3M Perfect-It 3000.

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[FMS]

Now the Glare.

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After result.

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[FMS]

Next pics were other headlight but forgot to take before pic. Same condition as the first headlight. Also decided to use the scrubby pad with the wash to start.

 

[FMS]

Washing with scrubby pad.

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[FMS]

After the wash and now the tape. Have to get better at this.

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Using 3M 1500 disc.

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Finished 3M 1500.

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Finished 3M 3000.

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Polish with Glare. Missed the pic of 3M Perfect-It 3000. You can see the results of the 3M Perfect-It 3000 as I smear the Glare.

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Finished.

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[FMS]

Ok...that's it. Total of 40min. for both headlights.

 

[Barry Theal]

great job! looks good. remember for future, you can go as low as 600 grit on them when sanding. necxt time try going 600, 800, 1000, 1500, 2000 then polish out. you'll get amazing results. but looks very great for first time!

 

[FMS]

I will try that. Do you use a orbital sander or by hand? I have noticed some wholesale kits its done all by hand and they have three different grades of sandpaper. Never looked into what they supply for grades. I'm going to check with 3M for some lower grades. Thanks for the heads-up Barry.