Which machine for headlight restoration?

[r32]

Hey everyone...I've had a few customers ask for headlight restoration and I want to make sure I can offer this service quickly and professionally. I current use a metabo rotary polisher for paint correction, but I'm curious what everyone is using for headlight restoration. Do I need another machine (like a griots 3 inch random orbital), or can I use a smaller backing plate for the metabo and use that on a slower speed? Also which wetsanding discs/pads are best for headlight restore?





Thank you for any help,

Jeremy

 

[Innovative Detailing]

Small hand held pneumatic tools work the best....I highly recommend the 3M kit which is what I currently use, I have posted a photo below.....

 

[impulse922]

this place used to sell a kit for headlight restoration, and it worked awesome. Only problem is that you have to spend time to do it by hand. I got spectacular results though. Buffed it with a compound and an orange pad afterwards.

http://www.sisweb.com/micromesh/mmr_pads.htm#3x4



they were the perfect size for your hand.

 

[Envious Eric]

if you have access to air, Davids is best!



if not, rotary! the PC sucks for headlights! takes twice as long for crappier results!

 

[imported_advs1]

be careful with air tools. they work at very high speeds and its easy to burn plastics. unless they are made for headlights, i would use a rotary. i have been doing them for years and all i had to buy was a 3 1/2" BP and pads. didnt need a $300 kit, just useless stuff IMO

 

[a.k.a. Patrick]

Wow, Ive used the 3M headlight repair kit with a cordless drill and had exceptional results........

 

[SpoiledMan]

I've used the Micromesh hand kit as well as the 3" sanding pads on the DA for sanding. Polishing out, I've only had success with the rotary and 3" pads using various compounds.

 

[Preachers Sheets]

You dont need much to do headlights.



Wetsand by hand then slap a 2 inch pad on a hand drill or rotary if you already have one and your done.

 

[imported_Jakerooni]

I've been using the Delta Kit for awhile now. So far I like it better than any other kit/combo I've ever previously used. The resin makes all the difference in the end for a professional finish. Not the cheapest kit to get into but by far the best I've personally used.



Headlight Restoration System : Cloudy Discolored Headlights : Delta Kits

 

[impulse922]

I've used the Micromesh hand kit as well as the 3" sanding pads on the DA for sanding. Polishing out, I've only had success with the rotary and 3" pads using various compounds.

thin flat orange 3" with powergloss(or 105) worked fine for me :nixweiss

 

[Mindflux]

You dont need much to do headlights.



Wetsand by hand then slap a 2 inch pad on a hand drill or rotary if you already have one and your done.

This is what I've done. Works pretty well

 

[JohnKleven]

I use a Dynabrade mini polisher to polish out the sanding scratches. Works like a charm every time.





John

 

[nygoat03]

i usually wetsand 2000-2500 grit paper then polish out with the PC-the wetsanding is pretty similiar to the 3m kit-right??