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Headlight Restoration Education

Old May 13, 2012 | 12:50 AM
  #16  
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I just did mine tonight but I'm not pleased with my results. I used 1000 grit then 2000 and 1 coat plastiX as a polish but I can still see some of my sanding marks. I didn't have buffer so I did everything by hand. Any suggestions? Should I be using a sealant instead of that polish? Do I just need to man up and do a couple more coats of the polish?
 
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Old May 13, 2012 | 12:52 AM
  #17  
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suggestion: get a buffer ... it makes a very VERY big difference... even a drill with a buffing pad on it will work so long as you're careful
 
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Old May 13, 2012 | 03:04 AM
  #18  
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I would use some rubbing compound after the sandpaper to get rid of any marks. Then polish and seal.
 
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Old May 13, 2012 | 10:26 PM
  #19  
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I got a buffer and they look great now. Also polished and sealed. I went to my father in laws house today and he had all the stuff for me to use. I got lucky. Thanks fellas.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2012 | 03:13 PM
  #20  
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How long does the sealant last? Is it a one time thing or is it something you have to keep applying? Recommendations on brand (from your experience)? I've already done a restoration about a year ago on my headlights and they look much better but it seems like everytime I wash my car they are getting bad again and I have to lightly polish them. I've never sealed them and wasn't sure what I should use to keep them clear without continued polishing. Thanks for any tips or products you can recommend!
 
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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 02:14 PM
  #21  
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Anybody?
 
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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 02:18 PM
  #22  
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I just used the sealant that came with my Turtle Wax HLR kit. I've washed them since then and it seems to be holding up just fine. $8 for the kit at Wal-Mart. Works wonderfully.
 
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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 02:20 PM
  #23  
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When I did mine, I had the 3M kit but I don't believe it came with any sort of sealant, just the stuff to polish it. Thanks for the info.
 
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Old Jul 7, 2012 | 03:05 AM
  #24  
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I'd try wetsand with 2000 grit and buff with a rubbing compound first before buying advertised kits.
 
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Old Sep 16, 2012 | 11:59 PM
  #25  
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this is good info
 
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Old Sep 17, 2012 | 12:07 AM
  #26  
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I have the meguirs kits and i used it about a month ago, its still holding up well but it hasnt been very long
 
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Old Sep 24, 2012 | 11:23 AM
  #27  
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I had ebay projectors on my old rsx that hazed after a year or two. Bad enough to where I could see the light getting trapped in the lens. I used Turtle Restorer kit. I prefer this over doing it myself with buffing compound because of the sealant. I dont know what it is but it is not supposed to come in contact with bare skin so its gotta be intense.

When I got my Z the headlights looked fine, but I buffed them and applied the sealant in hopes to preserve them even longer.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2012 | 12:30 PM
  #28  
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We have several articles and how to guides to help you restore headlights here http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...eadlight-care/. There are some simple and cost effective solutions in there that could be really helpful. It also shows head lights in relatively good condition versus ones needing more severe correction so you see a variety of situations.

Greg @ DI
 
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Old May 11, 2013 | 12:08 AM
  #29  
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What about headlights that are yellow from the side? I've always used my mothers headlight restoration kit to remove the cloudiness but I never noticed the yellow until recent. When standing from near my driver door my headlights look like they are tinted yellow, its unattractive would I be able to clear this and turn them clear like my clear corners lol?
 
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Old May 28, 2013 | 01:57 PM
  #30  
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chemical guys have a few great diy videos on you tube for both buffer and restore kit methods and have a one year later follow up. i used the kit they sell, glassylite, and it worked great. 1500 grit then 3000, polish then seal. my lamps were looking about the same as the pictures posted and came out looking just as good. i was reluctant to do this at first because of the horror stories i've heard but i was persuaded otherwise. hope this helps those who are unsure.
 
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