Headlight restoration

[scoobydrvr]

Okay, I know there's about 239847.5 ways to restore headlights. I'm curious how people are doing it and what, if anything, you're doing to keep them clear and bright.

To start if off, I use a product from Meguiars: Clear Plastic Cleaner and Clear Plastic Polish with a 6" random orbital buffer and LOTS of time. Recently did the work on mine and spent about an hour a piece on each fixture.
Before:


After:


Of course, now I need to seal them in some way, hence the poll. Sound off!

[Sean486]

Originally Posted by scoobydrvr

Okay, I know there's about 239847.5 ways to restore headlights. I'm curious how people are doing it and what, if anything, you're d,oing to keep them clear and bright.

To start if off, I use a product from Meguiars: Clear Plastic Cleaner and Clear Plastic Polish with a 6" random orbital buffer and LOTS of time. Recently did the work on mine and spent about an hour a piece on each fixture.
Before:


After:


Of course, now I need to seal them in some way, hence the poll. Sound off!

I used a 3M kit to polish them, then immediately put Lamin-x clear film over them. After a year they still look gorgeous. Some of the best money I ever spent on the SVX.

[flamestone]

I've done some hardcore headlight restorations in the past, so I've even whipped out the sandpaper. Really really fine wet & dry sandpaper. And then finished off with that Meguiars or Mothers plastic polish.

But my SVX headlights are on the bench next to me right now, ready to have all the black stripped off and repainted as well. I'll be in there with a toothbrush.

[scoobydrvr]

Originally Posted by Sean486

I used a 3M kit to polish them, then immediately put Lamin-x clear film over them. After a year they still look gorgeous. Some of the best money I ever spent on the SVX.

Do you get the Lamin-x locally or just order it off the interwebs?

Originally Posted by flamestone

I've done some hardcore headlight restorations in the past, so I've even whipped out the sandpaper. Really really fine wet & dry sandpaper. And then finished off with that Meguiars or Mothers plastic polish.

But my SVX headlights are on the bench next to me right now, ready to have all the black stripped off and repainted as well. I'll be in there with a toothbrush.

Do you do anything to try and keep them up or is it a periodic process?

[dannmarr]

I've wet sanded them and sprayed non yellowing clear coat on them. They looked brand new. They lasted about 2 years and yes, they are turning yellow! I'll try the clear film next time.

[svxcess]

And then you could have them professionally redone inside and out by Prolightz.

See this thread with photos HERE


http://www.prolightz.com


You can also get the Lamin-X film there also, in 12mil and 40 mil thicknesses, colors too.

http://prolightz.com/proshop/index.p...=index&cPath=8


.

[Sean486]

Originally Posted by scoobydrvr

Do you get the Lamin-x locally or just order it off the interwebs?

Ordered off the internet, the SVX has small narrow headlights so it is not to bad. Was about $45 with shipping. XPEL makes a good product too, it is a bit thicker than Lamin-x.

[SURTEESS]

Anyone thought about changing the plastic covers for glass covers in the USA, here in NZ / AUST / JP / EUROPE we all get glass so there are lots of "spares".

[Blacky]

Meguiars and then two coats of clear on the '92 four plus years ago and still looking good.

[Sean486]

Can anyone recommend a brand name clear in rattle can that would work well?

[scoobydrvr]

Originally Posted by Sean486

Can anyone recommend a brand name clear in rattle can that would work well?

/\ THIS!

Recently had a run in with some super sketch clear coat on my dad's motorcycle (Krylon, of all brands!) and I'd really hate to have to deal with removing a botched clear coat.

[ShaneHobson]

We fitted 3M clear bonnet guard film across my glass headlight to repair a stone chip hole. Passes safety inspection ok.

[Sean486]

Originally Posted by scoobydrvr

/\ THIS!

Recently had a run in with some super sketch clear coat on my dad's motorcycle (Krylon, of all brands!) and I'd really hate to have to deal with removing a botched clear coat.

I tried to clear coat a stock grill and bad results, that was Duplicolor. Came out cloudy.

[SVX_MY_BABY]

Originally Posted by Sean486

Can anyone recommend a brand name clear in rattle can that would work well?

When I had my car painted the shop said one of the worst things you could do to the lens was clear coat it.

[Blacky]

Originally Posted by SVX_MY_BABY

When I had my car painted the shop said one of the worst things you could do to the lens was clear coat it.

Did they say why?