87 plastic headlights
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Joined: Mar 2001
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87 plastic headlights
The plastic headlight lenses on my 87 f150 look like they have been sandblasted from road wear. Does anyone know how to polish the plastic to like new again? I guess I could buy some new ones, but not sure of the cost. A little elbow grease does not bother me either. I thought maybe some wet 600 paper, then wet 1200 paper, then polishing compound. Any ideas?
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From: Virginia
87 plastic headlights
These new plastic headlights are one of the many "new and improved" ideas from carmakers. When's the last time you had to replace a glass headlight because it was fogged up, scratched up etc. Welcome to the "privilege" of owning a newer vehicle.
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87 plastic headlights
I had the same problem on my 91 Mustang. I used 1200 grit sandpaper(I believe)and some water to clean off all of the grime. Then, I used some stuff called "scratch out" by KIT. It is a scratch and haze remover. I polished them by hand with the stuff (same method as waxing) and then buffed them out by hand. Finally I put a coat of wax on them. They really looked good for awhile, but they are ready for another treatment. A buffer would make it a lot easier.
89 F150 4x4 300/4 speed 33.12.50 w/Rancho lift 3.55 gears
82 Mustang GT 302 C4 + nitrous=FAST
91 Mustang GT basic bolt ons- GM Eater
89 F150 4x4 300/4 speed 33.12.50 w/Rancho lift 3.55 gears
82 Mustang GT 302 C4 + nitrous=FAST
91 Mustang GT basic bolt ons- GM Eater
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87 plastic headlights
You should be able to sand them with 1,000 grit and polish them with 3m micro finishing compound or equiv. when you sand make sure to use lots of water it saves paper and makes a smoother job. John
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: So Cal
87 plastic headlights
Yeah, I like the new plastic light assemblies too. When they break, instead of replacing a $10(I'm being generous) bulb, you get to replace a several hundred dollar assembly. Plus in the great NorthWet, we get algae growing in our lenses if we are lucky.
I recommend you talk to a local plastics supplier. There are lots of hobby and home "do it yourself" type stores out there who have all the right stuff to make your plastic lenses shine like new.
Jim Henderson
I recommend you talk to a local plastics supplier. There are lots of hobby and home "do it yourself" type stores out there who have all the right stuff to make your plastic lenses shine like new.
Jim Henderson
