Headlight restoration
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Thanks everybody for the tips. I madde a trip into Schucks and picked up some of Mothers PowerPlastic and a Powerball along with some 2000 grit sandpaper. I started by wiping down the headlights really well and wetsanding them. After that I hit 'em with the Mothers and they cleaned up pretty nice. Huge difference in what they used to be but still a little cloudy. After a close inspection I did notice that there was still a film of grit on them so I would like to go over them again with a rougher sandpaper. I think the 2000 grit was a little too fine to start out with. Might start with something like a 600 and work up to 2000. All in all, for the price it was worth $20 and once I get that layer or gunk off them I think they will be much clearer. Thanks again everybody for all the good tips, I'll let you know how I make out in round 2.
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From: N. Fort Myers,FL
Dont go too aggresive, try 1000, 1500, and 2000 grit. Before I got my lightning lights I wet sanded my lights, I started with 800 grit I believe and it was too aggresive.The other light I started with 1000 and it had much less scratches.
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I'll try that route before going with the 600, probably a safe bet. I'm just glad I have a garage to work in cause it's -40 right now and wouldn't want to even attempt this in the kind of cold. I just gotta make it to the shop to get some 1000 grit. Thanks Bobby82490!
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I agree,but if the end result You want is to restore the material,You can't get there with an abrasive..I thought maybe Wally might have the material in DIY form...motorcycle windshield polish is also good...
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The headlights on my '97 F-150 were so bad when I got it a few months ago that I had to drive with my brights on and still got just barely enough light to drive with.I do a lot of night driving both in town and on the highway and never once had anyone ask for my dims.
I used Wright's Silver Cream, a paste type polish for use on a whole bunch of materials including stainless steel, chrome, fiberglass and porcelain as well as silver. I applied it with a damp, soft piece of cloth and rubbed it by hand with a circular motion then rinsed it, first with plain water then with Windex. A few minutes on each headlamp made a world of difference. Not quite as good as new, but a long way in that direction. I intend to do more as time goes on but since doing it by hand is so easy, I don't think I will bother with power tools.
I used Wright's Silver Cream, a paste type polish for use on a whole bunch of materials including stainless steel, chrome, fiberglass and porcelain as well as silver. I applied it with a damp, soft piece of cloth and rubbed it by hand with a circular motion then rinsed it, first with plain water then with Windex. A few minutes on each headlamp made a world of difference. Not quite as good as new, but a long way in that direction. I intend to do more as time goes on but since doing it by hand is so easy, I don't think I will bother with power tools.
Last edited by MelTaylor; Feb 20, 2009 at 08:31 PM. Reason: Bad Grammar
yet to try using it , hopefully in the next couple of days.
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