Plastic Headlight Refinishing - Page 3

Justin e36 · 10-07-2005, 08:10 PM

yep, take it out for sure... I'd hate to be doing that crouched down there when I take the headlight inside and do it there instead. you'll need to take it out to do the corners properly too... although I do suppose you can mask your car if you really don't want to take the headlight out.

propr'one · 10-09-2005, 07:54 PM

Im gonna try this when the car gets back form the shop, thanks guys

mirek · 10-20-2005, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpower1226

its much better to remove the headlight to do it properly. while you sand, you could just slip away the sandpaper and it might land on the fender.

take it out, only 5 screws need to be removed.

do i have to use the 2000,3000,4000?

1500 feels soft enoguh, especially if i'm going to be wet sanding....

btw.. can i use the sandpaper, and then plasticX on my clear corners too?

Justin e36 · 11-10-2005, 06:09 PM

Off topic.. just wondering why in the forum it says this topic was started by Gamite. But when you open the thread it's mpower...

V-Thang · 12-08-2005, 01:56 AM

Would this method be the same if the clearcoat is peeling/cracking from the headlight? because wont sanding it down remove the clearcoat and then have to respray it with clear coat?

mpower1226 · 12-08-2005, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mirek

do i have to use the 2000,3000,4000?

1500 feels soft enoguh, especially if i'm going to be wet sanding....

btw.. can i use the sandpaper, and then plasticX on my clear corners too?

By using higher grit papers, it would make more scratches, but scratches that are more uniform Which is much easier to take out with scratchX.

Using up to 2000 and polishing with scratchX or any scratch remover will STILL work but just need more time and effort. Using higher grit to save time.

technically 1500 will still work but with more time and effort. I suggest using up to 3000 or 2000.

mpower1226 · 12-08-2005, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V-Thang

Would this method be the same if the clearcoat is peeling/cracking from the headlight? because wont sanding it down remove the clearcoat and then have to respray it with clear coat?

actually, bimmer's headlight dont have any clearcoat coating on them as far as I know. Even if there are clearcoats, this method still works.

mirek · 12-08-2005, 03:06 PM

I did this, with the 1500 grit.. worked very well, i like how it turned out. definately a difference.. Thanks for the write up, well done mpower..

Manimillion · 01-03-2006, 09:37 AM

On my Focus, I used a polishing compound, and a high speed buffer. It turned out pretty good in the end. Didn't need to sand it at all.

mpower1226 · 01-11-2006, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevilOnWheelz

On my Focus, I used a polishing compound, and a high speed buffer. It turned out pretty good in the end. Didn't need to sand it at all.

yup its basically same method. However, using rotary to buff it down will introduce round swirl marks.

The method in this post is aimed at the ppl who do not have access to the buffing machine.

Even when you have rotary buffing machine, its always better to use wet sanding prior to buff. Same principal in automotive detailing where you wet sand down the car and u use buffer to buff out the sanding marks.

grievous · 01-12-2006, 10:46 PM

nice, very useful info. once spring comes, i'll try this out.

Dr. Flyview · 07-14-2006, 01:32 PM

I'd really like to try this as well as my headlight plastic is hideous, with the clear coat peeling off all over.

I'll probably have to remove the headlights...kind of aprehensive about that.

Also what was the conclusion as the best polishing and cleaning solution to be? PlasticX?

Where do you get all this stuff? Can it all be found at that pacific mall store?

BTW, why is this in the audio section...

Woofer · 07-14-2006, 02:41 PM

Will this work on glass? i have e30 euro smoked projectors.

vadim321go · 08-12-2006, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woofer

Will this work on glass? i have e30 euro smoked projectors.

i highly doubt it, sanding down glass would not be a wise idea. plastic is ok

ZiMMie · 08-12-2006, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woofer

Will this work on glass? i have e30 euro smoked projectors.

Alan do u read thru threads or jst skip right thru them? that question was answered on the 2nd page.
ill be givin the call tommorow to see how much it will cost me to do mines.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justin e36

you need a scratch remover and some elbow grease or a polisher. personally I prefer Janvil's glass scratch removal kit. (http://www.janvil.com/glass_restore.htm)

You can also go a place like Apple Autoglass to clean it up.

J