Headlight restoration without tools, 7 month update pg 4

[nishnobguad]

I've been wanting to try this for a while and I got all the supplies from Home Depot, however they didn't have the 2000 grit sandpaper. Anyone know what type of store carries that or if I could get away with skipping that level?

[harofreak00]

You can definately skip that level.

[nishnobguad]

And actually the 2000 too! The finest paper available is 800. So I didn't get 1000 and 2000.

[harofreak00]

Go to a parts store not Home Depot.

Home Depot = home repair
Part store = car repair

[DaMaroon]

Just happened to notice the "local" Meijer had 1500 3M tonight. Surprised me. +1 on parts store.

400 will polish hard metal to feel like glass. Doubtful it would do the same to plastic. Even though it looks good doesn't mean the bigger scratches of even 800 wouldn't cause light scatter. Anyone actually try it to see if it makes a difference?

[nishnobguad]

Thanks, I found what I needed at advance. I did both my headlights tonight and they look really good! I am impressed. I also cleared them too while I had the headlights out. A productive night for me thanks to the helpful write ups on this website.

[crash93ssei]

Glad it worked for you! Let's see some pics

[nishnobguad]

I just noticed that I wrote 2000 grit twice up there accidentally! Oops, I was using my phone. Anyway, here are a couple before and after shots of my "new" headlights!

Before


Before


Before


After


After


After


After


This is with the lights on last night, I used the suggested silverstar ultra bulbs too. And I had to replace a fog light... That was fun, NOT!


Maybe not the greatest pix but I'll wash and wax soon and upload some better ones.

[Hotwheels]

Just tried this method on a project '04 Grand Cherokee today, and I love it! I am totally sold on doing it this way from now on.

[FasGP]

Us "Canucks" don't have the privilege of getting the mineral spirits up here that easily. Anyone know somewhere that carries it, or could you suggest a "subsitute"?

[repinS]

I was able to get mine at Canadian Tire. It wasn't 'odourless', but should work just the same.

They'll be in the same white ~1L bottles that they sell Paint Thinner in.

[FasGP]

I was able to get mine at Canadian Tire. It wasn't 'odourless', but should work just the same.

They'll be in the same white ~1L bottles that they sell Paint Thinner in.

Thanks sir...I will check there. The guy from HD said it was not easy to find...maybe he was just a tard.

[repinS]

Home Depot was my first instinct too... found the Helmsman urethane just fine, but no luck on the mineral spirits.

[FiendScurro]

Just curious but i also used this method of 50/50 spirits and spar urethane back in early may and yesterday i noticed that my driver side headlight peeled already. Two dime size areas that appear to just be random. Anyone else have this happen? is it possible that certain cleaning products could weaken it and allow this to happen? I was so confident in this process because you all had great luck :-( Its not that hard to redo just a pain. Maybe this time ill do two coats.

[crash93ssei]

Only thing I have ever heard to weaken it is strong degreaser or Optimum Powerclean, either would damage it instantly. Mine still looks like the day I did it, no signs of failure at all. I have used Dawn, Meguiars Gold Class car wash, powerwasher, and even some purple power close by without issue.

[FiendScurro]

I did recently do a bug cleaning with simple green and water. Must be the case. Would I just use mineral spirits to clear and redo?

[nubuilder]

I have recently had a small spot, smaller than a dime, come off my aftermarket light. The OEM one is fine. Not sure if that is important or not, but thought I'd mention it.

I guess I will either be re-doing the clear or finding a factory light to re-do.

[repinS]

bump with results. Amazing!

[kristie_jeff]

Looks Nice!!

[haro1225]

Just did the gtp lights today, didn't get before pics but here's the after.


Did the fogs and reverse light bar too