Cleaned the headlights

[RawrImAMonster]

Cleaned the headlights on my 98 gsx earlier today. I wet sanded with 600 grit then 1500 grit then polished with PlastX and a buffer. Here are some before and after pics.

I'm really happy with the results.

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[1996dsm]

Looks way better, im in the need of doing the same.

 

[gregalmighty]

They came out really good. I would have thought 600 grit would have left some noticeable scratches but from the pics they look great. Nice work!

 

[jesselyons2002]

They came out really good. I would have thought 600 grit would have left some noticeable scratches but from the pics they look great. Nice work!

If you go up from 600 up to the next fines. The scratches would start dissappearing after you hit over 2000
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[azdave]

Since the hardcoat on the lenses is now gone the shiny surface will not last too long until it needs another polish.

If you want that look to last (and have protection from road debris chips) go get some 6-mil Ventureshield paint protection film and cover them. You can usually find it on ebay by the foot. (I've never seen it in pre-cut patterns like most vehicles). The turn signal bump is a little tricky but after doing a few I got better at it.

Your local tint shop can also help you here if you don't want to mess with the install. I am a big fan of the Ventureshield and don't care so much for the 3M version or the LaminX products but there are other choices.



Ventureshield

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[Tatanko]

I did this with my Maxima a few years ago and it works great. I need to do the same thing to my driver's side headlight on my Talon (passenger's side is new).

 

[robinho609]

i actually did my headlights and taillight on labor day, and the tail lights look better, gotta keep the car looking good at all times

 

[justoscar1]

Since the hardcoat on the lenses is now gone the shiny surface will not last too long until it needs another polish.

yea thats what happen to mine.....looks good for a week or so haha...

 

[Aphix]

A good way to polish up headlights is with aluminum polish, it works good because the plastic on your headlights is tougher. Maybe not 600 grit good though .

 

[chico904]

Since the hardcoat on the lenses is now gone the shiny surface will not last too long until it needs another polish.

If you want that look to last (and have protection from road debris chips) go get some 6-mil Ventureshield paint protection film and cover them. You can usually find it on ebay by the foot. (I've never seen it in pre-cut patterns like most vehicles). The turn signal bump is a little tricky but after doing a few I got better at it.

Your local tint shop can also help you here if you don't want to mess with the install. I am a big fan of the Ventureshield and don't care so much for the 3M version or the LaminX products but there are other choices.



Ventureshield

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Never saw this, but I am definitely going to order some. How long does it last?

 

[Bubbs Malone]

I use something called blue magic because it's inexpensive. I get four or five months between cleaning, but recently read you should put wax on to help protect the finish. I'll keep an eye on how long it works.

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[azdave]

Never saw this, but I am definitely going to order some. How long does it last?

Ventureshield has a lifetime warranty when installed by a dealer according to the website. I expect to get 5-6 years at least in the AZ sun. It is a non-yellowing urethane film. If it ages I'll peal it off and put on an new layer but it shows no signs of needing that yet.

Check youtube for installation vids.
Ventureshield install

 

[RawrImAMonster]

Just an update. Its been about 2 weeks now and they still look as good as they did on the first day after cleaning them. I put just regular turtle wax on them to help protect them and they seem to be holding up well.

 

[240sxpooter]

Looks great!

 

[mentalTSiAWD]

headlights.....
I wish my paint looked that good.

 

[Bubbs Malone]

Blue Magic is holding well after nearly a month (with turtle wax spray applied). I will remove the rest of the clear coat on the left side soon, use a finer sandpaper and post some closeups soon.

 

[agedog2gT]

hey everyone thanks for all the tips. my headlights are horrible. and after reading i going to try it out see how it comes out....thanks again!