2G headlights - how to repair?

[Rikolas]

Alright, so just recently I've made a big mistake trying to clean my headlight the wrong way. It was yellowing and becoming ugly, so I wanted to clean it.
I decided to be lazy and cheap and made the mistake of using a buffer and rubbing compound on it instead of going out and buying a headlight restore kit. . and now I have dried on rubbing compound and I don't know how to go about getting it off. I was thinking of getting a flathead or a razor and trying to scrap it off, but I don't want to scratch my headlight. Anyone have any ideas how to fix it?

 

[undefined0000]

Wet sanding it off. I know with just the headlights and no crud, you can use 1000-2000 grit sandpaper and wet sand your life away.

 

[Rikolas]

Alright, I'm going to have to give it a try. I've never done any wetsanding, so it will be some good practice before I attempt my hood since it's fading too.

 

[Nicklepage1010]

Start with 600 wet, move to 800 wet when the crap is off it, wetsand with 1000 wet, and then buff with caution. You can even wetsand it with 1500 and 2000 if youd like before polishing.

 

[Rikolas]

Start with 600 wet, move to 800 wet when the crap is off it, wetsand with 1000 wet, and then buff with caution. You can even wetsand it with 1500 and 2000 if youd like before polishing.

So wet sanding is basically getting that kind of sand paper, getting it wet and just sanding it right?

 

[TSiAWD666]

I think you'll also want to re-seal the plastic, right? I believe you need to apply an acrylic seal so the plastic is protected, otherwise they will fog/yellow fairly quickly after the "repair".

I know many headlight repair kits include the sealant (though some don't).

 

[phantom_19]

So wet sanding is basically getting that kind of sand paper, getting it wet and just sanding it right?

Buy waterproof sanding paper so it doesn't tear. I start with 1K and work my way up to 2K. Use long even strokes and keep spraying water on the headlight every 20 seconds orso. Finish by waxing the headlight when its dry

 

[Rikolas]

Thank you for the help guys. Is there anyway I can get a for sure answer how to protect it afterwards? Wax or that sealant?

 

[pindlepiper]

Use Dawn dishsoap and water together. The dishsoap acts as a lubricant.

 

[sccrbrandon4788]

I've used 2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper, then either buffed it out with a cutting compound, then polishing compound. Another option is after sanding, use some clear coat to go from dull sanded look to clear and glossy. Typically you'll get 6-8 months either way without having to polish it out again.

 

[stevecbr929]

I did this to my car a few years ago & got so many compliments, I started doing friends cars for some extra cash.

I got a 3M 3" sanding pad for my drill that has a foam backing & velcro on it & bough a variety pack of wet/dry sandpaper at local car shop for $6 & 1 pack of 2000 grit as well & cut them into circles to fit pads. I had some leftover super strong velcro from another project & after trying MANY glues, found RTV gasket maker works best if velcro doesn't last.

Make sure you get some good quality masking tape (I've had good luck with 3M green) & tape off all bodywork surrounding headlights before you do any work. Depending on how bad the crusties on the headlights are, I will start off with some 800 but have started the tougher lights with 400 grit. From there I go to 1000, 1500, & then finish off with 2000 grit. I use Meguires clear plastic polish on a 3" buffing pad following the wetsanding & then finish off with a quality carnuba wax.

They will look as good as new if you do a good job sanding - good luck.

 

[inspire]

3M Restore kit works very well, but for the best results I wet sand down the headlights, and then re clear them with a spray gun in my booth at work. They look like new, and they never fade again. If your not a auto painter, maybe you know someone that is, or you could even go to any bodyshop and request this be done. Haven't ever heard of a shop saying no to that kind of request and price is usually very fair on your pocket.

 

[pbryant_knight]

fine Wire wool. Doesn't scratch the glass but takes off any uneven crap. Used it a few times for overspray on windshield and lights.