Severely oxidated headlights
|
03-07-2011, 02:50 PM
Post: #1
|
|||
|
|||
Severely oxidated headlights
Hi Guys,
My aunt found out that I have a DA polisher and she asked me a favour. She has a little Nissan Micra four door. The hesdlights have known better days, its just as bad as the Renault Clio that PaulVW restored a few months ago. I have the following in my arsenal, please advise if I can use it: Menz Power Gloss Menz SIP Menz IP Menz Final Finish Megs Plast-X Collinite 845 White, Blue and Red flexipads buffing pads. Do you guys think I will be able to make a difference to the condition, or do I need to wetsand, I would rather not as I have no experience with it. Thanks Wouter Wouter |
|||
03-07-2011, 04:35 PM
Post: #2
|
|||
|
|||
RE: Severely oxidated headlights
I've had a go at headlights before.
All I did was sand with waterpaper(P400 then P800) soaked in water and a soap of some kind, I would use your regular car wash shampoo, to lubricate. Then followed by SIP on a LC orange pad on my rotary. Results were good but I would suggest maybe using a finer grain sand paper(finer than P800) to finish before polishing to ensure that you remove more scarring caused by the sanding. Especially seeing as you are using a DA. ![]() |
|||
03-07-2011, 04:49 PM
Post: #3
|
|||
|
|||
RE: Severely oxidated headlights
Lets see them.
|
|||
03-07-2011, 04:53 PM
Post: #4
|
|||
|
|||
RE: Severely oxidated headlights
If you wanted to see my attempt....sorry, they are on a car that wasn't mine and have no pics. They were on an old Chrysler Neon though.
![]() |
|||
03-07-2011, 05:04 PM
Post: #5
|
|||
|
|||
RE: Severely oxidated headlights
Thanx Stax, I will do the wetsand if all else fail. I will be trying the power gloss as it has the deepest cut, but I will follow the rule of least aggressive method first and then more aggressive. I saw a video on youtube off a Dodge Neon that a guy did, they were not as bed as these are but I think I will see results.
I will post some pics as soon as I see my aunt again, she is out of town for a while on business. Wouter |
|||
04-07-2011, 12:35 PM
(This post was last modified: 04-07-2011 12:36 PM by TOGWT.)
Post: #6
|
|||
|
|||
RE: Severely oxidated headlights
Removing oxidation or scratches from vehicle headlights or brake lights (also polycarbonate) also removes the OEM ultra violet (UV-B) protection. Surfaces that have yellowed are a sign that the ultra violet (UV) sacrificial coating has failed and must be resurfaced and re-coated
Application Methodology • Use a solvent type cleaner (Klasse or Zaino All-In-One) if this does not remove the oxidation use a plastic polish • Meguiar’s PlastX contains a microscopic diminishing abrasive, which requires a little pressure when applying it to enable these abrasives to remove the discoloured plastic and expose new plastic. • If the lens is severely hazed or scratched wet-sand with 1000–1500-2000 grit finishing paper, allow finishing paper to soak for 30 minutes + and use plenty of surface lubrication • Tape-off all around the lenses so that you don't accidentally wet sand or buff the surrounding areas. • Using a random orbital buffer with a 3.5-inch backing plate and a 4-inch (Lake County (LC) White) polishing pad or a terry cloth applicator • Place a small dab (about ½-inch diameter) of plastic polish on the foam pad or applicator. • Place the pad on the lens surface and turn on the machine (speed #4) • Polish the lens repeatedly in a left-to-right and an up and down pattern. • Continue polishing until all the polish is gone • Wipe the lens with a damp Microfiber towel • Inspect the lens, repeat the polishing process 2-3 times as necessary • Finally wipe down the headlight surfaces with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or a tack rag to eliminate any residue. • Plastic polish will not remove clarity defects that are within the plastic but it will remove external/surface scratching and ultra violet (UV) oxidation (yellowing) as well as OEM applied UV protection that should be replaced ~ Providing unbiased advice that Professional and Enthusiast Detailer’s Trust ~- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Togwt/141827572547893 - |
|||
04-07-2011, 02:58 PM
Post: #7
|
|||
|
|||
RE: Severely oxidated headlights
Wow power failures suck! I have to do this post twice
![]() Thanks TOGWT, as always a thorough post and answer. My uncle has however tried all the solvent based cleaners as he sprays Air Force helicopters, he has access to some. But to no avail ![]() I am receiving my Plast-X this weekend so I will be trying it next week or so, but you said rather a RO polisher, why not my DA polisher? That is all I have! You also said the surface must be re-coated, with what and how? Will Collinite 845 do, or am I on the wrong path? Here is a few pics that I snapped a few hours ago, sorry if they are a bit crappy, but I took them with my phone ![]() Right hand side (when you are in the car) ![]() Left hand side (when you are in the car) ![]() Left hand side closer up (this one has the worst oxidation and RIDS off the two) ![]() Thanks Wouter Wouter |
|||
04-07-2011, 07:55 PM
Post: #8
|
|||
|
|||
RE: Severely oxidated headlights
Your best bet would be some p2000 and p3000 water paper followed by a couple of hits with SIP and FA or similar. Watch the speeds and pressure when polishing as the lenses could be deformed due to heat...
David : 083 642 2118 www.mobileimage.co.za ![]() |
|||
05-07-2011, 11:24 AM
Post: #9
|
|||
|
|||
RE: Severely oxidated headlights
[You also said the surface must be re-coated, with what and how? Will Collinite 845 do, or am I on the wrong path?]
A product that contains UV protection (OPT Opti-Seal) or a clear coat paint that contains UV stabilizers. I' sure Carn can advise what is available in SA ~ Providing unbiased advice that Professional and Enthusiast Detailer’s Trust ~- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Togwt/141827572547893 - |
|||
« Next Oldest | Next Newest »
|
User(s) browsing this thread: