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Hi guys n gals, just got a 2005 ephatch and I LOVE IT!!! been wanting one for awhile and finaly found THE perfect car! SO stoked!
Well, almost perfect, the headlight covers are a bit oxidized in a few spots and i want to polish them, just not sure what to use. Any advice?
Thanks!
:wavey:Quote:
Originally Posted by civizen
Google results for "ephatch.com: headlight restoration"
Next time, rather than starting a new thread, try our awesome search engine, Google search: ephatch.com: [keyword(s)], or post your quick questions on [this thread]
:welcome: Congrats on the car and enjoy your new EPCrack addiction. :mbiggrin:
Go buy the 3m Restoration kit from advanced auto. Did it to my VW when I had it and it made a HUGE difference.
Thanks! Thats what I did. Worked pretty good but I probably need to go over it again, just to make them perfect.Quote:
Originally Posted by blue2turbo
toothpaste
Ive done this myself and found just paying a professional is best with this,I had my headlights restored and other than them looking brand new, they also applied an invisible coat to protect my headlights from getting hazed and scratched as well as it having a 3 year warranty. I think it was money well spent though I know others have done a great job on their headlights, I guess it just depends on how skilled you are.
It isnt a simple process as many others would lead people to believe.
Alright hopefully somebody reads this, coz I didn't want to start yet another "de-haze my headlights" thread.
I've got a '96 Accord DD, and the headlights are a little hazy. Problem is, the surface looks almost like clearcoat peeling off or something. Am I going to have to wet sand these to make them nice again?
If so, what grits should I use?
You might be surprised to know that it might not actually be a clearcoat that's peeling.. It might actually be the outer OEM UV-protective layer of film.Quote:
Originally Posted by Twisted-X
Either way, it definitely needs to be resurfaced through a high-grit wetsanding.
I've wetsanded 3 sets myself. I always went all the way up to 1,500 grit, but where I went wrong was not re-clearcoating them.
I HIGHLY recommend clearcoating them with some hi-heat UV-protective clear though (I think VHT makes some). Otherwise, the headlights won't only need to be redone after a few months to a year; but without that UV protection, the lenses will bake to an irreversible yellow hue.
Just make sure to allow each layer of clearcoat to cure. ESPECIALLY the last layer, so it's hard enough for you to really get down on sanding it finely, polishing and buffing in during the final stages.
It's a lot of work and I don't know how much your "time is money," so I couldn't tell you if it's worth it or not, but... I hope that helps. :mangel:
After the sanding technique, you can use rubbing compound then use meguiar's plastix to polish those headlights.
I used the Meguiar's plastix and polished mine once I got my car and they looked great but I can see it's already starting to haze over again, just a couple of weeks later.. :-/ I guess, if nothing else, it's an excuse to get the JDM projectors and replace the worn out lights, lol. Would protective film have prevented this? Since it's a used car I know there's not much I can do to change what the previous owner did or did not do... but just wondering..? :)
Did you apply any wax after using the Meguiar's?
DOH! :mredface: Thanks!!!! I'll do that this weekend. :mbiggrin:
Yea the 3m kit works really well but you gonna need a drill
I used the Turtle Wax Headlight Restorer kit.
Before
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x...r/90e634c8.jpg
After
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x...r/ef74f149.jpg
Before
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x...r/29986a5f.jpg
After
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x...r/ab2003b9.jpg
Before
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x...r/0bd3e297.jpg
After
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x...r/67bd4726.jpg
Before
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x...r/344ef258.jpg
After
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x...r/a124bf51.jpg
Holy Shit what a difference!!! I've been meaning to do this for the longest time, just haven't gotten around to doing it.Quote:
Originally Posted by rd02SiR
Excellent work man!Quote:
Originally Posted by rd02SiR
I've been there.. That's a whole lot of hard work! :frusty:
Did you clearcoat it?
I strongly suggest you hit it with a high-temp clear. Otherwise, it won't stay looking that way for very long.
Thanks man!
I used the sealant that came with the kit. Once it dries completely I'll put on a good coat of wax.
Right on! I didn't know it came with a sealant...Quote:
Originally Posted by rd02SiR
Is it a spray or do you just rub it on?
I'm interested to see how well this holds up to UV damage.
Link of the kit you used? Also did you use a buffer?
I'm guilty of not Googling it first too, or I would've known the sealer came in wipe-form, but still...Quote:
Originally Posted by hyu
http://tinyurl.com/3zubmrs
Yeah it came with a sealant wipe. Only down side to this kit is the sealant is one time use, so you'll have to find something else to seal it with if you do it again.Quote:
Originally Posted by nmysiismyn
I am also interested in how long it will last.
I used a buffer to apply the final polish that comes with the kit.
I found this kit at walmart for $9. I can not find this product in Canada. Only 3m and such companies, but they want $30+ for their kit, which contains the same things.
Turtle Wax Headlight Restorer Kit
Haha no worries man, I love your avatar so i don't mind ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by nmysiismyn
:tehe:Quote:
Originally Posted by rd02SiR
I'll let my lady know you approve. http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs50/f/20...dragonfly9.gif
haha good one tommy!! but as for rd02sir's lights after the restorer kit damn dude they look good.. think imma have to try it..so they'll look brand new..Quote:
Originally Posted by nmysiismyn
You think I'm kidding about it being my lady, do ya? :mbiggrin:Quote:
Originally Posted by JaydmEp3
A little late to reply, But i used toothpaste and a machine buffing tool, and then used Meguiar's plastX or whatever it's called to give it a nice shine. worked like a charm and cost less than 10 dollars! just make sure to tape off the area around the headlight, because I think I recall reading somewhere that toothpaste will harm your paint.