Rich Posted June 28, 2016 Report Share Posted June 28, 2016 Both the Accord headlights are in a terrible state now and need sorting out. I don't want to buy a kit for a drill as I have the rotary and various pads/polishes. I'll try a compound first to see if it helps before going the wet sanding route but if I do what's the best paper/grades to get? Any one got some tips on doing it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adam_r Posted June 28, 2016 Report Share Posted June 28, 2016 I used 800 1000 1200 1500 Wet and dry paper Then i went over it all with my machine polisher with some megs scratch-x... Uber shiny finish.. Just remember to put a clear laqueron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted June 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2016 Was this on the Accord, what colour did they go? Mine are looking a bit green and I'm fairly sure it's not on the inside but that's why I want to try polish first to make sure. Will any laquer do or is regular waxing ok? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adam_r Posted June 28, 2016 Report Share Posted June 28, 2016 A plastic laquer is good for UV protection. I did the accords and corollas using that method and it was great. Both where going a bit misty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parthiban Posted June 29, 2016 Report Share Posted June 29, 2016 Good time for this conversation as I've been thinking about doing the same. I'll get a pic at some point but the ones on the Merc look like they have very fine cracks in the plastic though - are they too far gone to restore? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted June 29, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 29, 2016 Good time for this conversation as I've been thinking about doing the same. I'll get a pic at some point but the ones on the Merc look like they have very fine cracks in the plastic though - are they too far gone to restore? From my understanding that's only in the laquer or whatever top coat they use on headlights, which is why wet sanding is the best way to remove them. I'll try some polish on mine by hand to see if anything comes off but I'll probably get up getting some wet and dry. If it's not too difficult then I'm going to remove the lights and do them off the car. What paper did you get Adam, can you get the multi packs with all the grades needed in them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parthiban Posted June 29, 2016 Report Share Posted June 29, 2016 From my understanding that's only in the laquer or whatever top coat they use on headlights, which is why wet sanding is the best way to remove them. I'll try some polish on mine by hand to see if anything comes off but I'll probably get up getting some wet and dry. If it's not too difficult then I'm going to remove the lights and do them off the car. What paper did you get Adam, can you get the multi packs with all the grades needed in them? That's good to know thanks! Sorry to use you as a guinea pig but I'll see how you get on and then I'll prob give it a go too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted June 29, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 29, 2016 lol, no problem! I definitely need to do it before the MOT so I can't put it off, I'm surprised they passed last year TBH. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMARTLY Posted June 29, 2016 Report Share Posted June 29, 2016 If you want an easier method try this ( there's 30% off web and 10% extre between 12 & 2 today ) so it's £18.90 if you click and collect: http://www.halfords.com/motoring/car-cleaning/clay-bars-detailing-products/meguiars-2-step-headlight-kit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parthiban Posted June 29, 2016 Report Share Posted June 29, 2016 That looks quite straightforward if it works, not sure if mine are gone beyond the point where something like that would be enough but could be worth a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SHAHZ Posted June 30, 2016 Report Share Posted June 30, 2016 I bought this kit some time ago, I've known a few that have used it and the results are great, still not got round to doing mine https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0078IHJ1K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_cglDxb7F02RGQ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted June 30, 2016 Report Share Posted June 30, 2016 Both the Accord headlights are in a terrible state now and need sorting out. I don't want to buy a kit for a drill as I have the rotary and various pads/polishes. I'll try a compound first to see if it helps before going the wet sanding route but if I do what's the best paper/grades to get? Any one got some tips on doing it? Some pics would help? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted July 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 1, 2016 I bought this kit some time ago, I've known a few that have used it and the results are great, still not got round to doing mine https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0078IHJ1K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_cglDxb7F02RGQ I was thinking of getting that but TBH all I need is the sandpaper. I have a rotary, small and large backing plate/pads, 3M tape and polish. That kit takes a big jump in the grade, P500, P800 and then P3000, plus 500 is quite abrasive. I was thinking of getting this pack of paper, which goes from 400 to 3000 and I'd have plenty left over - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sandpaper-Assortment-Automotive-Furniture-Finishing/dp/B01CDYSGKG Tony, they don't look any different to the photos on the Amazon link above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted August 8, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 After some reading I've decided to get this sandpaper, it's the same as what I linked above but you get an extra 2 sheets of each grade for £2 more. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01F6MDL7U I'll start with 1500, 2000 and finish with 3000, then polish and seal them. It's just finding the time now when the missus isn't using the car! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted October 10, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2016 Well now I've got the car back it's time to start those jobs that need doing, this being the first so I tackled it on Saturday. Took around 3 hours in total with removing the lights. There are still some fine scratches and swirls on them with the lights switched on but they are 100 times better than before. I'm really pleased with the results. Before After wet sanding (1000, 1500, 2000, 3000 grit) After polishing (Microfibre spot pad and Gtechniq P1 on a rotary) Before on the right, after on the left After, both sides done and protected with Optiseal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liner33 Posted October 10, 2016 Report Share Posted October 10, 2016 Done a good job there , its a very satisfying job Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted October 10, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2016 I rushed the photos of them back on the car so they don't do them justice but I am really pleased with them, definitely a worthwhile job and satisfying. The only downside is they show the rest of the car up now so I need to polish it asap! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adam_r Posted October 10, 2016 Report Share Posted October 10, 2016 Did you put a UV coat on them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted October 10, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2016 Did you put a UV coat on them? Yep I put some Optiseal on them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SHAHZ Posted October 11, 2016 Report Share Posted October 11, 2016 Nice work Rich, still ain't done mine ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickT Posted October 11, 2016 Report Share Posted October 11, 2016 That looks superb. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted October 11, 2016 Report Share Posted October 11, 2016 Looks new...... I watched this being done on Wheeler Dealers and thought it was a load of tosh but by the time they had finished they looked new like yours "as new!. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted October 11, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 11, 2016 Looks new...... I watched this being done on Wheeler Dealers and thought it was a load of tosh but by the time they had finished they looked new like yours "as new!. It's only UV damage to the outer plastic covering, which is why it's best to wet sand that layer off and polish them, it works a treat. I was a little nervous taking sandpaper to my headlights but it's fine. You do need patience though so if that's something you haven't got get someone else to do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted October 11, 2016 Report Share Posted October 11, 2016 Could the same be done to glass lights? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liner33 Posted October 11, 2016 Report Share Posted October 11, 2016 Could the same be done to glass lights? no but glass doesnt get affected by uv anyhow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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