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Author Topic: Fixing Yellow Headlights And Scratches On Lenses  (Read 7216 times)

Offline demonic s12

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Fixing Yellow Headlights And Scratches On Lenses
« on: 12:44:23 AM / 13-Dec-09 »
to fix yellowed plastic headlights and scratched/weathered lenses.

i use and highly suggest 3m and meguires products

-materials

high speed buffer (1500-1800 rpm)
rubbing compound (liquid type, hard cutting)
high quality liquid wax
1200 and 2000 grit sandpaper (wet sanding type)
either water or better yet, mequires final inspection spray
masking tape

step one:

mask painted areas, or remove lens, whichever is easier

step two:

use water or meguires spray to lubricate surface, for more weathered lenses, use 1200, then follow up with 2000 grit sandpaper. use light to medium pressure, ensuring to get all surfaces sanded.

step three:

remove water/debris with lint free towel or chamois

step four:

set buffer to 1500-1800 rpm, use clean foam pad or buffing pad, apply a quarter size of both compond and wax in the center, then stream a line out from the center in a circular motion.

step five:

apply buffing pad to surface, try to get most of the polish and wax onto the lens before turning the buffer on, then proceed to buff the surface, using up and down, back and forth motions. you should see the compond/wax mixture begin to thin out and the lens should begin to shine greatly, be sure to avoid rubber and painted trim surfaces.

step six:

use a soft towel, or a microfiber cloth to remove residue, remove masking tape, the lens should be significantly cleaner and more transparent, if yellowing remains, repeat process until desired results are achieved.

enjoy!
« Last Edit: 01:10:25 AM / 13-Dec-09 by demonic s12 »

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Offline Arro

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Fixing Yellow Headlights And Scratches On Lenses
« Reply #1 on: 12:48:30 AM / 13-Dec-09 »
Can you provide suggested brands for materials? I figure you have lots of experience with different products and know what works better than others.
-Jason Arro


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Offline Xano

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Fixing Yellow Headlights And Scratches On Lenses
« Reply #2 on: 12:57:19 AM / 13-Dec-09 »
i have to say for the rubbing compound, I've used toothpaste before to fix minor cases of this same thing, but for more severe cases, this guide seems good.
~xano


Offline Arro

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Fixing Yellow Headlights And Scratches On Lenses
« Reply #3 on: 01:00:51 AM / 13-Dec-09 »
I think Andrew's listed process is a total-care and refresh, which is the better route to go. I personally would rather do it right once.
« Last Edit: 01:01:11 AM / 13-Dec-09 by Arro »
-Jason Arro


'85 Nissan 200SX (KA24DE)
formerly,
'85 Nissan Silvia RS-X - FJ20 w/ dual Weber carbs
'84 Nissan 200SX Turbo
'85 Nissan 200SX Turbo
Drive it like you stole it, and work on it like you married it - self quote
Quote from: ka-t.org
Hella flush and all associates should be gunned down for brainwashing people into thinking a 225 and lots of camber is proper wheel fitment. THAT IS EASY, anyone can camber a skinny as tire till it dosnt rub. Now fitting an 11 with a 315 on stock fender with reasonable camber, that is fitment. And looks, and performs better than both.
i dont own a s12 at the moment but trying to acquire one to get rid of my s13 hatch
Quote from: SHOUTBOX
[27:54] zastaba: I had a friend touch the contacts on his distributer once
[28:04] zastaba: He did the super jumping up and down pain dance

Offline demonic s12

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Fixing Yellow Headlights And Scratches On Lenses
« Reply #4 on: 01:10:41 AM / 13-Dec-09 »
edited
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Offline silvia love

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Fixing Yellow Headlights And Scratches On Lenses
« Reply #5 on: 02:46:31 AM / 13-Dec-09 »
ive done many headlights this same way. however i used 3m trizact compound. i have and will always stand by that stuff.
also a foam pad will cut and polish very nicely. a wool pad would work great too.

Offline nismologist

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Fixing Yellow Headlights And Scratches On Lenses
« Reply #6 on: 02:56:14 AM / 13-Dec-09 »
any before and after pics?

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Offline demonic s12

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Fixing Yellow Headlights And Scratches On Lenses
« Reply #7 on: 03:16:00 AM / 13-Dec-09 »
not the best pic, but this would be "after"


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Offline Xano

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Fixing Yellow Headlights And Scratches On Lenses
« Reply #8 on: 05:55:24 PM / 13-Dec-09 »
Quote from: Arro
I think Andrew's listed process is a total-care and refresh, which is the better route to go. I personally would rather do it right once.
Agreed arro, but part of the issue at least around here, is that in a single year, those composites get to looking like that.  The salt damages them EXTREMELY fast here.  So it'd be a bit of a bear to do the whole process.  

But as I said, his process is a good process, and it works well.  I've done the full process before, like he listed, and it turns out better than the toothpaste version, but the toothpaste one is quick and dirty and does the job in a pinch.
~xano