How should I clean these headlights?:)

[DwDrummer]

Have some family members visiting out of town and noticed the headlights were pretty cloudy so I offered to polish them out? Should I wetsand with 1000,1500,2000 grit then buff out with paint correcting polish/paint finishing? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

 

 

[DwDrummer]

Here's a picture of the headlight!

[Chewy]

Heck no! I'd hit that with correcting polish and an orange pad then finishing polish and the white pad, then top with your favorite LSP.

[hockeybawler]

That is how my grand prix's headlights were, personally I would sand them because that is what worked best for me but if you can get away with only polish than that would be best.  Good luck and post some results!

[ECaulk]

Try polish first. If that doesn't work try 2000 grit and then feel the lense, it should have a consistent feel, if not more sanding is needed. Follow sanding up with polishing and then apply a sealant

[Kingsford]

I always try to use the 4" Polishing Pads w/ SHR & FMP first but if that doesn't work I usually wet sand with 2000 Grit and then 3000 Grit, then go over it with the 4" Pads. Remember to Seal it when finished!

 

This was done on a 2001 Alero just last summer (12 years of contamination and neglect). I used 2000 Grit to 3000 Grit then SHR followed by FMP and finished up with Quick Sealant.

 

 

[Kingsford]

After commenting I seen the picture of your headlights you were trying to do... There is a problem with Grand Prix's headlights, they tend to get contaminated on the inside. I tried to do a friends last year and I sanded and sanded and sanded until it was smooth to the touch but after removing the headlight I noticed it was on the inside and nothing could be done.

[DwDrummer]

Thanks everybody looks like I probrably need to just wets and with 2000 to be safe. Shouldn't take no more than 15 minutes per side to sand. The top part that has a black tint to it I wonder if it's on the inside?

[Kingsford]

Thanks everybody looks like I probrably need to just wets and with 2000 to be safe. Shouldn't take no more than 15 minutes per side to sand. The top part that has a black tint to it I wonder if it's on the inside?

I believe the black is inside.

[The Guz]

Try a test spot first with a compound.  If that doesn't make a dent then go to wetsanding.  The headlights on an 04+ grand prix are known for hazing up like this.  For wetsanding I would probably go with 1000/1500, 3000, compound, polish, IPA and seal. 

[DwDrummer]

I believe the black is inside.

That's what I'm affraid of!

 

Try a test spot first with a compound.  If that doesn't make a dent then go to wetsanding.  The headlights on an 04+ grand prix are known for hazing up like this.  For wetsanding I would probably go with 1000/1500, 3000, compound, polish, IPA and seal.

 

Sounds like a plan! Can you get 3000 grit autozone?

[mc2hill]

Sounds like a plan! Can you get 3000 grit autozone?

 

2 years ago no, but my local ones have been carrying it lately.  You can also check for PBE (Paint, Body, & Equipment) stores in your area.

[Chewy]

I've been using this product and LOVE it! http://www.amazon.com/3M-03064-Trizact-Performance-Sandpaper/dp/B005RNGL9O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398437978&sr=8-1&keywords=3000+grit+wet+sandpaper

 

It's NOT paper!  It's a thin foam piece layered with the abrasive.  It holds water AND cuts well.  

[DwDrummer]

I live in a small town so we don't have any paint/body supply shops lol. That looks pretty neat chewy!

[The Guz]

That's what I'm affraid of!

 

 

Sounds like a plan! Can you get 3000 grit autozone?

 

Yeah that where I got mine when I was painting some parts.  The headlights are black inside. 

 

I've been using this product and LOVE it! http://www.amazon.com/3M-03064-Trizact-Performance-Sandpaper/dp/B005RNGL9O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398437978&sr=8-1&keywords=3000+grit+wet+sandpaper

 

It's NOT paper!  It's a thin foam piece layered with the abrasive.  It holds water AND cuts well.  

 

This is exactly what I got from autozone along with a variety pack of 3M sand paper with various grits.  It will be easier to get out 3000 grit over 2000 grit marks.  I also use 4" pads on my porter cable to compound and polish.

[Kingsford]

I've been using this product and LOVE it! http://www.amazon.com/3M-03064-Trizact-Performance-Sandpaper/dp/B005RNGL9O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398437978&sr=8-1&keywords=3000+grit+wet+sandpaper

 

It's NOT paper!  It's a thin foam piece layered with the abrasive.  It holds water AND cuts well.  

 

Going to have to try this. I see O'Riley's by me carries it. I used to have to order my stuff online.

[DwDrummer]

Got the light done tonight!

[DwDrummer]

They turned out nice. I sanded them with 600,1000, 2000, 3000. Compound, paint correcting polish, paint finishing polish, then sealed with liquid paint wax!;D

[Kingsford]

MUCH BETTER!!!!!