Restoring peeling headlight!

[Oupavoc]

Anyone know the best way in doing this, I've done it before by wet sanding. Just wondering if any Adam's product can help here. The process that I've used before on my older car was this.

 

 

Wet sand the headlight with 1,500 grit

• Sanding only with a side to side movement.
  
• Sprayed water as needed on the area while sanding.
  
• Stoped until the water run off is white or clear.
  
• Rinsed with water and wipe down the headlight lens.
  

 

Wet sand the headlight with 3,000 grit

• Sanded in any motion. (Circular is easiest)
  
• Sprayed water as needed on the area while sanding.
  
• Stoped until all side to side scratches are removed.
  
• Rinsed with water and wipe down the headlight lens.
  

 

Polish the lens to remove the 3,000 grit scratches

• Spreading a polish evenly over the entire lens.
  
• Using a MF towel to polish and buff out the lens with circular motions
  

 

Wash the headlight.

• Using Soap and water.
  
• Washing twiceto remove all traces of silicates.
  

 

Dry the headlight.

• Completely dry the headlight lens.
  
• Allow 10 minutes to let any moisture on the lens to evaporate.
  

 

Apply Sealant.

• Using a MF towel and rub in a circular motion.
  
• Making sure to cover the entire headlight lens area.
  

 

But like I said I'm wondering if I can use the focus pads, and some adam's product.

[Junkman2008]

I'd recommend you post up some pictures. It's VERY hard for a professional let alone a hobby detailer to suggest something without seeing the issue.

 

Chris

 

[Oupavoc]

Thanks mate will look into that

[Chewy]

sry didnt see your post, but what type of headlight protectors you talking about. I was thinking something like a clear 3M film?

 

Sorry... Spelled it wrong....

 

http://www.xpel.com/products/headlight.asp

 

I also found some for my G8 on Amazon that were considerably cheaper but probably not as thick as xpel.

 

Chris

[Oupavoc]

Fix it with SHR and FMP, and then look into the expel headlight protectors.

 

Chris

 

 

sry didnt see your post, but what type of headlight protectors you talking about. I was thinking something like a clear 3M film?

[Oupavoc]

Only your wallet can answer that question. I would probably fix it first and see how long it last. If I had to fix it once a month, I'd buy a new set.

 

 

Thanks A.J this is why I love this place, great product and great people. Your right ill fix it myself first and see how long it will last, before I order a new one. If I have to do it once or twice a year I can live with it as, the wallet will take a big hit for that headlight to be replaced. Will post pics after the work is done Thanks again.

[Chewy]

Fix it with SHR and FMP, and then look into the expel headlight protectors.

 

Chris

[Junkman2008]

Should I get the light replaced? or just sand it down and as long as I have adam's product and the spot pads i should be ok?

 

Only your wallet can answer that question. I would probably fix it first and see how long it last. If I had to fix it once a month, I'd buy a new set.

[Oupavoc]

Should I get the light replaced? or just sand it down and as long as I have adam's product and the spot pads i should be ok?

[Junkman2008]

Those will still polish out but the peeling you are looking at is the clear that was put on the lights from the factory. That will probably require sanding but the lights will haze up again faster now that the coating is gone.

[Oupavoc]

Ok here are some pics guys should have put some up from the start, I just didn't know if the camera was going to catch it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

So what do you guys think, I know that last picture is scrape marks but the rest is the peeling issue that I got. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Chewy]

I'd recommend you post up some pictures. It's VERY hard for a professional let alone a hobby detailer to suggest something without seeing the issue.

 

Chris

[Oupavoc]

I did a write-up almost a year ago on this topic.

 

http://www.adamsforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3141

 

 

Hey A.J, I saw that writeup and video, but the problem that I got is that the headlight aren't hazy. It's more flaky, it's not smooth. If I pass my nail over the headlight it catches. So what do you recommend, I have the focus pads but will they help in my situation. I also have the clear polish.

[EricJ]

I did a write-up almost a year ago on this topic.

 

http://www.adamsforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3141

I believe I'll give it a try someday. My Uncle's 90 some Ford van lights suck.

[Junkman2008]

I did a write-up almost a year ago on this topic.

 

http://www.adamsforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3141

[Oupavoc]

I'll have to remember that advice for when I can order someday. The Impala's lights are not hazed/yellow, but are scratched over alot of the surface thanks to Ohio winters.

 

 

yeah that how mine is, no haze or yellowing just flaky, guess its wet sanding time sigh

[EricJ]

I'll have to remember that advice for when I can order someday. The Impala's lights are not hazed/yellow, but are scratched over alot of the surface thanks to Ohio winters.

[Chris@Adams]

Even the headlight is flaky?

 

I would say if they are bad enough to flake, you will have to sand.

But if they are yellow and hazed up, the focal pads will correct them!

[Oupavoc]

Aden,

The 4" Focal pads with SHR & FMP will bring back headlights that are pretty bad. Without having to wet sand!

Chapter 9 - Headlamp Restoration Enjoy!!

 

 

 

Even the headlight is flaky?

[Chris@Adams]

Aden,

The 4" Focal pads with SHR & FMP will bring back headlights that are pretty bad. Without having to wet sand!

Chapter 9 - Headlamp Restoration Enjoy!!