Auto Headlamp Brighten
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: General Correct Craft Discussion
Forum Name: Off Topic
Forum Discription: Anything non-Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33385
Printed Date: January-22-2025 at 1:58am
Topic: Auto Headlamp Brighten
Posted By: Air206
Subject: Auto Headlamp Brighten
Date Posted: April-20-2014 at 1:28am
|
Well, Our old Subaru's headlamps were really cloudy and scratched up. I have been toying with the idea of using one of the headlamp restoration kits - but I thought it would be involved and with limited results. The guy at our shop offered to do it for $50 ....(which is about 1/2 his shop rate).... so I figured he'd have one of his lackeys do it out back. So, I figured if it was idiot-proof, I would give it a try...... I have liked Meguiar's stuff in the past, so I picked up this: https://flic.kr/p/nd68gW" rel="nofollow">  ------------- https://tinyurl.com/y6t5e3bu" rel="nofollow - 04 Air206 http://tinyurl.com/9urzgls" rel="nofollow - 91 Barefoot 78 SkiTiq |
Replies:
Posted By: Air206
Date Posted: April-20-2014 at 1:31am
|
After masking the paint....this is what a headlamp looked like before ........ https://flic.kr/p/nf8wzr" rel="nofollow">  ------------- https://tinyurl.com/y6t5e3bu" rel="nofollow - 04 Air206 http://tinyurl.com/9urzgls" rel="nofollow - 91 Barefoot 78 SkiTiq |
Posted By: Air206
Date Posted: April-20-2014 at 1:37am
|
Using the supplied sanding block, and P1000 followed by P3000 wet sandpaper...... We have this: https://flic.kr/p/nd6821" rel="nofollow">  ------------- https://tinyurl.com/y6t5e3bu" rel="nofollow - 04 Air206 http://tinyurl.com/9urzgls" rel="nofollow - 91 Barefoot 78 SkiTiq |
Posted By: Air206
Date Posted: April-20-2014 at 1:39am
|
Using the supplied buffing pad and the plastic polish - the driver side looks like this: https://flic.kr/p/nfaQJs" rel="nofollow">  ------------- https://tinyurl.com/y6t5e3bu" rel="nofollow - 04 Air206 http://tinyurl.com/9urzgls" rel="nofollow - 91 Barefoot 78 SkiTiq |
Posted By: Air206
Date Posted: April-20-2014 at 1:43am
|
So, this is the result after the buff and final protectant application... Not bad for 30 minutes work (including the masking). If you are hesitant - don't be! It was a huge difference, was easy and I have enough to do several vehicles. https://flic.kr/p/nd689w" rel="nofollow">  ------------- https://tinyurl.com/y6t5e3bu" rel="nofollow - 04 Air206 http://tinyurl.com/9urzgls" rel="nofollow - 91 Barefoot 78 SkiTiq |
Posted By: davidg
Date Posted: April-20-2014 at 2:39am
|
Your headlights look like new. Nice job! My son's '96 Mustang's headlights looked horrible after ~17 years of UV exposure. So, instead of the polishing kit, I ended up buying new headlights from Rockauto.com last year. Going from memory, I think the headlight assemblies were about $20-$25/each. Nice clear headlight lenses makes all the difference in the world on a car's appearance. |
Posted By: TX Foilhead
Date Posted: April-20-2014 at 2:51am
| For the really cheap crowd, if you have wet sanded you're boat then you already have the supplies to do this. |
Posted By: Air206
Date Posted: April-20-2014 at 3:08am
|
Yeah Don, I figured it would get up my confidence for the gel wet sanding ahead! It sure did..............! ------------- https://tinyurl.com/y6t5e3bu" rel="nofollow - 04 Air206 http://tinyurl.com/9urzgls" rel="nofollow - 91 Barefoot 78 SkiTiq |
Posted By: Waterdog
Date Posted: April-20-2014 at 8:30am
|
Great job Steve. Looks new! ------------- - waterdog - http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=3896&sort=&pagenum=2&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - 78 Ski Tique |
Posted By: JPASS
Date Posted: April-20-2014 at 9:53am
|
Nice job Steve. I've used that kit before too with great results. ------------- '92 Correctcraft Ski Nautique |
Posted By: ny_nautique
Date Posted: April-20-2014 at 12:55pm
|
Steve you guys have some strange license plates in VA. Nice job though! ------------- - Jeff 1999 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: peter1234
Date Posted: April-20-2014 at 2:36pm
that plate should be reserved for a chevy ------------- former skylark owner now a formula but I cant let this place go |
ny_nautique wrote:Posted By: Orlando76
Date Posted: April-20-2014 at 2:49pm
| Looks good. I've been too afraid of some of those fancier kits. I've discovered Blue Magics headlamp polish. With minimal work, 5 minutes and just 2 rags I get equal before and after results. I sure do miss sealed beam headlights. |