Headlight restoration Question

[weavers]

A client dropped off a '99 Pontiac AM with really bad headlights. So I go in to wet sand with a sanding block with, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, 3,000. Then ultimate compound on a terry cloth, the plastic X on a fine polish wool with a corded drill. My DA is broken and waiting for UPS.

Question. there are these small cracks in the headlight lens. Can I remove these or are they to deep? I was thinking of trying 800, then 600, or maybe drop to 400 grit to try and get them out.

Any advice?

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o125/lainex9/cracks.jpg
The unhappiness
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o125/lainex9/P1014245.jpg
not quite perfect
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o125/lainex9/P1014247.jpg


Before picture:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o125/lainex9/P1014177.jpg
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o125/lainex9/P1014254.jpg

PS any advice on detailing a brown car? I was going to try XMT 360 on a orange/white LC pad, then top off with collinite 845. I might do a two step correction with oj ultimate compound and white m205. Maybe a 3m sealant and 845.

[loudog2]

Looks like a cross between stress cracks/webbing and etching. If it is stress related then it is most likely on the inside.

[scrubs147]

You can actually start by using a 180 grit or a 320. I don't wet sand because it is too messy, but I do take a paper towel and simply dampen it to wipe the dust odd in between grits. I also use a polisher "Griot's 3" Orbital" and then sand by hand when you get close to the edges.

You can finish with a 3200 grit and then some fine polishing compound, don't forget to seal it with a UV inhitor.

[slickooz]

What kind of sealer do you use on headlights with UV protection?

[rocketman7]

Hey guys,
a friend recently showed up with a product called Micro-mesh, and after working over a pair of headlamps I was AMAZED at the results. As a new forum member, and a beginner at this stuff I haven't read every thread or post here. Anyone have any experience using this product?
I'm wondering about it's possibilities as a scratch remover on glass as well, as scratches on side windows from felt pads/grit inside the doors on my model-specific forum are a common problem.

Here is a "Professional" kit sold by a pilot's specific vendor's website.
Micro-mesh Scratch Remover Kit (professional) - Sporty's Pilot Shop (http://sportys.com/pilotshop/product/12039)

Glenn

[scrubs147]

What kind of sealer do you use on headlights with UV protection?

I'm not sure I am allowed to say on this forum but we'll see. I have mentioned this product before on this forum and it somehow mysteriously disappeared.

DeltaKits has a great HLR system that you can offer to your customers with a 2 year guarantee. Just google DeltaKits.

[reggie1967]

I'm not sure I am allowed to say on this forum but we'll see. I have mentioned this product before on this forum and it somehow mysteriously disappeared.

DeltaKits has a great HLR system that you can offer to your customers with a 2 year guarantee. Just google DeltaKits. i would try a 320 dry sanding or400 3inch sander see that work

[weavers]

What kind of sealer do you use on headlights with UV protection?

I tend to just use Collinite 845. The collinite website, auto geek and various forums post all say this wax offers UV protection. I dunno if its UV-a, or UV-b, but I've restored headlights a year ago and been using this wax every 6months on the paint, plastic, glass, chrome, wheels, steel, ect and it works perfectly. not so good on rubber.

[slickooz]

Oh I didnt know you can put wax on headlights. Going try it on my dad beater see if there an improvement. Thanks.:props: