Most cost efficient and effective method for headlight restoration

**A.P.A.D.** · 01-07-2011, 08:49 PM

I have a corded Dewalt 7-Amp 2500rpm and a 18v dewalt cordless.

i see the kits like 3M and also other kits at the local stores(running over $20), but i want to be as productive, effective, and cost effective as possible(charging $50 a pair for restoration).

will the drills i have be effective as well? your thoughts please! thank you!

**C. Charles Hahn** · 01-07-2011, 11:35 PM

What polishers do you own? Personally I think you'd have lower consumables costs with a free-rotating spindle DA and either 3M or Meguiar's abrasives, along with a rotary (or your drill) with 4" spot buffs.

**LuxuryMobile** · 01-07-2011, 11:41 PM

Most cost effective...

4 inch pads on a da or rotary and any compound and/or polish you already have.

Wetsand if necessary.

**Kristopher1129** · 01-07-2011, 11:51 PM

I do restores all the time for $50 a pop. I use an air drill, 3" discs. I sand with 500, 800, wet sand with 1000, and 3000. Then, I compound and polish.

The 3m kits are a waste of money. If you already have a compressor...you could get what you need for around $150-$200. I just buy the best deals on the 3m hookit II discs on the internet. Get your air drill...your ready to rock.

Little tip too...look for those 3m kits on the internet, and some sites give you the 3m item numbers for everything. Makes your search easier. I've found that I have to buy from multiple sites to get all the grits I need.

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**A.P.A.D.** · 01-08-2011, 06:38 PM

thanks guys...i did fail to mention i have a DA PC 7424.

so its a toss up between using the DA with 4" pads with compound and polish or the drill with the 3" sanding discs right?

**LuxuryMobile** · 01-08-2011, 06:52 PM

Its nice to have the 3.5 inch backing plate and 4 inch pads for not just headlights but other tight areas too. So IMO they are better option.

**A.P.A.D.** · 01-08-2011, 07:04 PM

yeah, i got the 3.5 backing plate for when i do glass work with the DA. i just need to get the 4" pads

**g35_coupe** · 01-09-2011, 01:57 PM

I haven't tried a DA, but a cordless drill will suffice with orange/yellow pads.

**reggie1967** · 01-10-2011, 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by A.P.A.D.

I have a corded Dewalt 7-Amp 2500rpm and a 18v dewalt cordless.

i see the kits like 3M and also other kits at the local stores(running over $20), but i want to be as productive, effective, and cost effective as possible(charging $50 a pair for restoration).

will the drills i have be effective as well? your thoughts please! thank you!

that a good price to start i start at 60

**jkk7479** · 01-10-2011, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by blackz

Its nice to have the 3.5 inch backing plate and 4 inch pads for not just headlights but other tight areas too. So IMO they are better option.

I agree! I have the 4 inch pads for tight areas as well as for headlight restorations. I have yet to have to wetsand when using a yellow lake country pad and good old M105, followed up with M205 on an orange pad and then some plast x and then favorite sealant.