Sanding for headlights

[timsatx]

Keep in mind that I am not a business, what I am asking is for me to just do my own vehicle. There is always a chance to do someone else's, like my daughters car, but that's about it.

I am making preparations to do my headlights. Generally I would like to let my DA do all the work, but I don't see how I can justify the cost. Looking up the cost for the 3" backing place, interface pad and sandpaper I came up with about $72. Then you still have to toss in the cost for the other material and it just gets really expensive for pretty much a one-off job.

So my question is, what would you recommend for doing the sanding? I am thinking I will have to do it by hand. If so, recommendations as to technique, maybe sanding pads and grits, etc.

[Setec Astronomy]

Sure you can do it by hand. How bad are the lights? Do you have a picture?

[Mike Phillips]

Now that we carry Mirka Abralon in 3" discs starting at #500 grit and going to #4000 grit this is what I show in my classes.

We have 3" and 6" hand backing pads to attach the 3" discs to so I guy can sand by hand or machine with both the 3" and the 6" discs.


If you want to do it for less money then get some wet/dry sandpaper, sand the headlights till all the yellowing and cloudiness is gone and then buff with a compound till clear.

If there is an OEM coating that is flaking off you must sand till all of the coating is removed then buff till the plastic is clear.

I show the Optimum Headlight Coating system for sealing the plastic but there's a million ways to skin this cat.

[Mike Phillips]

Not just for the thread starter but for anyone that reads this thread into the future, here's the links to the products on the AG Store...


Mirka Abralon 3" sanding discs


3" hand or finger backing pads


I also show these tools in my boat detailing book.

[apthai]

If you're not looking to spend too much I can send you some of the 3" sanding disc I have. I also believe I have a used 3" backing plate that you can have as well. What DA are you using?

3M 3" 500 grit
3M 3" 800 grit
Meguiar's 3" 1000 grit
Meguiar's 3" 3000 grit

PM me and I can send some your way.

[dcjredline]

Lets see a pic. You may not even need to sand them. DP headlight polish may just take care of them without all the extra work/$

[Setec Astronomy]

If you're not looking to spend too much I can send you some of the 3" sanding disc I have. I also believe I have a used 3" backing plate that you can have as well. What DA are you using?

3M 3" 500 grit
3M 3" 800 grit
Meguiar's 3" 1000 grit
Meguiar's 3" 3000 grit

PM me and I can send some your way.

Wow, what a great offer! Last headlights I did were 800/1000/3000 and then I finished with the Trizact 5000, and went right to polish. If the OP is going to work by hand with single sheets ( Meguiars Unigrit Sand Paper ) I'd probably suggest 1000/2000/3000, but that depends how bad they are, as dcjredline said, sometimes you can get the yellow out with just polishing.

[timsatx]

Still working on downloading pics to my gallery. Tried it twice so far and it says that it downloaded successfully but I don't see them. Even using this guide:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...o-gallery.html

[timsatx]

Ok, got it downloaded after resizing. Maybe that was the trick.

So, there is not a lot of yellowing but a lot of hazing. Never mind the paint, that will be next on the hit list.

[blkSRT]

Sounds like a kit would be easier for you. Dodge Nitro?

Meguiars Perfect Clarity Headlight Restoration Kit