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View Full Version : Headlight Restoration w/pics!

NSXR
12-22-2008, 03:31 PM
OK, everyone has their own way of restoring headlights to their brand new state or condition. I prefer it my way because it's proven to last longer than the off the counter stuff you would buy at your local auto parts store. I have done a few of some of you guys headlights on here and they seem to last and look great!

::DISCLAIMER:: I am not responsibly for any damages to your headlights, this guide is only here to help you. If done correctly you should not have any problems.

Here are the items you will need:

Sandpaper 1000,1500,2000 Some of you will notice that sometimes using anything smaller than 1000 grit will leave big scratches in your headlights causing you to do more work to smooth them out. But if your headlights are extremely hazy you might want to try a smaller grit.

High speed buffer shown in the pictures below is a Dewalt high speed buffer Part number DW849.

Wool Cutting pad

Soft Foam Pad

Heavy duty or Medium cutting compound

Swirl remover or Polish

Spray Bottle filled with Water

http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0336.jpg
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Here's what we are dealing with..
http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0315.jpg
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0323.jpg
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0324.jpg
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0325.jpg
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0326.jpg
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0327.jpg
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0328.jpg
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Now what you want to do is start wet sanding the headlights, don't be scared it will look worst before it gets better, After wet sanding you will probably get the same results but you will notice that it's a lot smoother.... like a baby's butt. You would want to start with a 1000 grit then move your way up.
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0316.jpg
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0314.jpg
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0332.jpg
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0331.jpg
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0330.jpg
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0329.jpg
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0334.jpg
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0335.jpg
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After you finish wet sanding to where your headlights are extremely smooth, Pick up the High speed buffer and attach the wool cutting pad to it. Now you want to grab that heavy Duty cutting compound and put some of it on the headlights. Before you start buffing....it's going to get real messy, so you would want to spread the compound around with a towel so it's evenly applied.

Now you can get your buff on. I have my settings set to 1800 rpm, it's plenty of speed to fix these headlights.

After this process you would notice that it's clear, your not done yet...
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0317.jpg
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0337.jpg
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0340.jpg
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Notice the differece between the two, good job!
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0318.jpg
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0319.jpg
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0320.jpg
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Next you take the cutting pad off the buffer and place a foam polishing pad on, This time your going to buff with the polishing compound. This process gives a very nice shine to them. I have my settings to 2200 rpm at this point.
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0321.jpg
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0322.jpg
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0341.jpg
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0343.jpg
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0344.jpg
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0345.jpg
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http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jvpham/DSC_0346.jpg
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To help maintain the headlights and keep them new, I recommend putting some wax on them now and again. Thanks all, hope this helps. Feel free to ask questions.
Chinky
12-22-2008, 04:57 PM
that shit is pussy, my before and afters were way better! shits an 08 civic! course they are gonna be fresh... got to be kidding me.

my shit had deep scratches and shit... way to buff bnib headlights :thumbsdown: lame!
EMPYRE
12-22-2008, 05:24 PM
lmao!!
GunnRulF
12-22-2008, 05:27 PM
there is like 5 threads on this... god damn
NSXR
12-22-2008, 05:36 PM
that shit is pussy, my before and afters were way better! shits an 08 civic! course they are gonna be fresh... got to be kidding me.

my shit had deep scratches and shit... way to buff bnib headlights :thumbsdown: lame!

fuk u asshole, its an 08 civic but they tend to haze like crazy, ask ur boi smoot. And If i recalled... i buff ur ctr lights bitch.
Chinky
12-22-2008, 05:45 PM
yea the 99-00 ones that b unit now proudly owns...

how you gonna hate on this
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h268/chinkyeyedemcee/DSC01359.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h268/chinkyeyedemcee/DSC01360.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h268/chinkyeyedemcee/DSCN1752.jpg

<--- the real headlight king
GunnRulF
12-22-2008, 05:48 PM
cant really say that i can hate on it... looks damn good
RAUL956
12-30-2008, 04:07 PM
nice step ....will try my later today....
JC<3Ek
12-30-2008, 07:11 PM
yea the 99-00 ones that b unit now proudly owns...

how you gonna hate on this
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h268/chinkyeyedemcee/DSC01359.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h268/chinkyeyedemcee/DSC01360.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h268/chinkyeyedemcee/DSCN1752.jpg

<--- the real headlight king

u did better job then micheal jordan shoot hoop
DJ Hookid
12-30-2008, 07:49 PM
Looks like my write up. Good pics though.
Jermo537
12-31-2008, 01:20 AM
yea the 99-00 ones that b unit now proudly owns...

how you gonna hate on this
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h268/chinkyeyedemcee/DSC01359.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h268/chinkyeyedemcee/DSC01360.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h268/chinkyeyedemcee/DSCN1752.jpg

<--- the real headlight king

wow u did the exact same thing he did...just a little more sanding...i bow to you headlight king :thumbsdown:
ReyEG2
12-31-2008, 12:51 PM
good write up yo. i keep mine clean by waxin them everyday
VTEC_DPN
01-01-2009, 11:12 AM
if you have water in your headlight is it pretty much f'd?
NSXR
01-01-2009, 04:24 PM
if you have water in your headlight is it pretty much f'd?

pretty much, i would try to use like a air gun hooked up to a compressor and try to get as much of it out as i can.
Chinky
01-02-2009, 01:23 AM
wow u did the exact same thing he did...just a little more sanding...i bow to you headlight king :thumbsdown:
:roll:

pretty much, i would try to use like a air gun hooked up to a compressor and try to get as much of it out as i can.
this is good advice also throw in a silica pad :thumbup:
DJ Hookid
01-02-2009, 06:23 PM
good write up yo. i keep mine clean by waxin them everyday

You must have alot of free time and add to the decay of society.


















































haha jk
NSXR
01-07-2009, 06:06 PM
^ coming from a guy with a donkey as a avatar....
NSXR
01-07-2009, 06:31 PM
^ it's pedo bear dumb fuck get it right!! GOSH!
Smoot
01-08-2009, 03:27 PM
^ coming from a guy with a donkey as a avatar....

^ it's pedo bear dumb fuck get it right!! GOSH!

are you talking to yourself?
NSXR
01-08-2009, 05:20 PM
are you talking to yourself?

lol wah happon?! i was talking to chase aka donki punch but i guess he got deleted and banned again LMAO!
Jermo537
01-10-2009, 01:02 AM
i heart pedo bear
AZ Auto Werks
01-11-2009, 01:44 PM
Here is some samples of what we do....

before
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c151/sycoticintensionz/001-15.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c151/sycoticintensionz/003-20.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c151/sycoticintensionz/004-20.jpg

after...
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c151/sycoticintensionz/020-8.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c151/sycoticintensionz/023-6.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c151/sycoticintensionz/025-7.jpg

and its only 20 bucks extra if your getting one of our details....
NSXR
01-12-2009, 02:22 PM
^ how about buffing that oxidation out of the roof and we'll talk ;)
aznkid4now
01-12-2009, 06:34 PM
^ if its heavily oxidized will it buff out? or will it need repainting?
AZ Auto Werks
01-13-2009, 02:49 AM
^ how about buffing that oxidation out of the roof and we'll talk ;)

You cant fix oxidation....
AZ Auto Werks
01-13-2009, 02:51 AM
^ if its heavily oxidized will it buff out? or will it need repainting?

It will not buff out if its oxidized that means the clearcoat is gone so there is nothing there to buff. The only thing i was trying to show with the pics is the headlight restoration that we do....
EMPYRE
01-14-2009, 10:50 AM
yea the 99-00 ones that b unit now proudly owns...



chinky <--- the Real headlight king



:snookems::grin:

lol just saw this...
RHD LOL
01-14-2009, 07:13 PM
i do believe I AM the king at these
comptonasskerry
01-15-2009, 07:11 PM
that shit is pussy, my before and afters were way better! shits an 08 civic! course they are gonna be fresh... got to be kidding me.

my shit had deep scratches and shit... way to buff bnib headlights :thumbsdown: lame!

r u fuckin joking me? its head lights. u followed a method that was put down way before u were even playin in ur daddys ball sack. grow the fuck up u didnt do anything cool. so wut if u had deep scratches. that just means that u had to sand more. the method did not chance between u 2. wow and ppl say im a dick. at least i talk shit about 1. things that matter 2.things that r funny as shit:hithead:
SlowEk
10-01-2009, 02:22 AM
How much would u charge to do my headlights? 98 civic
prelude202
03-19-2012, 03:08 PM
Here is some of my work.....

2007 Volvo S60
Before:
http://i40.tinypic.com/66c39h.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/otj01v.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/39c3t.jpg

After:
http://i41.tinypic.com/2hyh0us.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/ed10o.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/zjv0aw.jpg

BEFORE:

http://i41.tinypic.com/15hjq77.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/hsrlf4.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/65aag9.jpg

AFTER:

http://i42.tinypic.com/210atky.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/2ij25jo.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/5kps2r.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/35cpxzo.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/30d81tg.jpg
EM1LIFE
03-19-2012, 07:59 PM
B4
http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff493/em1life/3f6fdaa9.jpg
After
http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff493/em1life/8cb5d8a0.jpg
B4
http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff493/em1life/5d4cab22.jpg
After
http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff493/em1life/740cf46a.jpg
hobsjr626
03-19-2012, 08:11 PM
nice
dsack
03-21-2012, 01:32 AM
Nice work but thats a temp solution,Instead of cutting or polish, i reclear them three coats
Of urthane clear and a cut and buff
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa17/daniel_dsack/d236f250.jpg
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa17/daniel_dsack/e6b599fc.jpg
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa17/daniel_dsack/f939bf7e.jpg
prelude202
03-21-2012, 10:26 AM
Here is my process...
Headlight Restoration -- $60
-Sanding Process
-Buff
-Polish
-Sealant
-Wax

**1 YEAR WARRANTY**
Restore Pictures (http://www.arizonarsx.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8826)

I use Opti Coat 2.0 to seal them. I've been doing this for four years and never had a customer return with re-hazed lights or any issues. I park my car outside 24/7 and I did my lights 3 years ago and they still look better than new. Plus I guarantee my work with a 1 year warranty which NO one really does! Thats because I'm so confident in my work that I know it will last! I've done tons of lights from semi-bad to clear coat cracking and all my customers are amazed with the finished result and how they have lasted.
H22apower
03-21-2012, 12:39 PM
What if they are glass and the inside is nasty.
prelude202
03-21-2012, 12:47 PM
If the inside of lights are bad you can pull them apart and clean them up or just buy new ones. Depending on money and what you wanna do.
H22apower
03-21-2012, 12:52 PM
If the inside of lights are bad you can pull them apart and clean them up or just buy new ones. Depending on money and what you wanna do.

I would gladly buy a new pair but, nobody has 93 prelude headlights. I tried pulling one apart but it seems like the top edges of the headlight Chips off easily. Would like some Stanley ones with black housing.
prelude202
03-21-2012, 01:05 PM
I would gladly buy a new pair but, nobody has 93 prelude headlights. I tried pulling one apart but it seems like the top edges of the headlight Chips off easily. Would like some Stanley ones with black housing.

check junkyards...

http://www.picknpull.com/check_inventory.aspx?Address=85248&Lat=33.236291&Lng=-111.868783&Make=Honda&Model=Prelude&Distance=100

I used to have a prelude so i know there are alot of Prelude owners on here that will have these lights for you.
H22apower
03-21-2012, 09:26 PM
Nice! Thanks man.
prelude202
03-21-2012, 10:12 PM
Welcome!!