POLISHING HEADLIGHTS IS A SHAM/scam --- and why you should never only polish headlights
Вставка
- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- In this video you will be viewing a headlight that has been polished multiple times and learn why polishing headlights is a SHAM/SCAM and why it shouldn't be done,(it's not headlight restoration) and the huge differences between polishing headlights and headlight restoration.(2013 Toyota Tundra)
I've done "OVER A THOUSAND HEADLIGHTS" and growing, I have tried DOZENS of different ways and combinations of products, find out what I've discovered to be the best: products, techniques, and ideologies of headlight restoration and learn about headlights. check out my results and and see that I am correct.(ultra clear)
on tiktok
🌎THE HEADLIGHT RESTORATION PRO🌎 EMAIL: theheadlightrestorationpro@gmail.com
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⭐PRODUCTS AND TOOLS used in video ⭐
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Note: Although I am a headlight restoration expert
and do headlights for a living, I also provide other restoration and detailing services (outside of the vehicle) such as: scratch removal, paint chip fix, minor painting, black trim restoration, water spot removal on Glass and paint, paint correction, paint restoration, oxidation removal, polish buff and wax, ceramic coat, engine bay cleaning and detailing, and much more.etc.
certified professional.
here is a list of some of my favorite supplies & tools I use on a constant basis and have in my work vehicle at the moment..
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meguiar's ultimate compound-
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meguiar's Gold class carnauba spray wax-
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McGuire's liquid ceramic hybrid wax-
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Aleapow cordless car polisher.(big boy)
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As an industrial chemist who worled for Stanley making polycarbonate headlights and specializing in thr coatings to prevent degradation from UV, I can tell you most of the information in this video is complete nonsense.
Ought to use Glass instead of that Poly BS
But he said he was a pro. He is sanding a lot of the plastic off.
@@BillWilson-kd2jp A polishing romoves a thin layer of oxidation and rough plastic. The video maker is talking a lot of bullshit, that's for sure!
What do you advise then ? I'm curious. Everyone has its own way and I don't know what to believe anymore.
@@NoMoreBsPlease I kept thinking he didn't really know what polishing means, and perhaps got it mixed up with waxing or something. He was saying not to polish while he was polishing - wtf?
Of course you need to clean off any residue at the end. Probably glass cleaner, isopropyl alcohol, etc will work just fine. And something to coat it afterward to help protect against the UV that causes the problem at the end. I think I used something from 3M made for headlights last time I did it.
I used the Sylvania kit and it worked awesome and has stayed crystal clear for the last two years so far in Arizona weather.
Awesome...that's one of the best kits out...💯
same here. mine was two years old and just starting to fog again so I just reapplied and they look great.
@@jefftate01 generally that's how long headlight restoration last can last longer if you have aftercare or take care of your headlights in a good way.. having videos about that coming up..
The headlights of my vehicle were done over 3 years ago and look brand new...
Have a video about why do headlights go bad check that out and you'll see tips on how to keep them from going bad...
nice to hear. I used the Sylvania coating but did the rest with my own stuff.
Cost cutting by manufacturers is why we have to do this , bring back glass headlights and they will outlast the car.... 👍
Stay tuned got some interesting content coming out you would definitely be interested in... Thanks for watching.
ua-cam.com/video/LcMFr0mpp-4/v-deo.html
Yeah my 99 Subaru has glass headlights they still look new
ua-cam.com/video/LcMFr0mpp-4/v-deo.html
This is a great idea. Until you wreck and there’s glass everywhere
I followed your procedure to the letter today on a 2006 Pontiac Vibe. When I was finished I said wow these lights look brand new. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and posting this video.
That is awesome!...
Always let the abrasive do the work. If you have to use force, the abrasive is no longer sharp or of the wrong type... or you're trying to rush the job. I do this job with 3" and 5"pneumatic orbital sanders, and pads up to 15,000 grit made for plastic. I don't use a plastic polish but I do use a UV-protectant sealer, That's an absolute must!
Yes, the uv sealant or clear coat is the only way to make the finish last for a long time.
sometimes I have just used a foam pad and compound to shine them up, but they will always go dull after a couple of months.
Whatever UV coating they have used at the factory has gone. Sometime this os obvious, as you can see the film breaking up.
💯🤓
Impressive result from your effort. Nice to hear from someone who is takes pride in his work and is passionate about technique.
I've used the Glassy-lite kit to restore my headlights, but they don't make it anymore. That kit came with 2000 grit, and 3000 grit sand cloth, as well as a polish and sealer. You used the 2000 grit sand cloth first, along with a garden hose to constantly spray a light mist on the headlight as you were sanding it. You sanded it in a left to right pattern. Once the headlight was clear, you used the 3000 grit sand cloth and garden hose, and sanded in a top to bottom pattern, to sand out any scratches that the 2000 grit may have left behind. You then dried the headlight, then used the polish to polish it. Once the polish was dry, you wiped it off. You then applied the sealer, which came in a small bottle. The headlights look great when I was finished. Seeing how well the Meguires kit worked, I'll be using that next time.
Good luck 🤞🏽
This is pretty much how I used to do headlights. But I compound and polish after I wet sand. I like the Maguire's headlight protectant but I started using ceramic coating which I think I like a little better.
Since both of my vehicles have been brand spankin' new, a 2015 Kia K900 and a 2020 Telluride, all I have EVER done is spray them with Turtle Hybrid Solutions Ceramic when I'm doing the vehicle. The stuff sprays on with a very fine mist per panel (they even tell you to use it sparingly) and the wipe the panel down with a micofiber cloth. It dries practically immediately. The lights still look like the car just left the showroom, and the K900 is going on ten years soon! Perfect paint AND light lenses too!
ua-cam.com/video/kIur4XxYjDk/v-deo.htmlsi=WSEPaCf_xKl3CeeZ
Just did my headlights using Mothers mag & crome polish. Fantastic results! Even if I need to apply every 6 months, it was so easy!
Lol... good for you...I'm sure the results look amazing as a real headlight restoration..😁
I can only find mothers mag and aluminum polish. where did you get the mag and chrome? thanks
@davemoss7537 I have no idea what you're talking about who in the right mind would use a metal polish on plastic?
This is headlight polish designed for headlights... This ideology is the equivalence of using olive oil instead of motor oil in your vehicle makes no sense when there's thousands of options out there specifically designed by scientists for your vehicle....
I use headlight polish.....
Professional experience and common Sense the way they look like this....💯
Meaning the other headlights on this channel cuz they probably look like this because what happens is they get that gray fog after using this product too much that you speak of this is what the person of this video probably was having done his headlights before he ran into me (see the great tent that's permanent on these headlights). Check out my other videos 140 of them streaming well over 400 examples of finished product polishing headlights with something not meant for headlights will never ever look like this no matter what anybody says my proof is streaming for the world to see...
Who in the right mind would use a metal polish on plastic?
This is headlight polish designed for headlights... This ideology is the equivalence of using olive oil instead of motor oil in your vehicle makes no sense when there's thousands of options out there specifically designed by scientists for your vehicle....
I use headlight polish.....
@@theheadlightrestorationpro why did you post to patrickkerner :Lol... good for you...I'm sure the results look amazing as a real headlight restoration. I missed your sarcasm.Didb't know what LOL meant because of my age.
I did a quick de-yellowing on a 2003 Honda Accord and a 2000 Dodge cargo van with orange pumice hand cleaner and a thick wet buffer wheel on my drill. The yellow came off easily and stayed off enough to improve the lights when driving.
🥴👍🏽
I used baking soda/water mixture with a polisher and it held up for a couple years. It's not the best method, but it works. I also tried toothpaste and that works well too. I used Meguiars ultimate polish after from what i recall.
Amen. A lot of my customers are DIY'ers or have had their detailers polish out the lens.
Yes .it is problematic and just impacts the issue making it worse and come right back even quicker...
Thanks for watching..
I appreciate it..💯👍🏽
I just subscribed.... A fine job sir... I say this because this is the exact same way I have been doing headlights as a side hustle for over 10 years... I haven't done thousands, but I have done hundreds and hundreds.... I have been told that folks did their headlights with anything from wd40, toothpaste, bug spray (ugh) baking soda, etc.
The ONLY way to get this done right is to sand.... I start with 3m 500 and work up to 3000 grit. I'll usually start with 500,,, then 800... 1000... 3000 then buff....
Over the years I have tried different grits give or take and have had great results.... Cheers to you sir... I am looking forward to watching all videos...
I get discouraged trying to tell folks that this the best way to do this... Many have jumped on the bandwagon and are now giving the job away, thus lowering my price.
Costco, B.J's and the like are doing it also and causing more aggravation for me and others that spend quality time and passion to get these lights looking brand new.
I normally do not use a clearcoat due to masking and prepping as I do most of my jobs outdoors... I am hoping to find a perfect clearcoat to use... I will try to find and introduce your clearcoat method shortly... Thanks for one of the best videos I have ever seen on UA-cam... Oh, I will be ordering the yellow sanding block... Looks like a great tool to have in the arsenal....
This is a very old video I have over 100 streaming at this point.. check out the most recent one because even though this video is popular light would only become so good due to a lot of damage see the ones that don't have it ..
ua-cam.com/video/o622VZRW2cg/v-deo.htmlsi=8zWRi6weJHcsxIbC
You achieved acceptable results. You should have been a carnival barker selling cap snapplers or shamwow chamois. You wet sanded, polished , buffed and sealed…thats it. Yet your narration made it sound like you had discovered a portal into heaven. Nothing like hoisting your own petard. Been restoring classic autos since the early ‘70’s till retirement.
Awesome for you... yeah those old methods of doing things with vehicles are cool but we're a little bit more advanced nowadays.
. appreciate your time and watching stay tuned a lot more content coming up...
Nice job but you draw it out so long and make it sound like you are solving a quantum physics problem. It is just sanding up through the grits, polish and then UV seal. Overkill. I bought a simply kit and did this in less time than your video.
From what I have observed:
There’s a VAST difference when n opinion on what constitutes being “done” from one resto job to another
What’s the big hurry?
I spent 3 days JUST polishing my car prior to ceramic…. So you get out what you put in like everything
Stones used to get ejected from others tyres /tires in front of you then chip, crack, and break your glass headlamp lenses which were cheap yet far simpler in design than the complicated shapes of today. Glas smashes in accidents and cause further injuries, however technology might have changed that if they were still in use. Glass sealed beam unit headlamps were terrible as when burnt out your replaced the whole lens and if chipped or broken it was an expensive exchange for most people on a humble salary at £30 back in 1976!
Its not the same as a windscreen which is of course laminated and cannot be made of polycarbonate plastic due to wear and tear from wiper blades and small impacts from lightweight stones which bounce of a glass windsheild but would dent plastic leaving a mass of imperfection soon to look a distracting mess. Perhaps one day a blast of air added to airflow could negate the need for scratching wipersblades.
I sand thoroughly and spray urethane clear coat on them . clear coat has uv protection.
Awesome.. I got to be careful though.. yes most clear coats have a naturally inherited UV protection but it is limited and amounts.. that's one of the reasons why I like using products specifically designed for headlights cuz headlights need a tremendous amount of UV protection.. not just to go bad but to actually protect the headlights health, crazy spider cracking overheating all that stuff... But there's so many ways to do it as long as you follow the basic elements of true headlight restoration you should be fine...
Very educational video and top notch job!
I have a couple of questions though.
-Why do you polish the headlight first and then apply the clear coat (without cleaning the headlight with alcohol first, for example)?
-Why don't you apply the clear coat at an earlier sanding stage?
Thanks for your time and your help!
Basically that would be incorrect when you see a headlight that is done and the factory which will be in one of these videos that I will link you to.. the headlight is Crystal Clear smooth surface then clear coated because it is clear coated with a special UV clear coat that designed to adhere to Headlights like most if not all UV clear codes that are designed for headlights function...
People have been steered wrong because back in the day there was nothing else to use on a headlight except for clear coat or other clear substances that weren't technically made for headlights that were made to bond to other things like wood, metal and paint, not plastic polycarbonate surfaces... Some people still do it but this is incorrect and causes a lot of damage and problems with the headlight and problems with the functioning of the headlight far as the output of the actual light.. polishing the headlights makes the headlight work at peak performance factory spec or over.. when people are doing it the way you are thinking they're far below and they're losing in some cases 50 yards of light.....
Also you should never use alcohol on a headlight and do your best to stay away from ammonia which is why I use ammonia free glass cleaner...
You want to stay away from STRIPPERS.... A quick background headlights are actually made from oil....
And what does stripping with alcohol do? Removes oils...
When polishing like this you're not only leveling out the surface of the headlight which creates the clarity you're embedding The beneficial oils back into the headlight which provide Crystal Clear clarity and perfect functioning... If you keep watching this channel you'll start to realize that these other methods are full of shit I don't know what they're doing and they think just because of headlight is clear that it's good to go...
But check out these video for sure and you'll see a lot more in depth....
ua-cam.com/video/LC4ZBu02JZg/v-deo.htmlsi=16h_L6nrGwwiPja7
@@theheadlightrestorationpro thanks for getting into trouble answering my questions. I understand that the first sanding is very important, so how do I know that I have sanded far enough to remove previous coats and damaged material? Thanks again!
If you watch a couple of my videos you'll see how far you should go or how deep you need to go it's stated a couple different times and different videos first one that comes to mind is this one I believe..
ua-cam.com/video/9DfP_dqw1mU/v-deo.htmlsi=h1vuGAiJUV4UCb1R
Glass lenses with H4 LED bulbs here. The last reflectors rusted out before the lens needed work.
Glass lenses are extremely rare...
I used a Meguires kit I got from Wally World. On our 2014 Subaru and 1997 Saturn the lights had never been polished. Followed the instructions and all of them look like new. The sealant is the key and I have enough to do several more pair of lights
👍🏽
I just use meguiar's ultimate compound, then plastx both on a 3 inch foam pad. I see the oxidation is lifted by the compound on my pad then plastx finishes the surface.
Works well enough for me. I did not try to use sand paper because I do not want to remove too much.
You can't remove to much...
I like that you show the whole video. Do you recommend that spray you use “for headlights” better than ceramic coating? Or would you still recommend a ceramic coating at the end of it all?
i sanded mine, clear coated them . that was like 4- 5 years ago . still great.
That's how it works...👍🏼
This should not happen with the high cost of new vehicles. I have a 2018 Chrysler 300c Platnium and my neighbor has a 2019 BMW 5 series. My headlights look new, and his BMW has a hazed look to them, why? We both garage our cars and take care of them properly. I miss the days of glass headlights and with the many shatter-proof glass products on the market, the manufactuer's should be using them instead of crap plastics.
Yeah there's many reasons for this but primarily is probably habits and the fact that BMW Believe It or not makes inferior headlights.... They're far too hard with the far too hard coating... Check this out this will answer some of the questions and thoughts along this line..
ua-cam.com/video/LcMFr0mpp-4/v-deo.htmlsi=FgMIcBMCx1zz4VpM
I used the kit from Sylvania. No tools needed, and protective film provided. It takes about 30 minutes per light.
It's okay kit
I've found that different headlights have different results. On my ancient Mazda MX-3, Novus 2 plastic polish and not a lot of effort kept the headlights clear for about a year with no clearcoat. This didn't work on an older Toyota Matrix, or some other cars I worked with. If you're using something abrasive, polish or sandpaper, you're removing at least some of the yellowed plastic, and your results will depend on how deep the yellowing goes, and how the remaining plastic reacts to UV light. Some plastics will become quite brittle, and then you might need to replace the enclosure completely.
All headlights are not equal..💯
I've always waxed my headlights from the begining. 6yo forester with 110k still look like new. It replaced a 01 Lesaber with 250k that looked like new. Proper care prevents having to do it at all
Ahhhh yes....🤓ua-cam.com/video/kIur4XxYjDk/v-deo.htmlsi=jjo8BxBrG2qMtPLg
Quick question, shoudnt the headlight be taken off the car to prevent overspray when using the UV protectant spray? I see you did some taping but overspray goes everywhere as we all know.
Is it because it is safe to have that product overspray onto surrounding plastics? What about painted metal?
Asking because I'm gonna restore my headlights on an old DD beater and don't wanna remove em. The caring level is at 0 but I need to see where I am going 🤣 Winter driving in Canada.
You have a sub. Throw more shade onto all the 'Pros' that don't use UV protectant. Are headlights clearcoated with UV spray at the factory or is the platic UV resistant when new?
Unnecessary to remove the headlights especially with modern vehicles some vehicles can take an hour plus just to remove the headlights and an hour plus just to install them again and let alone the work... As far as overspray there's no overspray significant overspray I tape off an access of about a minimum of 3 in I usually do about 5 in away from the light the overspray of this tip on these cans of the Maguire's headlight spray coating are very fan directional which means at about 6 to 7 in away from the light when you're spraying the fan that contacts the headlight is about 2 in so I didn't give him point you can control how much overspray there is it's a very directional tip so overspray is usually a Max of 2 inches with mine it's usually about a half an inch or an inch but I tape off for 5 in to evade any overspray it's not existent in my day today applications.. and yes the headlights come factory-coated after it's injection and press molded they spray it down with a UV protectant.. they have to because they'll just go bad in a couple months without.. biggest side effect of polycarbonate one of the only.... Check this video out here and there's actually footage of headlights being put together at a factory...
Thank you for watching.ua-cam.com/video/tnCdU2j5Ja0/v-deo.html
I use body work supplies 600/1000 grit wet/dry then rubbing compounds and a buffer.. just like doing a car/truck
Check this out ua-cam.com/video/bCD4At1iFAg/v-deo.html
I remember in Jr. High school buffing out a plexi to clear with a brown paper bag.
I used Car polymer Nu Finish when vehicle was brand new .Now in 2022, 2004 Buick and 2012 Chevrolet still look brand new. For what it is worth. no problems with clear coat either.
Yeah not all headlights are created equal some of them have ability to last longer than others rare but can happen.
Not sure if it's evet mentioned, I use distilled water so as to not have any minerals to scratch. I also use distilled to restore actual glass.
Yeah I specifically tell people there's no need to use distilled water just because whatever's in regular water is going to be so insignificant you wouldn't even notice.. especially going on with heavy and fine sanding and polishing it's kind of like if you were to throw a dehydrated pee at a tank pulling four tanks....
In a bind while traveling at night, put some motor oil on a rag and give it a quick little buff (gas station squeegee wash before is recommended, allow to dry… takes a minute or two). Should last a week or so, but help you see more clearly at night. Nice band aid fix that is easy enough for our lazy society.
As for the video, sanding also removes the pitted areas that trap dirt and the small holes that refract and diffuse the light.
Hey you get it.. lot of people don't know that...
Yoo Pro I bn practicing your method and when I tell you it works man I am getting better and better, I will be getting better after I get all the tools and products you use
Hell yeah man... I'm really glad to hear that it is working for you..💪🏽
Keep up the good work...💯
Nice job! I tried the 3M light restoration kit on my girls Xterra and that's worked good so far. Been a lil over a year 🤞
Awesome 👍🏽😎
After I hit a kangaroo and broke mine, so I bought a brand new headlight, still with tags and plastic for 50 bucks on FB marketplace from some warehouse or panel beater that had one spare. They even couriered it to my door within a couple of days. It was easy to put on (I'm not even very mechanically proficient). Now that is cheaper than most headlight restoration kits. And it looks amazing. Now my other headlight is yellowed, I'm thinking I'll just replace it.
Obviously I'd keep the old one in case I need it later...
I've never heard of anyone offering a polish job on headlights and to offer the same customer to come back every 3 months is just insane. I could've understood if he went back to complain but going back 6 times to actually pay for another application is beyond me.
If you drill holes into the headlight casing so air can get inside and dissipate moisture the headlights would not fog over like this one in the video. It's because they are sealed, and moisture gets inside (condensation) the lens that causes them to screw up. Just a few small holes with a cordless drill and you should be okay.
I use cerium oxide which is a glass polish. It's used to remove scratches in cell phone screens. It works insanely good.
Interesting might have to check that out . put that one in my notes..🤓
Thanks you.
@The Headlight Restoration Pro I get the optical grade white powder on Amazon. I discovered it from a cell phone repair video and instantly thought of headlights and sure enough.
👍🏼
I used Rustoleum clear gloss for plastic 2 years ago and my lights are still crystal clear.
Good for you 👍🏽
@@theheadlightrestorationpro Thanks?
👍🏽
I've been doing the same process for quite a while, one of the most annoying headlights i've done were my brother's in law infinity G37
Yes difficult light.. makes it easier if you have a real good interface pad....
So you have good cushion for those rounded areas...
You are a legend in your own mind!!
My secret, I use CRC brakleen. Spray on to a cloth and a few minutes of light rubbing strip's the cloudy layer off of polycarbonate, I regularly do it on PC spotlight lenses. They come up crystal clear.
fun fact that tint color is normal for these headlights its intentional due to a recall in the early years of these tundras for headlights being too bright so toyota replaced the lights with tinted lensed ones there are many cars that have this tinted lense overheated lenses turn brown or get a gold tint from overheating the lense (been dealing with lights and repair of lights for over 25+ years
ua-cam.com/video/bCD4At1iFAg/v-deo.html
I use an old electric/battery toothbrush with toothpaste. Polish the headlights like you would your teeth. Turns out quite well and it's also minty fresh!
😂
Great video and thanks for sharing. I never bothered to go below 1200 grit. Work my way up to 3k then light polish and spray. Comes up nicely. I see all these videos where they use 5 different grits before polishing. I dont see the benefit.
Using grits too close to succession don't make sense you're absolutely right some people use seven or eight pads it's totally irrelevant and counterproductive.. using grits too close together is absolutely waste of time..💯
Thanks for watching any other videos up and putting more to come....
how do you know when you've reached the oxidation and not any previous compound/polishes?
You'll feel it, and you'll see it... It'll start feeling really smooth when it's spinning and you'll also see a change in the powder or dust it'll become really clean looking white like baby powder in the beginning it's ugly looking and feeling waxy.. also you'll start seeing a clarity appear in the headlight lens...
I tried sand paper once on headlights, scratched them like crazy! I didn’t do it right but now I’m trying to do this on a different car. I’m scared to even try with a drill like he’s doing! I don’t trust my lack of experience self for that!
You can try the same thing without a drill or power tools try to mimic the same steps as best as possible it will not come out as good as the lights on my 100 plus videos on this channel but you can get a really good likeness... Just got to remember to be gentle with your emotions and your pressure on the light.... In fact if you watch this video it'll definitely put you up on how to control your pressure and how much you should use to avoid scratching..ua-cam.com/video/C12RHABN0ZI/v-deo.htmlsi=l_dlMUr7wJxWj20L
I have what I believe is an acrylic or plexiglass windshield on my boat from the 1960's. Would this method work? Great Video
Not sure.. I would definitely try to polish it out first....
Thanks
@mr.robert2507 💯👍🏽
Very nice job. Thank you for the educational information. I will try this method for my RX350.
Be sure to check out a couple of videos before you get started there's over 130 videos streaming on this channel full length videos real videos..lol
And over 400 examples of finish work of this method if you include the portfolio videos..
Does she even a couple lexuses and possibly RX350 on one or two of these videos..
Thank you for watching .
PS this is an old video to check on something new stuff..
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ua-cam.com/video/jqsJjcsIEyg/v-deo.htmlsi=ejOnHh-Fqhrn1ywc
wet sand, buff, polish then 3m paint protection clear bra. It's been 2 years still look new.
Good for you
NEVER do this without the tape. I learned that the hard way.
Exactly.. I learned the hard way too....lol
I do a lot of scratchables around the headlights because people try to do the headlight restoration themselves with no tape or protection around the headlight... End up having to get headlight restoration and scratch remover what's the scratchable was more expensive than the headlight restoration..lol
Is the water you use to clean the lens tap water or distilled? I’d think distilled would be better. Thoughts? TIA
Tap.. makes no difference because the next couple steps eliminate any kind of water residue left behind.. I mean if you want to spend money on distilled water you could but you're not going to have any kind of noticeable difference...
The key to love, john mayall
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I use 400, 600. 1000 grit sandpaper. Then, I used a meguiars rubbing compound , then a meguiars polishing compound.and my headlights look brand new.
Need my FX35 headlights restored soon!
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Best results with your process and tools. Thanks
Awesome glad to hear this... Such a better method very universal for the everyday Joe or a professional to yield the highest level quality possible...💯💪🏽👍🏽
@theheadlightrestorationpro you got that right. It's a few extra steps than others but the multiple sanding, and polishes and the spray makes such a difference. Thanks again!
@davdgreat 💪🏽😎
It isn't oxidation. It is the effect of UV.
Do some research before commenting stuff that doesn't make sense please...
I try not to comment on things that I don't understand or know about..
I'll help you..
Google does sunlight cause oxidation...
You're welcome..👍🏽
@@theheadlightrestorationpro i do. Acrylic often has a sacrificial layer of UV protection. Aircraft canopies are often kept covered in hotter climates to shield them from UV.
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Good video but I wondered where do I get the attachment that you put in your drill ?
There's millions of options... check Amazon...
Aye, long time DIYer just randomly came across this video, thankfully I did because I need to hit some of my vehicles with light restoration and that's one subject I have done little research on, I'm a quick learner and in this one video I learned it All, you just gained a new subscriber bro and I don't subscribe often. I'll be back to get the list of items needed from Amazon haha 👨🏽🔧🧠💪 Thank you sir
Awesome thank you I appreciate it many more videos up and many more to come..
Also majority of the things that I use are listed in the bio full of stuff in there I'm glad you like the videos..💯🤓
Once again thank you for watching.
After watching several of DIY restoration videos, I happened on yours and am so glad I did! I bought the 3M kit and followed the steps you recommended. Everything worked out beautifully - on a 2002 Camry that had never had anything done to headlights except running it through a drive thru car wash. Oxidation for 20 yrs, but it’s gone now thanks to you. Question: I used the 3M clear coating sheets at the end. Should I follow that with Meguier’s UV sealant too? Thanks again!
Thanks for watching. I appreciate your support.. as far as the clear Sheetz normally the headlight restoration comes first and then that would go over from what I've seen..
@@theheadlightrestorationpro Yes! I did the restoration, and then used 3M clear coat sheets. Should I follow that with Meguier’s UV headlight protectant too? TYVM!
No you should never double coat...
Check this out...ua-cam.com/video/NgxNImOAoCY/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/x1gp9ATZTI8/v-deo.html
I use DEET 40% or higher bug repellent and 000 steel wool and that does a great job that lasts a long time.
Keeps the bugs away too...lol 🐝🐜🐜🐞🦋
@@theheadlightrestorationpro I forgot to check that, but I do know that my headlights are still nice and clear after over a year. 🙂
I tried 2x clear coat. Now I have to remove it and I should have just went to a different Walmart. But because the one I went too was out I bought the 2x clear from Rust-Oleum and used. Big mistake now I have to re-due the headlight lens's all over again.😠
Yeah it's totally different ball game those 2K clears really suck even if you do it right you're going to have a lot of drawbacks some you don't even know about..
The only step I do differently is I use a ceramic coat as my last step. Not a cheap one but you use so little per headlight one bottle lasts ages. Aside from the benefits of easy cleaning, you get a diamond hard finish that is UV stabilised. I can make up to $1000 a day just restoring headlights and word travels fast when you are good and do it right.
Hi, what do you think about the Maguire headlight restore kit?
A solid kit.. it's pretty good was definitely top 10 possibly top five... Very easy to use and one of them has the one of the best sealers around inside of it...(application method)
Stay tuned have some more reviews coming up..
Currently have two headlight restoration kit reviews on my page..
I just use a few drops of Meguiar's plastic polish on a cloth. 5 minutes and they look new and last for several months. This method seems like extreme overkill.
So, I saw an ad for an acetone fogger tool. I guess, if done correctly, it's supposed to melt the damaged surface and make it perfectly clear, all in one step. It looks like a scam to me. I'm wondering what your opinion on this might be. Of course, even if it does work, I'd be hesitant to buy a whole machine only to use it, maybe, a few times...
Interesting video. A lot to know about doing it correctly. My solution is to simply buy new light assemblies. They cost about $50 t0 $75 per light to buy. I am too lazy to "restore the lights "
ua-cam.com/video/LcMFr0mpp-4/v-deo.html
This reminds me of the Red Green Show.
👍🏽.. I get more views...🤣🤣🤣🤣
Great method 👍.
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Just use brass cleaning liquid.put it on and wait 5 min to dry then wipe it off.it takes off the yellow coating.
So,he says polishing is a shame yet mentions hes polishing and buffing????? Lmao
Great video, thanks for posting... You got a 👍 and a new subscriber. Do you mind me asking how much you charged to do those Tacoma headlights?
Thank you for watching... really appreciate it.. plenty of more videos up and plenty more to come..
I don't really discuss certain business issues and pricing is one of them....
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Being Plastic... There are V Limited number of Re-sandings that can be done..... before the plastic fails from being to Thin to continue.
i did polishing a few times in the past, but wasnt impressed. So i just do 2 or 3 stages of sanding ending around 3000grit. then 50/50 spar urethane and mineral spirits applied with a blue shop towel. the clarity is like glass. i touch up every 2 yrs. pretty quick process depending on how much oxidation needs to be removed. the urethane has a faint yellow hue, but it blocks the UVs decent.
Great Video!
Would this, or something similar to this work for restoring Faded, or Scratched ATV Plastics?
Possibly... This process closely relates to many different things..
OK. What does headlight coating spray "do", improve clarity or mostly protect UV rays? I did not apply coating when I did mine. Live in Arizona and sun trashes plastic. Also, no water during first two sandings? Thanku
Yes sir dry sanding is King...
Be sure to check out a couple more of my videos I have a hundred plus up...
And you'll see that dry sanding is by far the superior method...
Also the coating is shown on every video or most videos.. it is the McGuire's headlight coating...
It is also listed in the bio along with everything else that I use....
What about Plexes headlight spray as the final cover..... ?
Don't know anything about it..
Add baby powder to make the sandpaper "cut" better
Interesting....
That might have worked better with the old Johnson & Johnson baby powder with asbestos bits in it.
@pcno2832 really appreciate your comments but just to let you know there's over 140 videos on this channel you should watch a couple...👍🏽😁
Excellent work! How long do you expect this to last?
2-3 years with good care.
Wow, you are good. Nice work!
Thank you I appreciate it.. I also appreciate your viewing please stay tuned and check out a couple more of my videos got a lot of good stuff already up and a lot of good stuff already coming soon..
It’s fairly easy to take the light out.
What would you charge for an easy headlight like this? Even a range would be nice to know.
for video feedback. pull the camera back some, then you can crop/zoom when you edit it.
the microphone is way to close to your mouth which is why your P are popping. I'd suggest moving the mic to the corner of the mouth or get a "pop filter". it would really boost the audio quality of your videos!
It's a very complicated question
Lol
@@theheadlightrestorationpro It is not complicated. How much did it cost to do this headlight.
Don't spray wax at the car wash.
I never spray wax on my car, and my headlights never glaze over.
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2k clear works on everything. Its a urethane and is basically plastic. Have done it that way for years without one failure.
Thanks for watching..more videos to come..
I use this method and it works well!!! That said, I miss the days when they were made from glass and didn't require restoration... EVER!
ua-cam.com/video/LcMFr0mpp-4/v-deo.html
Check this out on that topic ☝️
Luckily the headlights in my 01 4Runner are glass. But I’ve had to do a couple restorations myself it’s a long process but if done correctly it can last a long time.
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Plastic is actually safer and allows for bigger headlight designs
Yes... Very much so
I used Colgate toothpaste and it was pretty amazing. The added benefit is that my lights won’t get any cavities
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How about implants ?
@-First-Last on a woman I don't mind...🤔
Polishing headlights is a scam. (Proceeds to polish headlights.) 🤔🧐😅
He is saying that it’s pointless to JUST polish alone without adding a final protectant
No different from polishing paint and then leaving it bare = pointless
You should work on your listening skills as this was stated in the video…
Imagine what other areas in life you may be leaving yourself open to misunderstanding because of a lack of listening
20 minute video for this is crazy
yup, blablabla...
Hey chat gpt, can you make this script as drawn out as possible
Ramble ramble
yap!yap!yap!yap!@
I skipped lots
I remember the time when headlights were made out of glass. 20 years later they still looked brand new, no work needed.
Great video, many helpful tips!
Thank you appreciate you watching..
You should check this video out it's along the lines of what you're speaking of I think you would enjoy it...ua-cam.com/video/LcMFr0mpp-4/v-deo.html
@@theheadlightrestorationpro Thanks, watching it right now!
Happy New Year and best wishes!
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My son's car glass ,look fantastic ,horrible little plastic things
The only issue we has was the reflectors rusting.
Only 2 things wrong with glass headlights;
1. You could buy aftermarket ones super cheap, and install them easily, completely leaving car dealers out of the transaction
2. They are beyond rugged and scratch-proof.
(Ditto for hood springs vs. pneumatic struts. Springs last forever, struts only last a few years.)
Depends; some aftermarket headlights for different makes are inferior to OEM ones when it comes to durability, and turn yellow faster than the OEM headlights.
You can have the old OEM headlights made in USA that lasts for decades, and then most of the cheap aftermarket ones are made in China fog up and fail to seal out moisture in a few years.
How the hell do you break a strut in only a few years?
Mine are 25 years old and only now are they starting to get weak.
@@1marcelfilms Never had one 'BREAk" but I have had them get weak enough that I built and carried a kickstand until I could get the time to replace them. Car was '87 beemer, back in year 2000. Hood springs work forever, survive until the car goes to the crusher. THAT is why they have been replaced with gas struts. Ditto for glass headlights that you could buy for around $6 apiece.
Although better than plastic, glass does scratch
This is pretty much the way I did my headlights, except I did one more step you missed. I did the 1500 grit before the final 3500 then buffed it. I also wet sanded every step by hand, except for the buffing process of course. Either way the point is if you're not getting past that top oxidation and down to the actual lens, then buffing alone is a waste of time... I learned this the hard way.
@@PatTheBat the P500 is aggressive if the lens really doesn't need it yes. When I did mine I started out with P800 but it needed it.
@@garyr7027 P800 is the roughest I would go.
@@PatTheBat what I kinda thought too. I actually started out with P1200 but the lenses were old and it wasn't doing the job like I wanted without taking too long. Didn't wanna spend an entire day on headlights... Lol
Really should watch a couple of my videos.. especially my portfolio reels 1 and 2.. my quality is definitely second to none.. for many reason dry sanding is one of them..
Thanks for watching
I buffed my headlights this summer but they seem to be just as yellow as they were before I did it. Some yellowness did come out but it looks like there's still some on the headlight. I used the turtle wax headlight restoration kit you can get for 8 dollars which came with two sand papers. I did it by hand and it's still not enough :(. It seems so simple to do yet I cannot get it right and it just frustrates me.
Another example of how older cars are better. Glass was the best product for headlights!
Ow really...ua-cam.com/video/LcMFr0mpp-4/v-deo.html
You're so good. It's so difficult to pay someone to do an honest job. I prefer to pay specialists but lately I feel like if I actually want it done right, teaching myself on YT and doing it myself is the only way.
A lot of cases it is like that.. it's hard to find good work nowadays if you find somebody you should definitely keep them.... Small individual people and large mass businesses are just trying to someone get over on people...
@@theheadlightrestorationpro I know and i'm not cheap I'm totally willing to pay for a good job, anyways thx 😊
@@Holabella 👍🏽
Except I would hire this man to “restore” my headlights!
@StonemanRocks 😱🤓👍🏽
having played this game, polishing does not last, it will be cloudy within a year, just buy new headlights, the problem is that they are made out of plastic and not of glass like back in the day, the headlights on my 1954 Chevy Truck are still clear, imagine that
The problem with glass lights is that the lenses break when a rock hits it. When theirs a hole in the lens then dirt and gunk gets in there and so have to replace anyways.
Sand, polish, ppf and ceramic coating is the way to go. Not polish only.
Plastics deteriorate because they lose oils. Plastics are petroleum products. Restore the oils and restore the product. Buff it out with Rain X-treme Clean and a paper towel, wipe off with plenty of water, then apply furniture oil like teak oil or boiled linseed oil. Bet after removing the haze and applying the oil you don't end up back here.
You're fucking welcome, motherfuckers
@@chrissemsch8781 What the fuck do you drive that you have a glass headlight
@@ragnaroksangel and how many weeks / months before you have to do it again?
@@Good-Enuff-Garage so far on my wife’s car, sons car and about 50 other customers cars I’m at 5 years.
I spent a lifetime in Automotive Collision Repair. When these Headlamp Assemblies arrived on the scene we knew this would happen. Nice looking job.
Yeah it sucks I'm thankful for it but it does suck that it needs to be done....
I worked for an OEM headlight manufacturer about 20 years ago. After we molded the PC clear lens we then sent it to a company that would coat the lens in a proprietary manner I think we called it "hard coat". Some lens had small runs on them when they came back to us. This coating blocked the UV and prevented the degradation you are dealing with. If you don't have some type of UV protection after your treatment it will, as you say, come back quicker and quicker.
🙏🏽💯yes.. thank you for watching .. really appreciate it..
2k clear
Yes! Thank you! Its amazing how many people fall for the restoration scam!
@StonemanRocks all the time..
they cover it with UV lacquer for.
.well..UV protection 🤣 It actually is a plymer that hardens with UV light. Used in UV printing used in many manufacturers for printing various stuff. Lige for instance printing texture on ceramic tiles on floors... Those are UV hardening paints, lacquers
If you use a headlight protection wax in the first place you can prevent the clouding . We went 13 years on my wife's last car and the headlights still looked like new. Her car was parked outside every week day.
You have to clear coat them no what ever you use or the clouding will come right back.
Please name the product you used.
Which one..?
@@yactabay He has listed them above.
@@theheadlightrestorationpro I use WOlfgang Plastik Sealant. I hear that Meguiar's 'Keep clear Headlight coating' is good as well.
@@yactabay The store brand that I used is no longer available, but I now use 'Wolfgang Plastik sealant' (Plastic with a K) I hear that Meguira's 'Keep clear headlight coating' is good as well.
it worked perfectly fine for my car (2008 acura). You just gotta make sure you do both inside and out.... The headlight looks brand new again. Been like this for over a year since I polished them. What scam?
Awesome