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Auto Headlamp Brighten

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Air206 View Drop Down
Grand Poobah
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Air206 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Auto Headlamp Brighten
    Posted: April-20-2014 at 1:28am
Well, Our old Subaru's headlamps were really cloudy and scratched up. I have been toying with the idea of using one of the headlamp restoration kits - but I thought it would be involved and with limited results.

The guy at our shop offered to do it for $50 ....(which is about 1/2 his shop rate).... so I figured he'd have one of his lackeys do it out back.

So, I figured if it was idiot-proof, I would give it a try......

I have liked Meguiar's stuff in the past, so I picked up this:

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Air206 View Drop Down
Grand Poobah
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Air206 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April-20-2014 at 1:31am
After masking the paint....this is what a headlamp looked like before ........

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Air206 View Drop Down
Grand Poobah
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Air206 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April-20-2014 at 1:37am
Using the supplied sanding block, and P1000 followed by P3000 wet sandpaper...... We have this:

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Grand Poobah
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Air206 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April-20-2014 at 1:39am
Using the supplied buffing pad and the plastic polish - the driver side looks like this:

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Grand Poobah
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Air206 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April-20-2014 at 1:43am
So, this is the result after the buff and final protectant application...
Not bad for 30 minutes work (including the masking).

If you are hesitant - don't be! It was a huge difference, was easy and I have enough to do several vehicles.

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davidg View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote davidg Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April-20-2014 at 2:39am
Your headlights look like new. Nice job!

My son's '96 Mustang's headlights looked horrible after ~17 years of UV exposure. So, instead of the polishing kit, I ended up buying new headlights from Rockauto.com last year. Going from memory, I think the headlight assemblies were about $20-$25/each. Nice clear headlight lenses makes all the difference in the world on a car's appearance.   
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote TX Foilhead Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April-20-2014 at 2:51am
For the really cheap crowd, if you have wet sanded you're boat then you already have the supplies to do this.
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Air206 View Drop Down
Grand Poobah
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Air206 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April-20-2014 at 3:08am
Yeah Don, I figured it would get up my confidence for the gel wet sanding ahead! It sure did..............!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Waterdog Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April-20-2014 at 8:30am
Great job Steve. Looks new!
- waterdog -

78 Ski Tique

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JPASS Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April-20-2014 at 9:53am
Nice job Steve. I've used that kit before too with great results.
'92 Correctcraft Ski Nautique
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ny_nautique View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ny_nautique Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April-20-2014 at 12:55pm
Steve you guys have some strange license plates in VA.

Nice job though!
- Jeff
1999 Ski Nautique
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peter1234 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote peter1234 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April-20-2014 at 2:36pm
Originally posted by ny_nautique ny_nautique wrote:

Steve you guys have some strange license plates in VA.

Nice job though!

that plate should be reserved for a chevy
former skylark owner now a formula but I cant let this place go
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Orlando76 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April-20-2014 at 2:49pm
Looks good. I've been too afraid of some of those fancier kits. I've discovered Blue Magics headlamp polish. With minimal work, 5 minutes and just 2 rags I get equal before and after results. I sure do miss sealed beam headlights.
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