Mullet's Metro Project

[othergames]

I'm just curious what over-the-counter cleaning agent would mar GLASS.

[Johnny Mullet]

They are not glass, but Lexan plastic. Sanding off the dried and cracked clearcoat applied by the previous owner achieved nothing, so I decided to use some brake/parts cleaner on them to soften the clear coat and could see the stuff sorta melting off, but as soon as it evaporated, the entire lense turned white. That is why I am interested in the older style lights that have the classic headlamp bulbs in them. I may lose some MPG's in aerodynamics, but I have to be able to see.

Visibility is very important to me. In the winter months around here it's dark when going to work and dark coming home. I am driving a Metro and one deer that I was not able to see can kill me faster than an alcohol induced coma.

[othergames]

There's nothing more important on a car than:

1.) Brakes
2.) Steering
3.) Visibility

You, well ... die without them if you drive.

[dremd]

Originally Posted by Johnny Mullet

so I decided to use some brake/parts cleaner on them to soften the clear coat and could see the stuff sorta melting off, but as soon as it evaporated, the entire lense turned white.

I've done this before on a MKIV Supra, follow my directions, but maybe start at 600 grit and you will be golden.

[Formula413]

Originally Posted by dremd

Assuming you have polished headlights before (I'm thinking you have) just toss them.

If not then here it goes
1) sand with 1000 grit until everything looks the same
2) sand with 2000 grit until everything looks the same
3) Medium rubbing compound until everything looks the same
4) Fine rubbing compound untill everything looks the same
5) Plastic polish to a high gloss

It is actually a good bit of work; on a bad headlight it might take an hour each.

What do you use for plastic polish? Where can it be purchased?

[dremd]

Originally Posted by Formula413

What do you use for plastic polish? Where can it be purchased?

Here is the one that I have 3M 39010 Plastic Polish

I bought it from Oreilly Auto parts many years ago. I have probably polished at least 10 cars headlights by now and still have some (I don't know how much) left.

A buddy has a bottle of Mothers plastic polish Mothers Plastic Polish (8 oz.) in his garage; I have used it before it works about the same and is available from Walmart in the automotive cleaners and polishes area.

I have never used the Meguiars Clear Plastic Cleaner Polish But I assume it works fine as well ( I think Auto zone has this one)

The harder things to find is the 1000 and 2000 grit sandpaper.
If you go to a auto body store they will sell it in 1/2 sheets (mine does) for about $1.50 each (I don't get any discount). If you can find 3000 your job will be Much easier, but it is hard to locate.

edit: I THINK I have seen headlight restoration kits at Walmart; they have little pouches of everything, bits of sandpaper and are about $15

[Tango Charlie]

Try a Micro Mesh kit from Sporty's Pilot Shop. It's the "industry standard" in removing scratches/haze from plastic aircraft windshields. Take it from an old A&P mechanic.
Micro-mesh Scratch Remover Kit - Sporty's Pilot Shop

[metromizer]

ah... the old 'I accidentally got the brake Kleen on the Lexan' trick. I've seen that happen on racecar windows... most guys buy or build new windows at that point.

For guys who don't understand, this nasty cleaner stuff is like acetone, it melts the plastic surface completely opaque. You'd likely get more light through white spray paint

Johnny, your time is worth something, I'd ditch those things and choke it up to experience, find some replacements to work with and polish out. The lexan cover might come off the reflector housing with these little stainless clips, I'll have to look again. I bought mine at Pick-N-Pull for $30 each side, but I bet you could find a better deal if you shopped.

If not, my offer still stands on the early style ones I am removing

[RacerX]

Johnny, What's your vaccum @ 55 on a flat stretch road ?

[Johnny Mullet]

Vacuum can vary depending on load. On a smooth road, no wind I run anywhere between 10 and 13hg normally. At idle it's at 19hg.

BTW, RacerX has hooked me up with some headlight setups and should arrive soon, so all those others who offered, thanks! RacerX was a lot closer to my area.

I will be sure to post the conversion. I knew I needed those 2 stage lights in my bumper for some reason besides "coolness".