Wetsand -> clear -> wetsand -> clear -> wetsand -> polish

That way you get some gloss in them so they don't look all opaque in the sun.

And yes, the black cherry red goes much better with the black paint.

 

I have 3 passenger tails. ...and only one driver.

The passenger tail that is currently on the truck is an aftermarket reprod light by Depo. It's got a lighter color too it, and I'm really picky about that, don't know why, but I am. So the extra tail light you see in the picture wis an original that will be going on the truck, and I will probably just either tint the reprod, or keep as a back up and get another one.

 

What grit would you recommend wetsanding with? I currently have some 1500, but I'm was going to use some 3000, so I would really be scuffing, more or less just "shaving" imperfections off.

 

I did 1000 and 1500 on my tail lights, then 105ed them to get the scratches out, but I used a G100 white pad. Since your are nice and smooth, you should be able to get pretty good results by hand, though I'd go up to 2000 grit. Depending how much orange peel you have, you may or may not need 1000 grit. Just make sure you spray enough clear on there to give you "room" to level it out.

Either way, after your last grit, hit it up with a rubbing compound. M105 and 3M RC are two that I've used with good results by hand, though I'm sure you could use others. From there, you basically treat them like you would your car paint (since they are cleared). If you have something less abrasive, like 205, use it. Then wax/seal.

Last step is to take pictures

 

I'm not really knowledgable on the detailing lingo/products. :o

what I was going to do was wet sand with some 1500-2000, then clear again, then depending on how smooth they are, either repeat of finish off with some NXT 2.0...

I don't really have access to the major detailing stuff. Unless I just drop them by a shop that does tinting and let them "finish up".

 

Really after you clear them you just need to wetsand around 1500 to 2000 grit and then use rubbing compound and something like nxt or plasticx to make the glossy and your good to go. ive been using a mothers powerball mini to polish mine when i did them

 

I don't have a drill. Not on my anyways.

I will pick up a tub of rubbing compound. I'm sure I can find a few more uses for it.

 

I wouldn't use PlasticX since the light is no longer plastic, but clear coat. Not sure what OTC product available at Walmart would be comparable to 205 as far as finishing goes. Then, once you done with that, you can wax the lights.

 

x2 they near more clear! Get 'em nice and glossy!

 

Ultimate compound would prolly be around 105 and 205

 

I just wet sanded again with 1500, and sprayed a nice, thick, slow coat of clear on them. They should be like glass after this!

I will look into it. Hoping to get the actual tails done over Spring Break next week. Truck will be out of commission while intake gaskets and isolator bolts get replaced. So perfect opportunity depending on weather.

 

wetsand with 2000 grit and apply another layer of clear if needed....let dry overnight is best

then wetsand with 2000 again....then use 3M rubbing compound followed by Plast X and your favorite wax

 

*Update*

Well I got the 3rd brake light installed today. And also got the test tail light put on to see how my tails will look once finished. Pics below.....

Before:


After:


Before:


After:

 

very nice derek

 

hell yea dude that looks good!