All I hear is run 2000 grit sandpaper with water running on the headlights to get them clean. Is this true? I just picked up like 10 pads from AutoZone today and I'm eager to tackle my lights while they're dismounted from my truck.

 

I used 2000 grit sandpaper on my taillights and third brake light, however I wasn't cleaning them. I sanded them in preparation for paint. After sanding them with the 2000 grit paper they were dull and it scuffed the clear coat.

I would not recommend "cleaning" them with 2000 grit sand paper. Sanding them will remove scratches but they will need to have a clear coat spayed on them.


The fourth picture down in this thread shows my taillights after wet sanding them.

 

Wet sand with 2000 grit then hit them up with Plast-X. Should do the trick.

 

I take the majority of scratches off with 1500(wet), then "buff" them with 2000(wet). Hit them with some rubbing compound (a couple minutes), Plastic X after that, and some #26 wax to seal them

 

ahhh, i just wanted them to be shiney. where do i get this rubbing compound and wtf is #26????

 

maybe ill just go with them for another week before i order my projectors

 

Any auto parts store should have rubbing compound and #26 is Meguiar's High Tech Yellow Wax.

 

Oh, sorry.:o #26 Maguires Wax, but any wax should do.

Rubbing compound can be found at Autozone, Advanced, etc. I just use the Turtle wax one. If you happen to live anywhere near Orlando (UCF) I'll let you use mine, since I have a crap load of it.

 

If you're going to try to wet sand them, be aware that you're going to need some patience and a lot of elbow grease (unless you have a high-speed or similar).

Obviously, when you're sanding the lense, you're adding a bajillion (highly technical/scientific term) micro scratches. To remove those scratches requires one to 'flatten' the plastic back out using a product like Plast-X or another similar plastic polish.

While it can be accomplished, don't let ANYONE tell you that it's a simplistic task! It takes time and a boatload of patience...

I will tell you though that, if done right, you can yield good results and avoid having to buy new lights...

For example... a recent detailing client of mine's Mustang headlights...

Both heads were like this:



After wet sanding (and I mean like an hour + per headlight) and then using the my rotary with a wool pad and Meguiar's Plast-X...





It can be done... it's a royal PITA!