Head Light - aka I just Did Something Breathtakingly Stupid!

[dcarver]

Glad I'm not the only Bozo on the forum!

Sorry, Twigg, but you deserve the Bozo comment..

 

[Twigg]

Glad I'm not the only Bozo on the forum!
Sorry, Twigg, but you deserve the Bozo comment..

... and then some!

 

[900gc]

The Novus products are excellent, and I've saved some pretty scratched up Acrylic windshields with some time, a lot of elbow grease and the three grades of Novus polish. Working for Memphis Shades at various Rally's has given me a fair bit of windshield restoration experience.
That said, what you have done is chemically etch the surface of the headlight lens. You will need to start with some wet/dry sandpaper, I'd start with #800, then go to #1200, followed by #2000. Do your wet sanding with a little soapy water for a lubricant, rinse frequently and change paper often.

By the time you have worked your way down to the #2000 wet/dry paper the lights will feel smooth but be hazy from the sandpaper scratches.

Then use the Power Ball and the Polish in whichever headlight kit you choose.

In lieu of a Headlight restoration kit you could use Novus 3 followed by Novus 2 and a Power Buffer once the sanding has been completed.

I've used https://www.autozone.com/wash-cleaners-and-exterior-care-products/headlight-lens-restorer/meguiar-s-headlight-restoration-kit/218632/?_requestid=4609632 with good success.

Plan on investin a couple of hours in sanding, and another 30 minutes in power buffing and final polishing.

What John said. The Power Ball (or cone) works really well (I've got hours of use on mine). As long as you clean them once in a while afterwards with a PLASTIC (ahem) cleaner/polish (Plexus, etc.), you'll be fine as far as any hazing returning. I'm a fan of the 3M stick on clear film as well.

 

[Scooper]

Quick thread drift then back on topic.

Good luck on the 48/10 and please post a ride report hen done.

 

[Twigg]

Quick thread drift then back on topic.Good luck on the 48/10 and please post a ride report hen done.

I'll post a tracking link before I go, and a Ride Report when I get home.

 

[Twigg]

I've seen the light!

 

[ionbeam]

I've seen the light!

Soap & water? Lead a better life through chemicals? Did you polish off that job? Why that buffed right out didn't it! Congratulations.

(So, who's l lounging in the chair while you work?)

Mebby I need to go find something useful to do with myself

 

[Twigg]

lol ... That would be Mrs Twigg

She keeps me on-task

I used the "Mothers" kit. It's not a perfect result, but it is very, very good. I could have spent longer on it and maybe it would be a better repair. I'm not worried.

 

[dcarver]

oooh, and I LOVE the Carver Tape! :wub:

 

[rogdeb]

Warpdrv said it in post #2

Toothpaste ---- has worked well for me on numerous clear plastic bits and pieces. And it's cheaper than the kits.

 

[graler]

Well I am hoping that the blue tape was a 3M product.

 

[Twigg]

Well I am hoping that the blue tape was a 3M product.

Guys I think you may be missing the point here but to satisfy all y'alls curiosity ... It is Blue Hawk painter's tape.

I do love 3M too

 

[HotRodZilla]

Well I am hoping that the blue tape was a 3M product.

Guys I think you may be missing the point here but to satisfy all y'alls curiosity ... It is Blue Hawk painter's tape.

I do love 3M too

Poor Graler. Way to hose a friend. That's why I only use 3M products...

Even if I'm not really using 3M products.

 

[Twigg]

Hey look what I found

Am I back in the good books? It is well-used!

 

[101stpathfinder]

I had some Headlight plastic re-storing made by TURTLE. I used it on my headlight covers and aux light covers.

It worked so well that I used it on two face shields that were headed for the trash!

It not only "buffs" out all blemishes, but it has a clear coating restorer that protects. (I am amazed)

 

[palerider]

I don't understand why you need to waste all this time and money. Just don't ride at night.

 

[Twigg]

I don't understand why you need to waste all this time and money. Just don't ride at night.

You can jest, but the reality is that I spent 35 years avoiding riding at night unless it was some kind of emergency.

So much so that it was a skill I had to learn from scratch when I found that I enjoyed LD Riding. You can read about the problems I had here:

https://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/03/15/956525/-1000-Miles-in-24-Hours-The-Report

 

[palerider]

Just read the piece in Daily Kos. Very funny.

 

[Warpdrv]

Warpdrv said it in post #2Toothpaste ---- has worked well for me on numerous clear plastic bits and pieces. And it's cheaper than the kits.

This does work really well, but the one thing is that with those kits, you get that buffing ball...

those buffing balls with toothpaste is a fantastic combo.....

Y'all know what else works really well.... cigarette ashes, its the dry grit.

 

[Lowcountry Joe]

You never said what kind of "solvent" you were using to clean the lens in the first place. What was it? Glad you got them back to nearly clear.