Newbie vs Headlights

J

JimO

New member
1. I was reading an old post about a guy who used EF Hi-Intensity on a hood and it left the area cloudy. I'm planning on using EF HI on my door jams and engine bay. Is EF HI safe for painted surfaces?



2. IS EF HI safe on interior parts like vinyl and plastic?



As you can tell, I plan on using EF HI in a lot of areas, not only the tires and wheels. I can't wait to work on the engine with EF HI also.
 
I have never had and bad effects on any of the surfaces you mentioned. Keep in mind, though, EFHI is a strong cleaner and use of the cleaner diluted a bit with water or applied with a wet sponge is wise. It will remove wax, so be sure to rewax.
 
You shouldn't have any problems on those areas. Make sure to follow Brad's suggestion. And don't let the cleaner sit on the surface of plastic too long. Laters
 
dilute, even then I would not use it on paint, you can't expect this stuff to clean off thick brake dust without also damaging paintwork. I think EF meant that it won't "immediately" damage paint, but in time and if left on at full strenght I'm sure it will.
 
You guys are right about using it on painted surfaces. What was I thinking? I forgot that I have a gallon on Meguiar's FI that I can use on the painted surfaces. I'll just use the EF HI on the tires/wheels, engine parts, and interior. And I'll dilute it probably 3:1 (water:EF HI). Thanks again.
 
no need to dilute when using on wheels (at least I have'nt) and have noticed no problems. I would dilute for use on other plastics, interiors, etc.
 
So, I drive a well-used 12 year old car. The headlights were faded and dingy, so I spent some time correcting them as best I could (based on the awesome advice found on these boards). If you guys can offer any suggestions, please let me know...the rest of the car is going through CC failure, and it pains me to see it become worse. At least the headlights look better.

Materials Used:
1000/1500/2000 Grit Sand Paper
M105
M205
PC 7424XP
LC CCS Orange Pad
LC CCS White Pad
LC Flat Gold Pad
BFWD
BF Midnight Sun

Process:
Tape around headlights, clean with a water/soap combination.
Wet sand with 1000, 1500, and 2000 grit sand paper.
Compound with PC, orange pad, and M105.
Polish with PC, white pad, and M205.
Seal with BFWD and LC flat gold pad.
Finish with a layer of BF Midnight Sun.

Passenger side before:
41217_655339118563_57212420_36389060_3369001_n.jpg


Passenger side after sanding:
46382_655415111273_57212420_36390074_61597_n.jpg


Passenger side final:
33927_666707890453_57212420_36640471_6418272_n.jpg

Here you can see a strange imperfection in the lights...it seems to be pitting, but the surface is smooth to the touch. It is very strange to see it at night when the headlights are turned on.

Driver side before:
41217_655339123553_57212420_36389061_7436267_n.jpg


Driver side after sanding:
46382_655415116263_57212420_36390075_2081118_n.jpg


Driver side final:
71639_666708010213_57212420_36640472_4900675_n.jpg

Again, the strange imperfection can be seen here, it is just not as prominent. On both lights, the surface is smooth to the touch.

Does anyone have any suggestions for fixing the weird spots on the lights, or are they perhaps on the inside of the light?
 
You might wanna try a lower grit paper on your first step. Hot Rod is the headlight expert. Hopefully he will chime in :!! Regardless. It looks 100% better already :partaaay2:
 
I have polished several headlights and they just seem to haze again within a year.

I found some cheap clone headlights on ebay for about $60 each (Chrysler wanted $200). They fit perfectly and seem to be equal or better in light but they did not have the left right adjustment.
 
Some of the hazing seems to be on the inside (at least mine are the same way you describe). Short of disassembly, don't fret over it as you now have safe headlights that you can easily compound as needed when they start to get hazy. Boy do I miss the good old glass headlights for this reason :Boxing:
 
Bunky said:
I have polished several headlights and they just seem to haze again within a year.

A member of a few other forums that goes by HotRod has found that by coating the headlights after polishing with a (Helsman Spar)urethane type coating mixed with mineral spirits keeps them from yellowing again. From his post it seems to quite sucessful. Some or his trials are approaching the two year period with great results.I have been wanting to give this process a try when the opportunity presents itself.
Click to expand...
 
Paul S said:
Bunky said:
I have polished several headlights and they just seem to haze again within a year.

A member of a few other forums that goes by HotRod has found that by coating the headlights after polishing with a (Helsman Spar)urethane type coating mixed with mineral spirits keeps them from yellowing again. From his post it seems to quite sucessful. Some or his trials are approaching the two year period with great results.I have been wanting to give this process a try when the opportunity presents itself.
Click to expand...

Yes, I have seen this thread. Unfortunately it looks like hot rod has no love for TID Boo Hoo

Oh well, can't win them all :driving:
Click to expand...
 
PAR Detailing said:
I want to see how long a headlight correction would last with Opti-Coat on them. Ill do the test on the next set I can.
Click to expand...


If anyone in the Central Florida area wants to test it out, my car can be the guinea pig. For now, the headlights are sealed with BFWD. The BFWD has held up remarkably well on the rims of the car, and the rims look fantastic months later.

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. Now to find more cars that needs the headlights fixed (and willing owners)!
 
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