Polished TSX Lights

BIOLINK

BIOLINK

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My nephew asked me to have a look at his Acura, he said his headlights were fading and was wondering if I might have something to polish with. I love to play with power tools, So I could not say no.

Here are a few before shots.

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My process:

I taped the lights and wetsanded with 2000 grit paper. I could have easily gotten away with a more aggressive paper but did not have it with me. After wetsanding, I used M105, 4" orange CCS pad on a PC. I followed this with PO85RD on a 4" white CCS on a PC. I then applied KLASSE AIO and KSGS to seal the light. I'm hoping the AIO and SG add some UV protection to the lenses. I told my nephew if the fading occurs again, we may need to spray the lenses with Clear coat.

Anyway here are a few of the afters.

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User Name said:
Wow Bio! Amazing job. They look new.
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Thanks UN. This was my first attempt at restoring headlights. I debated which polisher, pads, and polish to use. I opted for the safest combo using a PC. I have seen a few posts in various places on the web and kind of blended a few ideas I have picked up. I have seen people re-spray headlights after wetsanding and I think that that may be the best option considering hazy light tend to haze easier the second time. I can't wait to see how long this repair holds up in the brutal AZ sun.
 
Very nice work! I have a beater jetta w/ horrible headlight lenses come up soon. I'll be sure to reference your post when trying to clean them up.
 
Wow! That looks real good! Was there any clearcoat failure on the lens? The second pic looked like there might be some.
I just picked up a 97' TL and the top edges have some CC failure. I considered wetsanding also, but I chickened out. After looking at your pics, I'm definitely going to do it!:notworthy:
 
Termigator said:
... I considered wetsanding also, but I chickened out. :
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Haha.... funny you should say that!:scared: You have no idea how many times I've started to take the sandpaper to my son's Grand Am and thought... "Hmmm.... If I mess this up, I'll be buying him new lenses. Better not!"Stop:tongue:
 
Termigator said:
Wow! That looks real good! Was there any clearcoat failure on the lens? The second pic looked like there might be some.
I just picked up a 97' TL and the top edges have some CC failure. I considered wetsanding also, but I chickened out. After looking at your pics, I'm definitely going to do it!:notworthy:
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Yes, there is CC failure. So I'm thinking I'll be doing these again soon. The AIO and SG should buy me some time though.

Luster said:
Haha.... funny you should say that!:scared: You have no idea how many times I've started to take the sandpaper to my son's Grand Am and thought... "Hmmm.... If I mess this up, I'll be buying him new lenses. Better not!"Stop:tongue:
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My theory is "it's already screwed up, go for it!" This was my first attempt and I didn't goof it up. I actually could have sanded more. Just start with 2000 grit and see what you get. Polish that and if the defect doesn't come out switch to a more aggressive paper. I am actually thinking I am going to give the respray of CC a shot when these start to yellow again. I've seen a few posts and it doesn't look too tough.

I'm a bit nuts though, my first attempt at my Makita rotary was my own 2007 Jetta. She turned out great. Before I started, I read the equivalent of "Mobey Dick" of instructions. One of the tips I read for rotary usage suggested doing plastic with a PC because plastic doesn't dissipate heat as well. I followed that advice for on these lights and used a PC instead of my rotary.

Don't be shy, just don't burn the lens and I think anything you do with wetsanding will be removed with a good polish.

As far as the respray goes, I have seen instructions that indicate you go directly from wetsanding to respray without the polish. I'll do a test spot before I commit to that. If anyone here has done this, please chime in.
 
Luster said:
If you ask the next-door neighbor of any of us.....



LOL!!! :thumbup: :D :thumbup: :D :thumbup:
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LOL


My own family used to think I am nuts, but clearly they have embraced my obsession because they are coming to me for help. :D
 
Termigator said:
They'll always think you're nuts and talk about you behind your back until they need something from you.Stop
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Ditto here.

I'm nuts until they need tme to fix something and after I'm done fixing it, I'm nuts again.

This past weekend, I did a quick wash of my IS and finished it with some Meguiars Ultimate Quik Wax and my father came by, looked at me and was just shaking his head... "you're waxing again".
 
User Name said:
Ditto here.

I'm nuts until they need tme to fix something and after I'm done fixing it, I'm nuts again.

This past weekend, I did a quick wash of my IS and finished it with some Meguiars Ultimate Quik Wax and my father came by, looked at me and was just shaking his head... "you're waxing again".
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Sure, they think I'm nuts, but I also don't deny it!:cornut:
 
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