Opti™Lens Coating : Epic headlights makeover

[s1tl]

We have here with us a pair of severely oxidized headlights. It has been left outdoors for more than a year, exposing to rain, sun, and UV damages all year round. In result we have a fully hazed, blurry, rough surfaced headlights. The owner contacted us asking if we would be able to restore it. We took the headlights and started working on them for 2 days.
Here is severe condition of the headlight.

A closer look on the oxidation. Under certain angles it will show a fully yellowish headlight

Of course, we cleaned the headlight before we started the sanding process. For the sanding, we wanted to have a smooth finish and yet easy to remove the sanding marks. We started with 1800 grid and moved to 2000 grid then finally to 3000 grid. This process allows us to have a smoother finish but takes a very slow process.
Below is the headlight after completely removing all oxidation, so we tested by running the polisher over to see whats underneath.

To our surprise the headlight turned out very nice, As if it was new! All the pictures are not edited for lighting whatsoever.

Once there was a scuff here, but we were able to sand it down to a almost invincible finish, being a 1994 pair of headlights, there is bound to be some irreversible damages.

Only a small scuff and a small chip on both headlights.

After completing the sanding, polishing we wipedown the both headlights with alcohol and coated the both headlights with Opti™Lens Professional to keep the headlights as good as new.

We also inspected the headlights under the sun as if we were inspecting a car's paint to make sure there were no swirls on the plastic remain before we coated them.

On the third day, we did some water test on the lens and it turned out all nice and hydrophobic after the coating had fully cured.




Thanks for reading this short post.

 

[Supra_Fanatics]

Real superb job bro! Is like owner have bought new headlights! Save a lot than buying new headlights. :top:

 

[s1tl]

haha something like that bro. but new one sure feel better touch,psychologically hahaha

 

[Veloc]

Splendid job! And you even care to take a 50/50 shot. That's double the work! And you already manage to source Opti Lens!!!! Sifu

 

[s1tl]

Splendid job! And you even care to take a 50/50 shot. That's double the work! And you already manage to source Opti Lens!!!! Sifu

ok la not that bad la, small section resand only.I show what i can lo...

 

[bushidofang]

This is some awesome top-notch work right here!

 

[Veloc]

Lol since someone bumped up this old but epic post... Let me just say... Thanks for willing to do 50/50 for the sake of showing us how it's properly done. I myself am not willing to do 50/50 on headlamps as it is like double work.

 

[SevenDust]

It's been a while guys! Now that is a perfect example on how headlight restoration should be! Cheers!

 

[Supra_Fanatics]

What about headlights that have cracklines? (not exactly cracked, just when you turn on the light, u can see many fine cracklines)

I think those can't be save anymore right? Did ask around and usually many said because those cracklines are usually not on the surface. Is below the surface. To sand down also might have to sand real deep but then again.

Sanding it until too thin, they said it will break easily with any stones hitting it with enough impact.

 

[vr2turbo]

What about headlights that have cracklines? (not exactly cracked, just when you turn on the light, u can see many fine cracklines)

I think those can't be save anymore right? Did ask around and usually many said because those cracklines are usually not on the surface. Is below the surface. To sand down also might have to sand real deep but then again.

Sanding it until too thin, they said it will break easily with any stones hitting it with enough impact.

Have to check properly. If the crack lines are inside nothing can be done. Headlamp restoration are usually damage to the top surface. Like this one I did for a friend, the surface like melted



Tough time sanding it, even use 100 grit then 400, 800, 1000, 2000 then plastic polish with rotary
Before


After

 

[Supra_Fanatics]

Ya, then I guess after 10 years not yellowish like many others on the road, I think I have taken care of it quite well.
Time to change for a new pair then. Cost RM320. Kinda reasonable

 

[s1tl]

It's been a while guys! Now that is a perfect example on how headlight restoration should be! Cheers!

Thanks bruh

What about headlights that have cracklines? (not exactly cracked, just when you turn on the light, u can see many fine cracklines)

I think those can't be save anymore right? Did ask around and usually many said because those cracklines are usually not on the surface. Is below the surface. To sand down also might have to sand real deep but then again.

Sanding it until too thin, they said it will break easily with any stones hitting it with enough impact.

I'll say those fine crack lines are from the inside, due to its age and constant heat expansion, the plastic itself had already fail, what I could have done for the top surface was to sand and remove all oxidation, then finish it off by removing the sanding marks. So far, I had not heard about the too thin and easily cracked part. Im meerely sanding away the original coating and reapplying my own coat.

 

[Supra_Fanatics]

Thanks bruh

I'll say those fine crack lines are from the inside, due to its age and constant heat expansion, the plastic itself had already fail, what I could have done for the top surface was to sand and remove all oxidation, then finish it off by removing the sanding marks. So far, I had not heard about the too thin and easily cracked part. Im meerely sanding away the original coating and reapplying my own coat.

Thanks for the advice bro :top: