headlight restoration tips and advice..

[all starr]

how do you power your buffer, and how many repairs can it do before you loose power?

Thanks

[vinyl-4ever]

I use a power inverter big enough to power the buffer, which you hook to the battery. I also have extension cords for when there is a power supply within 50 feet.

[all starr]

great, sounds like that would work well. i will look into this system more.

[GTECH]

Hi,
It is good to know that there are other tech's doing hl restoration.I use IPS and have modified my equipement. i have been doing hl restoration for over 3 years as an add on to my ws repair.to do a set of hl it takes about an hour. i have heard of other kits and have seen the end result,and there is no comparision.there is a 6 step process which includes the final polishing process,there is a learning curve, so many times tech's fail because they give up, whether it is hl restoration, ws repair, ws repair etc...and their expecation from the results is not there, or what they expected it to be.

[mrchip]

GTECH....how did you modify your equipment??

[toab]

I have figured out an economical way to do h.l. repair useing off the shelf stuff except for the elusive clear product to put on afterwards for longevity.Any aerisol clears I have tryed contain petroleum solvents which react negatively with the plastic.help me finish the puzzle guys and then I will share my thrifty system with you guys in completed form.I give big companies enough of my pie as it is .

[SGT]

Toab,

Work backwards to find your answer, start with the big companies products, find out what is in the product, I believe they have to provide that information but they do not have to provide ratio or formulation info and that is where it might make the difference, then find sources or alternatives for the ingredients. At that point you might find you have to buy a quanity far larger than you need, due to supplier minimums. I like your style though, hope you find what you need at a price that is economical. Let us know.

[Bois]

I've been using the Dvelup system since February and find it works good for the price. (http://www.dvelup.com 888-350-2932 Sunshine, FL). They will be at the Mobile Expo in January in Clearwater, FL. Headlight restoration is not their main business.

I do not use the sander except in extreme cases. I find it difficult to control and if not careful will damage the plastic if the paper tears. It's an orbital sander. Use light touch. I mostly use manual wet sanding (400 - 1000 grit) then polish with buffer (I carry 100' of cable) and apply their UV topcoat (wipe on). I'm getting very good results. I tell customers ahead of time that the lens will look "near new". I don't say "new" because they're not. I allow an hour per set because I never know the extent of damage. I charge $50 retail and $40 for dealers.

Dvelup's training DVD would not work on my computer or DVD player. No one knows why. So I had to learn by trial & error. Be careful of their "top coat". It will dry out in the can if not kept sealed tightly. So far, customers are well pleased with results.

Dale...

[GTECH]

How do you apply the top coat, and how long will it last.

[Bois]

GTECH, if your question is directed to me...
Dvelup has 2 liquid compounds that are mixed 50/50 and applied to the plastic using a good quality paper towel. I use blue paper towels that I find at Sam's Club, etc. It takes about 20 minutes for the coat to dry using sunlight. A hair dryer or turning on the high beams will speed up the process

Dale...