Headlight restoration?

[mrchip]

well..just my 2cents it looks like the h/doctor was just spraying automotive clearcoat..he didn't even scuff the surface or wet sand old film off...cannot believe that will last 5 yrs..my competition around here uses auto clearcoat in a can...and a guy from tennesee was at my lots passing thru the country using steel wool to scuff lights and foam brush with auto clearcoat in jar..wiping it on...

[mhughe29]

Yeah,

I searched high and low for the Headlight Doctor but only found what I posted. I do have his number and email though and have considered giving him a call just to see what I could find out. I like the idea of the 5 year warranty, if you can back it up.

I like many here have tried several different systems and methods and have currently settled with Dvelup. With that said it does not mean that I am not always looking for something better. While working one of my lots today I noticed a Clear Again guy doing some lights so I stopped and ask him about his process and system. He would not give much information except to say that they do not add a topcoat like Dvelup, Bright Solutions and many others. I forgot to ask about his warranty but his lights do look great when finished.

Supposedly they have a product that is applied in the final stage while buffing that reseals the light and protects if from future damage, but you have to be a licensee in order to purchase these products. If anyone knows their secret sauce share it with us.

[harrellbenjamin]

I use the Headlight Doctor System its a 3 part system I start with the #1 use a cordless drill and the 3m hook it system use 1200grit disc in most cases if the damage is really bad will start with 600grit then move to 1200grit I then by hand use the 2000grit and 3000grit that comes with the kit. takes about 10min to do the first step this way Then pour #2 on a paper towel and wipe them down Then using #3 and a foam brush apply to the surface the whole process takes about 15 min I get $45 set dealer $90 retail

If you are doing headlights properly that have more than very minor damage I doubt very seriously that a "quality " job can be done in 15 min.I use the same paper and grits with powered 3"sander and pro buffer to get the right results and I say no way...............................I have seen very few cases here in the South where 1200 grit would even touch the damage.If you use a high quality fill U/V coat the sealer will be absorbed by the lens and 2000 and 3000 is wasting your time.Final sand with 1500 and buff with good compound(all they are doing is repackaging off the shelf compound too)3m compound.Reclean and coat.No better job out there.

[CV Windshield Repair]

We charge $69.00 per lense retail and $35.00 per lense dealer. What we do is give the customer the option of having the lenses resealed. We explain to them that if the lenses are not resealed that they will fade again after awhile. If they decide to have them resealed then the cost to reseal is $20.00 extra per lense.

[zachb]

I just recently received a kit from dvelup and must say that I am really impressed with the results from my personal vehicle. Just wondering how long they will stay clear and if any of you offer a warranty for this service?

[Chips-B-Gone]

Chips B Gone: How can you say your results are just as good with Dvelup.
All the guy on youtube did is add to the problem by spraying over the top... He did not remove a thing... We remove the problem and recoat the lights.
Give your self more credit than that... Say you work looks way better than that.

I didn't mean to say my results are as good... Mine ARE BETTER!!! Also, if someone was to do HLR why pay a franchise fee if you do not have too.. Thats what I meant so say.

[Chips-B-Gone]

I just recently received a kit from dvelup and must say that I am really impressed with the results from my personal vehicle. Just wondering how long they will stay clear and if any of you offer a warranty for this service?

I give an unconditional 2 year warrantee and a 2 year prorated.. 4 years total. Clients are thrilled. If they replaced the lenses after 3-4 years they would probably do the lenses would fade again anyway so even if they had to pay a $20 proration in the 3rd or 4th year they will... I would. Easy math.. pay $20 or $300-900 and it only cost me maybe 5 buck and an hour of time. Win Win for everyone. Initially I charge $50 for retail and 35 for dealers, $40 for fleets. Dealers do not really bite. I need to find another way to present it to them. They are wanting to get the car in and out for almost nothing stuck in it.

[chips1144]

CV.

$69 and $89 per lens retail, that's terrific money, Good for you.

You are the first person I've heard of that sells headlight restoration as a two tier service, that's a smart idea, who wouldn't want to reseal them?

A few questions.

Do you charge Dealers $20 extra per lens to reseal or not, or is that included in your $35 dollar price, If you charge $55 wholesale what percentage go for the full deal repair and reseal?

Do many people complain at your prices?

Do you do many headlight jobs per week?

I have to ask what system are you using and do you guarantee your work?

Thanks Chips1144

[CV Windshield Repair]

I need to correct the pricing I posted earilier. We charge 59.00 retail and 35.00 dealer. These prices do not include sealing the lense. I believe if you give the customer the option of paying extra for resealing the lense they are more inclined to at least get their headlights cleaned. In just about every case they go ahead and pay the extra $20.00 to get their lenses resealed. We do not reseal the headlights on dealers vehicles because most dealers just want the headlights looking good because in most cases they do not keep the car for more than 60 days. If it does not sell they usually wholesale the vehicle. As far as the system we use we do not use any on the market per say, what we do is use an 3" orbital sander with low medium and high grit hook-it sanding discs. We re-seal the headlights with ppg Clear coat DCU 2082. We have been very pleased with the results of this product since it is very shiney when it dries and does not fade.

[mrchip]

Hi CV..just wanted to know if you have seen h/l that you have done retail after several months?...usually automotive clearcoat starts peeling after a few months..how long is your gaurentee for retail?