Windshield Repair Forum

"There must be an easier way..."

You could read my last post?

I saw a detailer at a local carwash use a large polisher and compound. Then he applied turtle wax and buffed. He said he does this all the time for cloudy headlights. They look good but no cigar for clarity. If that method would get the top coat off, I could follow up with the pads and UV. I may do that on the impala next week. I will keep you posted if I do on the results. I've stayed away from the rotary drills due to feed back, stating its easier to burn a hole in the lens or worping the lens. I hvve a detail & tire shop thattries almost everything that comes on the market that is cheap. You would be amazed at the things they use on lights, WS and car bodies. It will be above 103 today with an increase in humidity. Its almost 5am and the temp is 72 dgs and clear skies.

Burn a hole? Warp it? What?

With respect - You shouldn't be around power tools if that's your concern.

I've done 100's and never ever burnt or warped a lens, or come anywhere close.

(I'm going to actually try to burn one of my test lights, just for a laugh - I bet I can't).

If you're using more than two 320 discs per lens with the orbital (never mind 180's!) -try the drill.

Low speed, with side handle attachment - with a 320, you will have the coating off in seconds.

Orbitals just glaze on hard coatings, it's obvious by the orbital action?!

I've actually melted a small spot on a practice lens with a buffing wheel and buffing compound. This was years ago when I was still in the R & D stage. Plastic melts if it gets hot enough.

candyman wrote: If that method would get the top coat off, I could follow up with the pads and UV.

You need some of Ray6's magic stripper. He claims it works a treat. Go to his web site it's $36 a bottle.

Pommy! Are you the one that uses the small red & black drill? I will check it out. I need to fine a 3" fitting to use the pads I have. I will check lowes this afternoon if I get a chance. I've seen that drill somewhere lately. The last time I looked, most of the stores here carried a 5" or larger. Its 105 degrees at 4pm with 77% humidity. I will get back to this later.

t4k wrote:I've actually melted a small spot on a practice lens with a buffing wheel and buffing compound. This was years ago when I was still in the R & D stage. Plastic melts if it gets hot enough.

Yep, it's easily done with a buff. Heat builds up real quick.

Not with a sanding disc and a drill through

$36 for a stripper hey...Nice.

Ohhhhhhhh STRIPPER...

@ candy - the black and red polisher is no good mate. Chews the batteries - two per headlight, if you're lucky. The lithium batteries are not as good as they claim and get worse with time.

The delta orbital works fine with most lenses, stick with it. But like any technician - you need a selection of tricks in your kit - the drill WILL save buying any tools and will only come out on the nasty lenses. Just make sure it has a side handle.

Have a great day!

Pommy

I own three drills including one with batteries and none has a handle. I will be near harbor Freight today and check to see what they have. Thanks pommy

A 2006 Cadillac CTS with some crusty headlights. The customer was quite pleased with the results.

I think they look better in the first pic?

Ha ha