headlight restoration tips and advice..

[glassdoctor]

They aren't all $100, but some jobs could easily be that or more. Like the Grand Cherokee that gt referred to. They can look pretty ugly and a lot of people who drive them would have the $$ to pay... same with many other vehicles.

But then there are a ton of jobs that would be tough to sell for much over $50 if you can get that. It depends on the age of the car and $$ in their pocket, etc.

I don't see dealers paying much over $50 in most cases. Some I know won't do them at all unless they are one of those horrible scaly "concrete" type jobs...

[gt_repair]

Glassdoctor is right. I start with a base price and if they are not that bad I don't charge what I said to start with and the customer is tickeled to death.

I did A lexus today that was not that bad. The best part is, He is one that thought I charged to much before, saying that we could get them done in Tucson cheeper at there other dealership he works for. He told me he was watching them work and saw the finished product and was not pleased at all. Being this was his personal auto he said he was using me and he paid for it. We talked after I was done and I judged my work to his work as him being a mechanic and service director. I told him I could hire a back yard greese monkey for half what a real mechanic charges but I will only get half the work.. He got the picture.

On the original topic now:
I called Dvelup and talked to them today and I ordered there trial kit after talking for 45 min.s. They answed all the Q's I had with out sounding like they had know clue like the guys at Rightlook. I will be trying it on my wifes truck that I did last year with another system.. The Polyhog is on my truck and still looks 90% while my wifes looks like Sh#t. and they were done at the same time, just a diferant top coat, I have plexus on mine and the other company on hers. That was my test to compair back then. Now I will redo hers again.
Dvelup says they average 15 min.s from start to finish.... I will love that part. Mimi @ Dvelup was shocked also when I told her how long it takes for me to do a good job I am pleased with. That was another blast of salt to the wound I got yesterday.

I am now chompen at the bit for the Dvelup trial kit to arive....

later
Don D.

[harrellbenjamin]

"Anyway you cut I love those plastic lens...........and sooner or later they are going to need us....................."

Sorry, Confused on what you are saying on the last sentence..


Most of my work is retail from past customers, (no spiff to them) or refferred from sales dept. (no spiff) or service ( yes, Spiff) to keep them happy and in my back pocket..

I do dealer work also at a major discount also, but they only do the ones that are down right terible. and I do a faster job for them. I am not as picky on them but they look 95% to the rest and the dealers are pleased they do not have to replace the lights.

The dealers will pass on the milky lights and just run it through there detail shop inturnaly and clear laqer them down "as posted before..".


Don

Any way you cut it...........(translation:any way you look at the situation)
I love those plastic lens
Sooner or later they are going to need us(translation:all plastic lens over time will need a tech to repair them)$$$$
Hope this helps you understand what I was referring to.

[toab]

Gtrepair.. How much is the trial kit from dvelup and how many headlights can you do with it??Did they tell you ??

[Sneck]

I had no idea that so many techs were doing head-light restoration. I knew the service exists and that it would make a good add-on to windshield repair, but I have never seen it done. I have never been asked if I offer that service. I guess I just didn't even think that people would pay for head-light restoration. I thought most people would just replace the head-lights.

But obviously you techs are all working a market and making money with head-light restoration.

Is it just plastic head-lights you guys are talking about?

I'm intrigued... I guess I better research this a bit.

Any reason why I should not get into head-light restoration???

[mrchip]

sneck..where do you live???..when i was in jersey i did't see the need..wasn't very many that needed the service..when i moved south i saw tons of cars with hl that were in need of restoration..must be the uv is a lot stronger down here..any way a lot of work ..look up hl lens on internet and you will be surprised how expensive they are to replace i would say the average would be 150.00 each...1999/2000 jeep cherokee over 500.00 a set!!!..well this thread is loaded with info on subject:eusa_droo :eusa_droo

[gt_repair]

Toab
The trial kit cost about 40.00 and does 3 or 4 cars. the kit has just the basic's. It has the cd to show how to do it and the X solvent and sealer. I do not know the rest at this time. I can let you know when I get it or you can call and take to Mini. She is the one Italked to....
Sorry I can not be of more help at this time.

Don D.

[Sneck]

Thanks mrchip. I live in the pacific northwest. I'll be keeping my eyes open and be doing more research.

Its funny that since I don't do head light restoration, I didn't even bother reading any of the posts in this thread until last night. I noticed that this subject is up to 10 pages and figured I better check it out and see what all the hub-bub is about.

[wilz]

Gt repair, any web site address to dvelup?

[harrellbenjamin]

Dvelup sells their chemical refill kit for $115.00.Includes anti-yellow cleaner plus 2 chemicals they say you need to use as a pair for the clear coat /sealer.Email :msmith@dvelup.com or http://www.dvelup.com is their website.They say it costs about $2.00 a pair to use.Even at $3.00 a pair, if it works would be worth it and you could more than pass the cost on to the customer.