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Fixing an AE headlight mod gone bad...

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Old 12-28-2006, 02:20 PM
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Fixing an AE headlight mod gone bad...

I know this guy *coughMEcough* who attempted the AE headlight mod last weekend. The second (passenger) light turned out pretty nice. The first (drivers side) light was not as successful. The problem was when this guy coated the housing with the black gloss it went on heavy and created a dripping effect. Not being experienced with spray painting he figured he'd lay on a bit more so as to coat over the over coat. Well in the end it still looks good but if you get very close you can see the problem. Like I said the passenger side looks great. I, I mean he applied the paint carefully and over an hour and a half.

So on to the question: Can he remove the paint with some sort of paint remover and reapply cleanly? He still has some left over spray. I'm not looking forward to baking the housing again and re-taping but it might be worth it. Plus, since I know what I'm doing now it should be a lot easier.
Thanks in advance
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Old 12-28-2006, 02:43 PM
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IMO it would be a waste of time. I screwed up a little bit one one of mine too, but you can only tell if you know what you're looking for once the housing is all back together. They're made to make the car's appearance enhanced from a distance, not really critical from right up close.
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Old 12-28-2006, 03:31 PM
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Originally Posted by monty31
IMO it would be a waste of time. I screwed up a little bit one one of mine too, but you can only tell if you know what you're looking for once the housing is all back together. They're made to make the car's appearance enhanced from a distance, not really critical from right up close.
I would have to disagree with that. Quality modifications should look/perform flawlessly from either close or afar.

To the OP: sand the paint smooth and spray light coats with ample waiting time in between until you get the results you are satisfied with.
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Old 12-28-2006, 03:49 PM
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I would agree with you if it was something of greater value but maybe I am not understanding how bad it is. I would not be able to see paint drips through my housings unless I had my eye pressed against the housing. Even then, I would not be concerned enough to go through the PITA of putting it back in the oven, reopening it, sanding everything down, and starting over.

I have HID's on the way so I guess I just don't really care as much as I should.
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Old 12-28-2006, 04:11 PM
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Depends how much you care. If you want to go back and fix it, you can sand the bumps down and reapply the paint after it is smooth. If you do that, make sure the surface is clean. I like to use mineral sprites to clean surfaces I am going to paint.
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Old 12-28-2006, 04:56 PM
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Originally Posted by ChromeSE5
Depends how much you care. If you want to go back and fix it, you can sand the bumps down and reapply the paint after it is smooth. If you do that, make sure the surface is clean. I like to use mineral sprites to clean surfaces I am going to paint.


When painting, you have to take your time. Spray light coats, letting each dry thoroughly before applying the next.
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