Driving after restoring headlights
#1
Driving after restoring headlights
Quick question, I just took my driver side headlight out and used one of those headlight restoration kits on it. On the directions it says the coating clears and dries within 24 hours. It doesn't say anything about not driving with them or exposing them to the elements or anything, just states the fact that it clears and dries within 24 hours.
So does this mean I shouldn't drive for a while? Or will I be OK to drive? I planned on going out tonight so obviously I'd like to use my car. I won't be going above 50 miles per hour, but my car probably will sit outside overnight. I do not believe that it is supposed to rain either. Thoughts, experiences with this, anyone?
So does this mean I shouldn't drive for a while? Or will I be OK to drive? I planned on going out tonight so obviously I'd like to use my car. I won't be going above 50 miles per hour, but my car probably will sit outside overnight. I do not believe that it is supposed to rain either. Thoughts, experiences with this, anyone?
#4
Oh I fully expect the yellowing to come back. Remember how I posted those pics in the Ghustle thread of how bad the light was and I suspected it was on the inside of the lens from painting the headlights? Well my suspicions were confirmed. They look better as far as yellowing, but they're still very cloudy looking, almost worse than before I think. I'm not happy with the result at all, but I'm not trying to make it worse either. I think I'm just gonna have to open them up and work from the inside.
#6
Nope, just did it on the outside. And yeah, the one thing I noticed taking a real good look at them is the problem is all along the top where at the edges where the sealant is and extends down to around halfway down the light. The bottom half of the lens was pretty much crystal clear, just like my passenger side light is.
#7
If the product works like I'm visualizing, I wouldn't drive until it's hard and cured. Otherwise if you slam into a bug or a pebble or something, will that mess up the new finish and sealant somehow, sort of like wet paint?
#8
I've restored many many headlights. I never use those "KITS". I prefer the tried and true method on sandpaper and buffing compound/buffing and polishing wheels, then finish off with a nice wax.
for very light hazing, I've successfully used metal polish on plastic headlights and finish off with a coat of wax. Works great too and much less work but not as smooth.
sounds like what the directions on the bottle are referring to is the wax that they used for the final step. I wouldn't worry enough to not drive the car for that reason alone.
for very light hazing, I've successfully used metal polish on plastic headlights and finish off with a coat of wax. Works great too and much less work but not as smooth.
sounds like what the directions on the bottle are referring to is the wax that they used for the final step. I wouldn't worry enough to not drive the car for that reason alone.
#9
Also, my headlights fogged almost the exact same way and they've never been opened. It makes sense when you think of the orientation, shape, and composition of the lens material.
#11
#12
Remember how I posted those pics in the Ghustle thread of how bad the light was and I suspected it was on the inside of the lens from painting the headlights? Well my suspicions were confirmed. They look better as far as yellowing, but they're still very cloudy looking, almost worse than before I think. I'm not happy with the result at all, but I'm not trying to make it worse either. I think I'm just gonna have to open them up and work from the inside.
#13
I've restored many many headlights. I never use those "KITS". I prefer the tried and true method on sandpaper and buffing compound/buffing and polishing wheels, then finish off with a nice wax.
for very light hazing, I've successfully used metal polish on plastic headlights and finish off with a coat of wax. Works great too and much less work but not as smooth.
sounds like what the directions on the bottle are referring to is the wax that they used for the final step. I wouldn't worry enough to not drive the car for that reason alone.
for very light hazing, I've successfully used metal polish on plastic headlights and finish off with a coat of wax. Works great too and much less work but not as smooth.
sounds like what the directions on the bottle are referring to is the wax that they used for the final step. I wouldn't worry enough to not drive the car for that reason alone.
left picture, before restoration.
After
Last edited by Genes1s; 09-10-2011 at 07:26 AM.
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