Detailing Discuss how to make your car sparkly clean for car shows, local meets, or any other reason. What products do others use and how do we get them? Get your questions answered in here.

polishing headlight plastic

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 14, 2004 | 12:24 PM
  #1  
MAXTOUT's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 379
polishing headlight plastic

I noticed that my headlights are kinda beatup from road debris. Is there any way to get the plastic to look completely clear? Polish?

thanks
Old Oct 14, 2004 | 12:31 PM
  #2  
zoolyfe's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 190
i was wondering the same thing.
Old Oct 14, 2004 | 02:06 PM
  #3  
RichP23's Avatar
Donating Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 361
I tried this on mine once. Looked good but only lasts for about 1.5-2 months.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=6755

I'll may actually just do it again instead of getting new lights.
Old Oct 14, 2004 | 06:02 PM
  #4  
AscendantMax's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 12,619
From: Houston
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=322999

Lots of good info there!
Old Oct 19, 2004 | 10:14 AM
  #5  
housecor's Avatar
Supporting Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,489
From: Kansas City
If they're not too bad off, I use Plexus. Makes my headlights crystal clear. Pics on my site.
Old Oct 19, 2004 | 10:14 PM
  #6  
white95max's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 883
From: Stevens Point, WI
I'll say Plexus too. I've heard good things about it clearing haze and film off of headlight/taillight lenses.
Old Oct 22, 2004 | 06:55 AM
  #7  
max_speed97's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,095
has anyone tried this or heard anything...will it work well?
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/P...1/p-27/c-10101
Old Oct 22, 2004 | 08:42 AM
  #8  
aziphrale's Avatar
Donating Maxima.org Member
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 247
Is this good for cleaning the yellow in the lights as well? Do i have to open it up to clean it? I have Yellow in one of my lights. No water so i dont know what to clean the inside or the outside? Never had this problem before. Hope i dont sound like a noob.
Old Oct 22, 2004 | 09:09 AM
  #9  
max_speed97's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,095
Originally Posted by aziphrale
Is this good for cleaning the yellow in the lights as well? Do i have to open it up to clean it? I have Yellow in one of my lights. No water so i dont know what to clean the inside or the outside? Never had this problem before. Hope i dont sound like a noob.
I have similar thing happening...pretty much looks like the outside of my headlights are little yellow...so wondering if that novus product will work...
Old Oct 22, 2004 | 12:03 PM
  #10  
turbo_gg's Avatar
Supporting Maxima.org Member
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 426
Originally Posted by housecor
I use Plexus. Makes my headlights crystal clear.
Where can you get this stuff? Any auto parts store? I'd like to try it. LMK
Thanks.
Old Oct 22, 2004 | 12:14 PM
  #11  
max_speed97's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,095
i just saw Plexus at the site i have on my first post...
but does anyone know if this is sold at like Auto Zone, Pep Boys, or Auto Barn...etc...?
Old Oct 22, 2004 | 01:26 PM
  #12  
housecor's Avatar
Supporting Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,489
From: Kansas City
AFAIK, Plexus in only available mail order. www.autogeek.com
Old Oct 22, 2004 | 05:27 PM
  #13  
CanadianMoFo's Avatar
Supporting Maxima.org Member
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,336
Available at Canadian Tire, for us Canucks.
Old Nov 1, 2004 | 07:48 AM
  #14  
E55AMG2's Avatar
Wat
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,188
You can buy plaxus at most detail shops, otherwise try autopia.org
Old Nov 1, 2004 | 08:04 AM
  #15  
PrinzII's Avatar
OG and counting...
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 12,839
In a nutshell, Plexus is good for very light polishing. To get rid of the yellowing in plastic headlights, you will need something like Novus or Mother's Aluminum Polish.
Old Nov 1, 2004 | 10:11 AM
  #16  
white95max's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 883
From: Stevens Point, WI
Originally Posted by housecor
AFAIK, Plexus in only available mail order. www.autogeek.com
It's www.autogeek.net
Old Nov 1, 2004 | 11:15 AM
  #17  
E55AMG2's Avatar
Wat
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,188
Originally Posted by PrinzII
In a nutshell, Plexus is good for very light polishing. To get rid of the yellowing in plastic headlights, you will need something like Novus or Mother's Aluminum Polish.

actually, its considered a meduim polish. It will remove 90% of yellowing from most headlights. The best thing to do is use the plexus, THEN novus or mothers. Ive found that this combo makes headlights look like new.
Old Nov 1, 2004 | 12:16 PM
  #18  
max_man_94_01's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 43
A lot of Bike shops carry Plexus.
Old Nov 2, 2004 | 05:00 PM
  #19  
jimz02max's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 431
From: Lowell, MA.
You can get Plexus at, nissancarcare.com, along with other great detailing propducts and info.
Old Nov 2, 2004 | 05:42 PM
  #20  
S00NR1's Avatar
OU > *
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,836
From: Norman, OK
Has anybody tried the Meguiars PlastX? I like the fact that it is only 4.95 and is still a Meguiars labeled product.

http://autopia-carcare.com/meg-g-12310.html
Old Nov 8, 2004 | 12:17 PM
  #21  
98maximaSS's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 228
if you use rubbing compound it works great i used polishing compound but next time ill use rubbing compound it took away about 80% of the "fog" off of my friends 96 lincoln town car you couldnt even see the bulbs before and after the look damn near new
Old Nov 8, 2004 | 02:44 PM
  #22  
E55AMG2's Avatar
Wat
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,188
3m plastic polish, with a finishing polish of plexus yeilds the best results.
Old Nov 8, 2004 | 02:47 PM
  #23  
E55AMG2's Avatar
Wat
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,188
Originally Posted by aziphrale
Is this good for cleaning the yellow in the lights as well? Do i have to open it up to clean it? I have Yellow in one of my lights. No water so i dont know what to clean the inside or the outside? Never had this problem before. Hope i dont sound like a noob.
Plexus can get the yellow out.....
Old Nov 9, 2004 | 06:48 PM
  #24  
southeast_first's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 495
From: Orlando, FL
3m fine cut rubbing compound followed by meguiars scratch-x will do it, too.
Old Nov 9, 2004 | 08:34 PM
  #25  
Dave Holmes's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 865
I wet-sanded mine, then polished with Meg's #83, then #82 (by PC). Removed all scratches and yellowing. I used 1500 then 2000 grit wet paper before the polishes. Took about an hour per light. But it is definitely not for the faint-hearted, as the wet-sanding makes them look trashed until the sanding marks are polished out.

Dave
Old Nov 13, 2004 | 05:23 PM
  #26  
Max Mutes's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,224
From: Jersey City, NJ
I had the same question on how to clear up my Cefiros due to the yellowing effect. Well, thanks to you guys on here my problem has been solved. I ordered the bigger aerosol can of Plexus and WOW did my headlights and Foglight (Passenger is busted) come out Amazing!! I coated each twice and used alot of force and elbow grease and let me tell you, they look BRAND New. I was souped. I definately recommend getting this product. It's worth the $15, well $13 & change. Oh, and Autopia is Great. I ordered it on I believe Wednesday or Thrusday night and it got here today @ around 12 in the afternoon.
Old Nov 16, 2004 | 07:50 AM
  #27  
jklx86's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 185
i tried eagle one mag and aluminum polish from one of my friends, and it cleared up some of the chips from the road debris on my headlights
Old Nov 16, 2004 | 09:41 PM
  #28  
Dave Holmes's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 865
To add to my above post, wet sanding the headlights are for ones that are deeply scratched/pitted where polishing fails. I use Mothers Mag and Aluminum Polish as a general polish if they are only yellowed. It really removes the yellow and leaves them glistening, but doesn't remove scratches well. If there are minor scratches, I use Novus #2 or even Meg's #82 (Swirl Free Polish). For heavier scratches, Meg's #83 (DACP) or Novus #3 work extremely well. When using the polishes (except Mother's Mag), I use my PC with 4" spot pads (cutting or polishing, depending on abrasiveness needed). I also recommend using a good polymer sealant (like Meg's #20, NXT, or others) to prevent them from yellowing again. Also really helps to prevent bugs from pitting them. I don't use a carnauba based wax because of the possibility of heat (from lights) affecting its durability or making it turn yellow. This may be unfounded, but I just stick to polymers anyways.

Dave
Old Dec 1, 2004 | 09:07 PM
  #29  
gold4thgen's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 81
is the yellow inside or outside the head lights it looks likes its in?
Old Dec 1, 2004 | 11:03 PM
  #30  
E55AMG2's Avatar
Wat
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,188
outside, plexus or meguiars scratch X will help greatly
Old Dec 2, 2004 | 06:36 AM
  #31  
HomerMAC's Avatar
Donating i30 Owner
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,992
yea i wetsanded my lights ont eh i30 and there pretty as heck now....
Old Dec 3, 2004 | 01:39 PM
  #32  
E55AMG2's Avatar
Wat
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,188
I bet they are...I wish u snapped some before/afters
Old Dec 3, 2004 | 02:54 PM
  #33  
Maxima Mike
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
If you have that yellow gunk that makes your headlights look like poop/dimmed, I have used Turtlewax in the paste. The gunk came off, and my headlights looked really clean.
Old Dec 5, 2004 | 11:22 PM
  #34  
Max Mutes's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,224
From: Jersey City, NJ
I have some Before and After pics, but not from a Digi Cam so quality is not that good. However, you still could tell the difference. I just need a site to host my pics. I have a Car Domain Page, but it limits me to only like 10 pictures or something in the range, it's gay.
Old Dec 8, 2004 | 11:15 AM
  #35  
kingrukus's Avatar
no more maxima...
iTrader: (41)
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 4,294
From: Toronto, ON
I have an old spare headlight that I am going to try wetsanding as well. I Fail to see how any compound is going to remove actual pits in the plastic.
Old Dec 8, 2004 | 11:54 AM
  #36  
E55AMG2's Avatar
Wat
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,188
If you have glass headlights, then nothing will remove pitting. Plastic, however, will respond well to compounding.
Old Dec 8, 2004 | 12:27 PM
  #37  
Pimpmobile's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 584
Originally Posted by CanadianMoFo
Available at Canadian Tire, for us Canucks.
best store evar!
Old Dec 12, 2004 | 02:08 AM
  #38  
kflemings's Avatar
Newbie - Just Registered
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2
What is wet sanding

Guys,

I just brougt a 2000 Maxima about 6 months ago. Some one hit my car on Thanksgiving and carcked my driver side headlight. I just got the car out of the shop and know my light look terrible. At first I had the yellow hazing on both lights, but i didn't really kow how they were suppose to look originally, so it really didn't get my attention..Again, I didn't purchase the car new. Anyway the new light looks great and the old light looks horrible. It stands out like a sore thumb. I just ordered some Plexus from Ebay based upon what I have read on this msg board. I alo see Novus. Should I get both? And excuse my ignorance, but what is wetsanding. What do you need to perform this? Casn this procedure be performed at a detailing shop? And help would be greatly appreciated.

Kerry
Old Dec 12, 2004 | 06:16 AM
  #39  
NYC TAR's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 863
From: NYC, bayside
wet sanding is using 3m very fine sand paper ( forgot the number paper ###, may be 2000 grade paper? ) and using water with the sand paper to sand the plastic light housing. Then you follow up with 3m rubbing compund.
Old Dec 12, 2004 | 10:48 AM
  #40  
kflemings's Avatar
Newbie - Just Registered
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2
what type of rubbing compoud

Thanks for the advice..Can you give me brand names..I don't know anything about chemicals..Can I get this stuff from Autozone..

BTW thanks for the hepl already



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 03:49 AM.