TEN minute headlight cleaning* (pics)
TEN minute headlight cleaning* (pics)
Thought I would share this with you guys. I recently got an I30 and the headlights were hazy and really made the car look older. Having already done the headlight sanding technique on my '98 SE I thought I had a LOT of work in store. Not really. I read a few things online and (re-read) all of the how-to's on the .org and saw a few different mentions of using metal polish to fight oxidation on the headlight. I figured I would try a small test area today with a product called Brasso (I use this on my polished valve/timing chain covers and exhaust) and the area came out crystal. I used the same technique as on metal (work liberal amount onto lense and then with a different cloth polish/buff) and after that slapped a coat of wax on them to try and slow future oxidation. These came out BETTER than my sanded SE headlights which weren't as bad to start with! 
The one thing I will say is it does not remove the little nicks in the plastics from rocks and such that my sanding did. I will see in the next few days what the Brasso on the sanded headlights does if anything.
Hazy left, ewww.
Brasso'd and waxed.
The one thing I will say is it does not remove the little nicks in the plastics from rocks and such that my sanding did. I will see in the next few days what the Brasso on the sanded headlights does if anything.
Hazy left, ewww.
Brasso'd and waxed.
Last edited by Fr33way™; Mar 2, 2008 at 08:45 PM.
Wow, huge difference.. I guess I have a project to do this weekend!
I actually have a Max and an I30 right now but what I paid for both is less than most people around me spend on cars (or dumb leases). I also paid a bit less for the I30. I think they are one of the best cars for the money hands down. As far as "affording" just a job like everybody else LOL, I am a student as well so I really shift money around to what's important (basically tuition/cars/whatever is left for anything ha).
Nice job, they look great. As with any 'polish' type situation, the least abrasive product that produces the best results is always the best way to go.
I've had very good luck with my PC/UDM and different polishes. I've never had to resort to wet-sanding.
I've had very good luck with my PC/UDM and different polishes. I've never had to resort to wet-sanding.
sorry to get off topic but its not that hard to own 2 fourth gens, they dont cost that much anymore. Im a college student too and work part time and i can afford my baby (check sig). just gotta manage your money wisely (not that putting money into a car is wise, lol)
btw back on topic: the pictures arent working right now.
btw back on topic: the pictures arent working right now.
Last edited by black_maxed95; Mar 8, 2008 at 10:28 AM.
dude, unless a family member owns a dealership or you know someone, both your cars together would be around 11,to 12,000 depending on mileage. no frickin way a student can afford 2 cars, especially those cars w/o mommy and daddy helping you out. i worked 3 part time jobs when i was in school and i could'nt afford 1 car, let alone 2. and i can see the size of your garage in the background, no offense dude but you aint bs'in me into believing that story. 
I think you'll find in general, people will like you more if you don't complain and put down others in order to make yourself seem more special somehow.
Clean/wash then DRY, then apply your amount of Brasso and apply similar to a wax (spread and let it dry just a bit 2-3 mins at the max) and buff out. You want to use seperate rags or at least different sides so you are not just smearing it around but working it in and then buffing it out.
For small amounts that get on the paint/drip just dab to "dry it" and then buff it off the paint.
*EDIT* Are you doing this on GLASS or PLASTIC?
For small amounts that get on the paint/drip just dab to "dry it" and then buff it off the paint.
*EDIT* Are you doing this on GLASS or PLASTIC?
They work in different ways. The Plastic-x is more of a wax/compound for plastic while the Brasso really isn't meant for plastic but has some propeties that fight oxidation.
Newbie - Just Registered
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14
From: Calgary, AB
Do you guys generally remove the headlights to clean them? I was going to try the Plasti-X stuff but I'm scared to get it on the paint if I slip, and I would rather not have to re-align my headlights afterwards.
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 715
From: Carson, CA
Excellent tip! Thanks! I went out and did my headlamps and as dirty as my car is right now, it made it look like I had just washed it. Huge difference and I was able to do it so quickly that I went and did mom's SC-300 and pops' Grand Caravan, all in about 45 minutes or so. Just used a little bit of Brasso and some elbow grease and my car is looking brand new... Did such a good job on the oxidation that I can see the tiny cracks in the headlamps that I couldn't see before.
You guys are the best!
You guys are the best!
Excellent tip! Thanks! I went out and did my headlamps and as dirty as my car is right now, it made it look like I had just washed it. Huge difference and I was able to do it so quickly that I went and did mom's SC-300 and pops' Grand Caravan, all in about 45 minutes or so. Just used a little bit of Brasso and some elbow grease and my car is looking brand new... Did such a good job on the oxidation that I can see the tiny cracks in the headlamps that I couldn't see before.
You guys are the best!
You guys are the best!
Last edited by Fr33way™; Jun 5, 2008 at 01:20 PM.
Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 144
From: Vineland, NJ
That worked great!! I used it on my dads & wifes cars and they came out great! They were heavily oxidized so I have to give it another run through but it already looks 100% better! I'll just keep working on it!
