Headlights cleaned - before/after pics !!! :)

[97tbird]

OK, This is using the Crystal View headlight cleaning kit from wally world.
I only did one headlight on my Tbird today (it got too dark and cloudy to do the 2nd one; I did it all a bit fast; i'm sure the 2nd headlight will turn our even better than this one).

so here are the pics:

BEFORE:

AFTER 26 Min. (1st coating of sealant)

AFTER 2nd Coating of sealant after about 10 mins again)
weather was getting dark/cloudy by this time; hence the darker pic, but it actually looked even better than after the 1st sealant coating):

One can see the difference between the cleaned/uncleaned here:
(Headlights are not on in this pic)

I still did not put any Klasse AIO on it; I guess I'll do it tomorrow. (too dark/looks rainy now).
I guess I'm pretty happy;
Next up is the right headlight, and then onto my wife's Elantra;
Like I said, the worsening weather made me work fast, the next lights may be even better improved.

Comments/feedback appreciated.
oh and btw, for $20.00 I recommend it. !!!

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

I don't know what kind of sealant was in the kit but if they meant for it to stay then don't put AIO over it. It will strip it off. Better off using a long lasting pure wax or sealant.

Looks good btw.

 

[Quattro Pete]

That looks excellent. I'm gonna have to give a try, too.

 

[97tbird]

Thanks
I will post some more pics when I get the Elantra's done, too.

 

[daman]

by hand or buffer? any links to this stuff??

 

[97tbird]

all done by hand in about 30 min (per light)

Link:
http://www.myheadlight.com/

 

[daman]

thanks have to check it out,is a protectant provided in the kit
to apply after your done?

 

[97tbird]

No.
I was advised not to put Klasse (my original thought) as it might strip the sealant that was applied..., and that a pure wax would be better...
(see 2nd post from asiancivicmaniac in this thread)

so is it better to apply a straight wax to protect? I'm nervous about all this as I don't wanna ruin what I achieved!

...or should I just leave it alone?

 

[daman]

If nothing was provided in the kit i would apply some pure wax
preferably something with UV protectant in it,or does the polish
that is used in the kit have a protectant in it???

a pure wax shouldn't strip anything so you'll be fine..

 

[JustinH]

Looks great.

Put some hard shell wax on there when you are done, the UV makes them yellow.

Honestly, I had many tbirds of that vintage.

The best thing is just to buy a pair of aftermarket lamps and corners. I think all 4 pieces can be had for around 150 dollars.

When you do the headlights, you will notice that the corners look yellow.

 

[97tbird]

well, all the stuff that I tried before, I never had a sanding step, so they went bad again.
This time, I sanded them, so I'm gonna see how long it lasts..it should've taken the damaged layer off.
Right now, it looks so good, I don't even think of getting new headlamps...(actually much, much better than in those pics above..it's hard to get a real good pic of them due to reflections/shadows etc.)

as for corners, I plan to get clear corners someday, along with Mustang wheels perhaps so I don't worry about the corners very much right now. they actually look pretty good when I just use a regular polish about once a yr. no sanding needed even.

 

[97tbird]

so some simple Turtle wax might be ok to protect?
or shall I use 303?

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Turtle Wax has cleaners in it which may strip whatever you put on there.

 

[97tbird]

THX.
do you have any other suggestions that would be safe?
any comments on 303?

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Mother's Synwax and Meg's Techwax are synthetic sealants with light cleaners that should be okay and Meg's #26 and Collinite Insulator wax are pure carnauba waxes. You can use them on your paint after using AIO so you don't just leave it for the lights. From what I understand, 303 is water based so I don't know how durable it is on the exterior. Hope this helps.

 

[Mr Nice]

Thats a really good job you did on your headlights,

 

[Brett Miller]

Wow, how much was the kit?

 

[globey]

I would use Zaino CS to protect it.

 

[97tbird]

Originally Posted By: Brett Miller
Wow, how much was the kit?


$20.00 (it's in the 1st post, too)

 

[dailydriver]

97tbird;

Were any of the other ones you tried the "5 minute headlight cleaner" or the Permatex one they sell in Pep Boyz??