Headlamp Lense Repair - involving Mirka sanding discs...

**Preachers Sheets** · 12-04-2001, 08:14 AM

My fathers van has not been detailed since 1998. I am sure the ABC system on this van would be able to tell me for sure if it is anygood.

I don`t want to buy the entire set unless I really like it so I was looking for someone to send me a sample (enough for a 1998 Chevy Express van).

If you can help; great. If not, I`ll live another day...

:bounce

**michakaveli** · 07-05-2010, 10:10 PM

Our Corolla`s headlamps again have the common fading and yellowing issue, and I was waiting for a chance to try the Mirka Abralon 3" sanding discs, 1000 & 2000 grit.

Process:
- wetsand each headlamp with a 1000 grit disc via UDM - speeds 3-5/6
- wetsand each headlamp with a 2000 grit disc via UDM - speeds 3-5/6

- compounded each lamp via Makita rotary, a 3.5" PFW pad, and M105 (original formula)
- final polish each lamp via Makita rotary, a 3.5" Uber Green pad, and M205
- as time and daylight were running out, a quick spritz of Aquawax to hold onto the freshness until I have a chance in the near future to try a "custom" sealant.

*NOTES*
- the quality of the Mirka discs is very good. I was able to only use one disc of each grit for both lamps.
- I used one of my Kwazar bottles that I picked up during my recent trip to Poland, it was very handy having the double spray action to help keep sanding smoothly :thumbup:
- Once the job was complete, the lamps did indeed look brand new again.

:

I took a couple quick pictures during the process.

**bmw5541** · 07-06-2010, 09:14 AM

Very impressive!

How long did the whole process take you?

**michakaveli** · 07-06-2010, 09:21 AM

Not long at all really... The entire process, taking my time day... 30-45minutes. But ofcourse it all depends on the initial condition of the lamps you are working with. I have compounded these lamps before, so this time around was removing the yellowing, etc...

**imported_Luster** · 07-06-2010, 02:23 PM

Very nice! I like your process. Good ideas there!

**Old Pirate** · 07-06-2010, 06:18 PM

Great looking headlight now, looking forward for more of these write-up`s:thumbup:

**michakaveli** · 07-06-2010, 08:42 PM

I took these pictures with my cell phone during the headlamp resto. These photos show a better contrast comparing the before and after.

**ThePriceofPerfection** · 07-07-2010, 08:01 AM

So what sealant are you going to use?

**michakaveli** · 07-07-2010, 09:25 AM

Originally Posted by ThePriceofPerfection

So what sealant are you going to use?

I am going to try a urethane/mineral spirits combo...

**michakaveli** · 07-09-2010, 09:41 PM

Here are a few pictures of the headlamp refinish I performed a few days ago on a `00 Ford Taurus that I detailed earlier this year. The owner had previously secured a pair of "Centennial" headlamps that came on certain 2003 model year Taurus`s. The owner had previously attempted to refresh the lights, but they still looked tired and had some minor yellowing and loss of clarity.

*Same process of stated on the prior headlamp refinish, although worth noting, the plastic on these lenses was harder and they expired the sanding discs at a faster rate than on the Corolla resto.

Enjoy!

**imported_CH.Detailing** · 07-09-2010, 11:59 PM

I just tried this out on a `97 Taurus that was being cleaned up for sale as a budget used car.

-Wetsanded by hand with 1000 grit 3M paper
-Wetsanded by hand with 2000 grit 3M paper
-Compounded with 4" HT Cyan/M105 @ speed 6 via PC

Before,

After,

:clap:

**bmw5541** · 07-10-2010, 09:01 AM

Looks great Connor.

I gotta give this a try.

**Legacy99** · 07-12-2010, 12:42 AM

Originally Posted by michakaveli

Our Corolla`s headlamps again have the common fading and yellowing issue, and I was waiting for a chance to try the Mirka Abralon 3" sanding discs, 1000 & 2000 grit.

Process:
- wetsand each headlamp with a 1000 grit disc via UDM - speeds 3-5/6
- wetsand each headlamp with a 2000 grit disc via UDM - speeds 3-5/6

- compounded each lamp via Makita rotary, a 3.5" PFW pad, and M105 (original formula)
- final polish each lamp via Makita rotary, a 3.5" Uber Green pad, and M205
- as time and daylight were running out, a quick spritz of Aquawax to hold onto the freshness until I have a chance in the near future to try a "custom" sealant.

*NOTES*
- the quality of the Mirka discs is very good. I was able to only use one disc of each grit for both lamps.
- I used one of my Kwazar bottles that I picked up during my recent trip to Poland, it was very handy having the double spray action to help keep sanding smoothly :thumbup:
- Once the job was complete, the lamps did indeed look brand new again.

:

I took a couple quick pictures during the process.

Very nice, now you need to work on those rock chips.