Oxidation on the headlights.

[Raul]

I drive a 2000 jeep and the plastic on the headlight is in bad shape. What sould I do. I tried using a 1000 sand paper but when it was time to polish it nothing happen. What other thing can I do to take that old oxidation off.

[Forrest T.]

After sanding, try using some aluminum Polish to remove the sanding marks, then repolish with a plastic polish.

Did you dry sand, or wetsand? Have any pix of after sanding?

[Raul]

Originally Posted by Forrest T.

After sanding, try using some aluminum Polish to remove the sanding marks, then repolish with a plastic polish.

Did you dry sand, or wetsand? Have any pix of after sanding?

I wetsand but I only did 1/4 of the headlight to try. Know I got to buy the polisher that you told me and try more.No I dont have any pix but I will take some.

[automatically clean]

Originally Posted by Raul

I drive a 2000 jeep and the plastic on the headlight is in bad shape. What sould I do. I tried using a 1000 sand paper but when it was time to polish it nothing happen. What other thing can I do to take that old oxidation off.

i have my own car detailing business, and hve come across this problem several times. The dealer will tell you the lenses shoul be replaced, but i polish the oxidation out. I have found the best choice is usually to have to wet sand, usually 1500 grit then i have gone to 2500 grit, to be followed up with a plastic polish using a high speed polisher, then follow up with a sealer. To prvent it comming back, it probable wouldn't hurt to wax the lenses..For the life of me I can't remember Mothers polish part#, but I have also used dare I say it Megiars(sorry, using that word on this site) good luck hope it works for you, let me know..

[sandy]

Adding to the most recent question re oxidation of headlights. I have two situations to deal with. One is a 98 Frontier with some oxidation plus what I call winter road induced grit blasting of the lens surface. The other is a 2003 Maxima with no oxidation but plenty of grit blasting. The grit blasting is from the sand and pea gravel that gets dumpled all winter long on the roads for cold weather traction on ice and hard pack snow. I bought a PowerBall just to do the headlights. I'm not sure what compound to use. The Plastic Polish sounds OK and more applicable than the Power Polish. Is the Plastic Polish suitable for use with the PowerBall? Any suggestions as to what to start with? I do lots of hours on dark roads with no lighting other than what the car gives off and headlight lens condition DOES make a difference. Sandy in Caglary

[admin]

Mask the surrounding area with removable masking tape (like the blue tape) and lift the hood if it's in the way.

In both cases...

I'd start with Mag & Aluminum or PowerMetal on the PowerBall.

And I'd finish with Plastic Polish on the PowerBall -- after cleaning the PowerBall and allowing it to dry.

[automatically clean]

hey Sandy from alberta, I received your e-mail, as far as your dilema with both vehicles..First tape off the surrounding area, around the headlights. Then get a trigger spray bottle with water, and lightly dampen the headlight lens. Youl probably want to start with 1200 grit wet sandpaper, with even strokes, dampen the lens and repeat. I personally use a foam pad on my polisher, on a speed of 3 out of 10, keep the area damp. Then use 2000 grit sandpaper, continue to keep damp, rinse and repeat. The polish I use is Megiars plastic polish..at the end of each sanding. Last step go up to 2500 grit wet sandpaper, rinse repeat sanding. Then polish with plastic polishside to side then up and down, use dry rag to inspect finish.(remember while sanding steps your sanding evenly and gently, but keep the surface damp) Probably not such a bad idea to wax lens upon completion..A clean lens will get you home safe and sound, try it and let me know. P.S Merry Christmas...

[Bama]

Just a word of caution...

You have been given some good info. But, if you are not experienced performing wet-sanding, you could do more harm than good. I prefer the least aggressive approach first, so I would try the admin. advice first. Then if that doesn't work, try the wet-sanding or let a pro handle it.

Just my .02.

Good luck.

[automatically clean]

Hey Bama
You know what your probably wright in regards to the wet sanding issue, maybe the least aggresive is the better way to go.
I appreciate the compliment though, hope to hear from you again. Completely off topic though where are you from? North of the border or south?