Headlights Restored

Post by **MoVolvos** » 05 Nov 2019, 21:22

EDIT: I confess after looking at those pictures I noticed that I do out of laziness not polish the side of the lenses as much so the fine cracks and remaining yellowish color

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I will soon try this on the 2008 C30 T5. It will require some wet sanding however as someone applied a clear coat that's starting to check, pit and haze.

As this 03 Odyssey gets older I've been having to clean the lens every year for the last 5 or 6 years. Tried them all, none acetone nail polish remover, tooth paste, WD40, transmission fluid, paint thinner than wax, this besides store bought kits and rest of the usual Youtube offering.

Some of the things dried the lens while others melt / softened it a little so it was hard to work with. This year it's 91% alcohol for cleaning / rubbing with an old sock and then Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish. So far this has been the easiest, safest and provided the best result with a little elbow grease. Did not start to document this till I saw the results on the driver's side.
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https://www.amazon.com/Mothers-05101-Ma ... 90&sr=8-10
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Pictures are of:
Passenger side after a very thorough cleaning with the 91% Walmart alcohol. The old sock is all brown and yellow. There are two photos of the Driver's side lens. One is after one polish with Mothers, the other approximately the 4th application. All told about 10 to 15 minutes per side. Keep in mind this is the OE 2003 Lens and the interior of the lens is starting to deteriorate.

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Post by **RickHaleParker** » 06 Nov 2019, 06:09

On plastic lens I wet sand then with 1500 - 2500 grit.
2500 - 3000 grit on the reflector might help if the plating is still there.

If your feeling bold, you might consider trying a $20.00 Spray on Chrome Concentrate Solution.
I have no idea how it would hold up or perform.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 06 Nov 2019, 21:32

RickHaleParker wrote: ↑06 Nov 2019, 06:09 On plastic lens I wet sand then with 1500 - 2500 grit.
2500 - 3000 grit on the reflector might help if the plating is still there.

If your feeling bold, you might consider trying a $20.00 Spray on Chrome Concentrate Solution.
I have no idea how it would hold up or perform.

Thanks! I purchased a set of sand paper awhile back and hope to take care of the C30 lens during the holidays. The interior reflectors are still good on both the 03 S80 T6 and 03 C30 T5. In order to get inside you have to part the lens so I'm not so incline to do that. The 98 S70's were easy to get into but no longer owned that car.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DH ... UTF8&psc=1

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 07 Nov 2019, 11:17

MoVolvos wrote: ↑06 Nov 2019, 21:32 Thanks! I purchased a set of sand paper awhile back and hope to take care of the C30 lens during the holidays.

Work the paper in a circular motion, wash periodically.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 07 Nov 2019, 22:35

RickHaleParker wrote: ↑07 Nov 2019, 11:17
MoVolvos wrote: ↑06 Nov 2019, 21:32 Thanks! I purchased a set of sand paper awhile back and hope to take care of the C30 lens during the holidays.
Work the paper in a circular motion, wash periodically.

I saw a few videos recommending working horizontally, vertically then diagonally. The circular is during final polishing.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 08 Nov 2019, 03:08

MoVolvos wrote: ↑07 Nov 2019, 22:35 I saw a few videos recommending working horizontally, vertically then diagonally. The circular is during final polishing.

I recommend just circular because one is less likely to experience complications

Straight sanding is less work for removing a rough surface, it cuts faster, but can leave visible scratches and can end up removing more material. Circular is to remove any visible scratches.

You can do straight sanding then remove any visible scratches with circular or you can start off with circular not produce visible scratches and minimize the material removal.

Starting off with circular will require more elbow grease but gets better results.

Finish with a UV protective coating to maximize the time before this needs to be done again. Use light coats so it lays down flat and does not distort the optics.

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Post by **MoVolvos** » 08 Nov 2019, 11:38

RickHaleParker wrote: ↑08 Nov 2019, 03:08
MoVolvos wrote: ↑07 Nov 2019, 22:35 I saw a few videos recommending working horizontally, vertically then diagonally. The circular is during final polishing.
Finish with a UV protective coating to maximize the time before this needs to be done again. Use light coats so it lays down flat and does not distort the optics.

The explanation for the circular motion makes sense. Do you mean paint in a can as a clear coat with UV coating? I would have to alcohol the finished lens to remove any Mothers residue which will probably dull it a bit.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 08 Nov 2019, 14:18

MoVolvos wrote: ↑08 Nov 2019, 11:38 1. Do you mean paint in a can as a clear coat with UV coating?
2. I would have to alcohol the finished lens to remove any Mothers residue which will probably dull it a bit.

1. Any clear coat with UV protection.
2. After wet sanding .... is Mothers that bad?

Post by **MoVolvos** » 08 Nov 2019, 18:41

RickHaleParker wrote: ↑08 Nov 2019, 14:18
MoVolvos wrote: ↑08 Nov 2019, 11:38 1. Do you mean paint in a can as a clear coat with UV coating?
2. I would have to alcohol the finished lens to remove any Mothers residue which will probably dull it a bit.
1. Any clear coat with UV protection.
2. After wet sanding .... is Mothers that bad?

1) Thanks
2) I see, you were thinking wet sanding and then UV clear coat whereas I was thinking wet sanding, Mothers to polish then spray the clear coat. That meant removing the Mothers coating for proper adhesion.