2nd Headlight Restoration ...BUT ?? hmmmm

Louie_Blu

Louie_Blu

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Hello Friends at AG, This is my second Headlight Restoration using the 3M Kit, I kinda ran late into the Nightfall hence the after pics

I followed the Instructions to the T like I did my first Headlight Restoration but I wasn't happy with the results, I don't know if it was me or something wrong with these headlights after I did the Passenger side Headlight I turned on the Low beam just to see how it would look at night, I noticed like a cloudy or foggy like look to it, although with the light turned off the looked like new

Was it my work or could there be something wrong or inside the Plastic part of the Headlight, would love to hear your thoughts, comments, opinions Feed back please
1Before2006NissanAltima.jpg

2AfterLooksCloudy.jpg
3AfterPSTopView.jpg

DRIVER SIDE
4BeforeDS.jpg

5AfterLooksCloudy2.jpg

6DSTopViewClear.jpg


Another question I have is should I use a different method like hand sanding or wet sanding when it comes to these headlights with the big plastic covers, when I did my Isuzu Rodeo the lights where smaller and and it just felt right using the 3M kit ? any Help and Comments are greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Louie
 
Klink10 said:
You might have a seal leak with moisture inside.
Click to expand...
Hello Klink,
I understand what you mean but could this be caused by my work or is it something from before, can you elaborate a little more, I am new doing this headlight restoration and I have done a lot of homework on it but didn't come across this.
Is this something I can fix or I did cause it ?
If so what can I do to repair it or even offer a repair if I didn't cause it ?
The only other thing I can think of is to tell this customer to buy new headlights but that can be pricey :(
and I am honestly thankful for any help and tips, comments constructive or not, just trying to make the work as good as I can get it, and make sure that I can produce great work for my up coming customers.

Thanks
Louie
 
Tough to tell from the pics but it does sound like it's inside the light. If it's inside the light, it wasn't caused by you. For moisture you can take the bulb out & run a hair dryer into the light to dry it out. But if it's a seal or a cracked lens the moisture will come back. The only other option I can think of would be to take the light out, take it apart to get inside & reseal it.

Obviously from now on make the customer aware before you begin working that anything inside the light you won't be able to fix. Unless you want to get into taking the lights out.
 
I think that slight cloudiness ,when the light is on, is normal.
 
Well others have responded. I agree that prior to work and explanation to the customer on what your process entails may or may not cure all ills. The comment ref. the hairdryer I would try first if it were mine, along with cracking it open and polishing the inside and re-sealing. For a customer then it's additional work on your part and unless you really know what you are doing it can be expensive if mistakes are made. From what I see in the photos, as the detailer you did make it look better.
 
The top view looks clear, and good. The other view looks like it is normal, to me. In the dark, the light will look cloudyish when viewed head on like that. I don't think you did anything other than improve the look of the vehicle and improve the brightness of the headlight. Isn't that the desired outcome? Customers need to understand that you aren't providing a brand new headlight. Depending on the condition of the lens you just do the best that you can.
 
Thank you guys, I will let the new customers know about this, I guess if I would have to do major repairs to a headlight lens it would be probably better to tell the customer if they do complain about it, that it would be better to replace them, some headlight replacements are more expensive then other depending on the car, I will look further into headlights and how to maintain them, I know customers would like any info on what they can do if interested and my part becoming a professional at this work.
Again I appreciate the comments and feedback
Thank You.
Louie
 
The haze you see may be from either side of the lens. If it's on the outside, you may not have removed all of the damage. It may be a very small amount but the light may be refracted by it and giving you a slight haze. You can try and eliminate it but you must wet-sand with something very aggressive to get ensure you have a nice, clean layer of plastic. You will notice a difference when refinishing small lights that have ridges (imprints, designs, imprints, etc) on the inner side of the lens cover, such as your Isuzu, or completely clear ones like this Nissan. Clear ones show all of the imperfections while those that have ridges or lines tend to be a bit more forgiving in hiding them when viewed from even a short distance.

If it's from the inside, it may be from condensation. However, understand that most headlight assemblies are vented to the atmosphere because of frequent temp changes and bulb heat. Without vents, they'd likely crack in a few months. Unless you see actual water backing up inside the lens, excessive water spots, or the reflective coating inside coming off, you can rule out a seal failure. IMO, splitting them open to clean the inside of the lens cover is time-consuming and risky (if you've never done it or are not careful) for something that is likely normal and may return sooner than later. There is also a thread of a newly purchased Audi with blotches on the inside of the lights.

If they are happy with what you've done, I would leave them alone since they look great in the sun and from the top. If the customer is being difficult, I would offer to refinish them by wetsanding, but would let them know beforehand if the problem is still present, it is completely normal.

Hope this helps.

Dave
 
Ahhh yes. The downside of performing a nice headlight restore. That's inner damage. Nothing to worry about...I've yet to have a customer think they're getting perfect new headlights anyways.

I always let the customer know about the possibility that the interior of the headlight MAY affect the cosmetic appeal of the headlight restore when finished. But, there's no way to know till it's already been done. It is what it is. You did a fine job...just one of those things.
 
My altimas(same gen as that one) looked the same after my restoration. Probably just the way its is.
 
Thanks you all for your great input, will let my customers know

:dblthumb2:
thanks
Louie
 
The lights look a million times better. I don't have a picture handy, but I did my girlfriends headlights too with a similar issue. Upon further inspection, I found out she does indeed have a leak which couldn't be seen because the lights were so hazy and cloudy. Really, your best and only option (IMO) is to remove the light and then the lens and clean from the inside. Just besure to seal it back up (a small bead of silicone is the easiest and if done right, isn't noticeable).

I did my headlights this way. I had to bake them first to soften the glue holding the lens and housing together. I will try to get a picture up later.
 
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