Headlight Restoration: 2004 Cadillac CTS

[Marc08EX]

Hi everyone! The owner's ride was looking sweet but the headlights were pretty worn out. He wanted his headlights restored to like new condition. I didn't know what the condition was going into it and when I arrived, it was looking pretty bad.. The headlights were in extremely rough shape and the scratches were pretty deep. I told the owner that I will definitely be able to improve it but it would not be perfect.

Products Used:

3M 1200 grit sand paper
3M 2000 grit sand paper
3M Blue Painter's Tape
Meguiar's G100 / 3.5" LC Backing Plate
Meguiar's M105 / LC Orange Pads
Meguiar's PlastiX / Meguiar's Foam Pad
Meguiar's NXT 2.0 Tech Wax

Here are some before pictures of the headlights:

Driver Side:

Passenger Side:

I first taped up the surrounding paint areas and opened the hood in order to protect the paint. I wetsanded the headlights with 1200 grit sand paper then followed it up with 2000 grit. Here's a picture of 1 headlight sanded down:

There were so many deep scratches that could not be removed. I think that I would crack the headlight case if I use a coarser sandpaper and sand into it more. I told the owner that this is the point where I felt it was safe to stop. It was GREATLY improved but it wasn't perfect. You be the judge

After completing the sanding step, I polished the headlights with M105 with a LC orange pad hooked up to my Meguiar's G100. This was followed up with PlastiX applied via a foam applicator pad. The headlights were then sealed with NXT 2.0 Tech Wax after. Here are some final pictures:

Driver Side:

Passenger Side:

What do you guys think? Comments and criticisms are welcome!

Thanks for looking!

 

[mr.fusion]

These lights do often have deep damage, and sometimes there is crazing or checking which doesn't come out with a simple sand and polish. Tough to tell from pics for sure, but it does look like there is some correctable damage left. Just need to dig a bit deeper. Been there done that many times

Starting at 1200 would take plenty of sanding. I would start more like 600 with those lights to cut through a lot easier, then pick up with the 1200, etc.

 

[Marc08EX]

These lights do often have deep damage, and sometimes there is crazing or checking which doesn't come out with a simple sand and polish. Tough to tell from pics for sure, but it does look like there is some correctable damage left. Just need to dig a bit deeper. Been there done that many times

Starting at 1200 would take plenty of sanding. I would start more like 600 with those lights to cut through a lot easier, then pick up with the 1200, etc.

I didn't know the headlights would be this bad... I should have started at 600 or 800 grit like you said. Oh well. If it comes back then we'll do that. I was also afraid to go deep into it because it might crack the plastic.

 

[mr.fusion]

Nice job overall, and good experience in the bank. Btw, don't worry about doing too much sanding.... you won't/can't sand through or crack a lens in my experience :xyxthumbs:
Some are definitely more a pain than others... for various reasons. Sometimes it's tough to know how much is enough for that first step, and how aggressive to hit it. And any steps below @1000 grit you have to be extra careful to knock out all the marks from the previous grit. Once you get up to 1000-1500 it's not as critical because compound or clearcoat can deal with it... and it's not so bad to go back 1-2 steps if you have to. Going back to square one sucks. :buffing:

 

[96Lude]

You did a good job on those headlights, they were in rough shape. I have done quite a few headdlight restorations and I always start with 500 grit. I do them by machine, with the 3" discs.

Looking at your before pictures, I can tell the factory coating had most likely hardened at the top of the lens, where it failed. In my experience, when they are in that condition, it is more challenging to restore them, compared to when the entire light has yellowed. The coating sands off much easier when it has evenly hazed or yellowed.

 

[wytstang]

I just picked up some of the Megs Unigrit sanding disc to use with my drill after using 3M's headlight kit. If you do headlight (semi) ofter I suggest you invest in these disc. It will make doing headlights much faster and the end results are great.
Here is a head light I did doing 500 grit then 800 grit then 3000 grit then Menzerna SIP (no lsp in pic)

 

[reggie1967]

Hi everyone! The owner's ride was looking sweet but the headlights were pretty worn out. He wanted his headlights restored to like new condition. I didn't know what the condition was going into it and when I arrived, it was looking pretty bad.. The headlights were in extremely rough shape and the scratches were pretty deep. I told the owner that I will definitely be able to improve it but it would not be perfect.

Products Used:

3M 1200 grit sand paper
3M 2000 grit sand paper
3M Blue Painter's Tape
Meguiar's G100 / 3.5" LC Backing Plate
Meguiar's M105 / LC Orange Pads
Meguiar's PlastiX / Meguiar's Foam Pad
Meguiar's NXT 2.0 Tech Wax

What do you guys think? Comments and criticisms are welcome!

Thanks for looking!

i done a cts few weeks ago i had a ruff time with it but finally finish it it turn out real well i had to first start with 220 sand disc with a few scuff
ended up at 2000 i finish it off with a 50/50 minerals spirts/ urthereane