My first head light restore

TL type S

TL type S

New member
Joined
Mar 16, 2011
Messages
112
Reaction score
0
I followed another threads instructions close but did not polish the lens and it turned out fine.First time so it will be perfected over time to much more than it is now.Attached are only the first light after completing it.The Pass light was finished an hour after in the same manner.I just sat there for a bit enjoying what I had been able to provide for a customer.

I used...
600,1000 and 3000 wet sand.Wipe with Odorless Mineral Spirits between each step in sanding and before spraying with Helmsmans glossy clear urethane.Total time was only 15 minutes after tape off.

Thanks to all the very generous and giving detailers willing to offer knowledge that blesses the life of others to gain additional income.This one set gained me $100 tonight.

Enjoy
 
Looks like a headlight restore to me! Nicely done. You must have done your homework first. :xyxthumbs:
 
Kristopher1129 said:
Looks like a headlight restore to me! Nicely done. You must have done your homework first. :xyxthumbs:
Click to expand...


Yes my brother,

I did so MUCH reading through the site.I did 20 hours of reading the threads on this site and at that time knew I had received exactly what it would take.

I`m still blown away at how incredible it looks.I just cannot thank enough,the fellow members that provided the knowledge and wisdom for me to gain from them.

Nate
 
Rewind97 said:
Glad it turned out so well!!!!
Click to expand...


Thank you.

Next set I will polish before coating to compare and see if after coating, it makes for a visual difference that is more appealing to the naked eye.
 
TL type S said:
Yes my brother,

I did so MUCH reading through the site.I did 20 hours of reading the threads on this site and at that time knew I had received exactly what it would take.

I`m still blown away at how incredible it looks.I just cannot thank enough,the fellow members that provided the knowledge and wisdom for me to gain from them.

Nate
Click to expand...

That's what we're here for! :dblthumb2:
 
One of the easiest add-ons for any detail. If the headlights aren't done right, regardless of how the paint looks, the vehicle is always off. Nice job!
 
Flash Gordon said:
Nice job Nate. I'm sure the owner was very happy
Click to expand...


Thank you Flash,

From this car I have gained 3 more sets.The young woman from my health club drives a Merc SL600 and the lights are bad on it.it has 4 front light system.

I am practicing on any and every car I can before I even touch her Mercedes.Any advice for me with the price for the Merc? Should it be a % of what they would cost new to replace?

Thanks for your help my friend.
 
TMD said:
One of the easiest add-ons for any detail. If the headlights aren't done right, regardless of how the paint looks, the vehicle is always off. Nice job!
Click to expand...


You are right and I am learning each and every day from all of you wise men and women here.

Nate
 
curious, how did you "apply" the sandpaper? Did you use a DA?
 
Sunshyne said:
curious, how did you "apply" the sandpaper? Did you use a DA?
Click to expand...

I did everything by hand.I felt I need to get the feel of working with the lenses first before graduating to DA.If I can master a good finish by hand it would make the electric or air tools easier to pick up and run with when I feel ready.

I have been taking my time and really inspecting the lens between stages and re-sanding to remove the rock pecks if possible.I am using lighting to see how the depth of one area might contrast to another that I sand more, so I can balance it out and make the optics as good as possible.I want both lights to look balanced and equal in projection when the customer stands in front of the vehicle and looks head on at the lights to inspect them.I have not had a customer get close to them,they just back up about 15 feet out from them and want to see how bright they are.
 
TL type S said:
Yes my brother,

I`m still blown away at how incredible it looks.I just cannot thank enough,the fellow members that provided the knowledge and wisdom for me to gain from them.

Nate
Click to expand...


No worries Grasshopper, in time you'll be teaching the masters...lol j/k
Nice job Nate!! You did a professional job.... :xyxthumbs:
 
TL type S said:
Thank you Flash,

Your welcome...happy to help you

From this car I have gained 3 more sets.The young woman from my health club drives a Merc SL600 and the lights are bad on it.it has 4 front light system.

Sweet

I am practicing on any and every car I can before I even touch her Mercedes.Any advice for me with the price for the Merc? Should it be a % of what they would cost new to replace?

Thanks for your help my friend.
Click to expand...

No to % cost IMO. This is one area that shoulkd have a pretty flat fee. For a 4 light system I think $25 ea is a reasonable price. If it were me, I would probally through 1 in for free and charge $75

You also should warn your potential clients that this mess will return. There is a member here named Hot Rod that has a very imformative thread going on headlight restos and a homemade solution to help the life of the restoration last longer. Maybe you've seen this thread?

BTW...Better be carefull calling me your friend around here.

TL type S said:
I did everything by hand.I felt I need to get the feel of working with the lenses first before graduating to DA.If I can master a good finish by hand it would make the electric or air tools easier to pick up and run with when I feel ready.

I would go ahead and step it up to using a drill on your next job. You can pickup a kit at Autozone that will provide you with everything you need. Its really not a big procedure. Just be sure and double tape the surronding areas

I have been taking my time and really inspecting the lens between stages and re-sanding to remove the rock pecks if possible.I am using lighting to see how the depth of one area might contrast to another that I sand more, so I can balance it out and make the optics as good as possible.I want both lights to look balanced and equal in projection when the customer stands in front of the vehicle and looks head on at the lights to inspect them.I have not had a customer get close to them,they just back up about 15 feet out from them and want to see how bright they are.
Click to expand...

Bit of OCD you got going there it sounds...lol. Nothing wrong at all with taking your time :props:
 
This just came in,$300.00 for it,cant beat that?

Ill give it a try and see how she works out.
 
Flash Gordon said:
Very nice order :props:
Click to expand...


Thanks Flash,

I am getting use to them tonight Flash.I started on a 2002 Acura TL and a 1995 Accord before sun down and when sabbath is over tomorrow I will start back on them.I had my brother shoot a few pics of them in action so as to put a gallery together for customers that come in the waiting area of the shop.



Next.....The VX 5000?? We shall see.....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top