DIY faded Headlight Fix & Bumper painting

[OinkAodeOink]

Had some horribly faded factory 01 headlamps, and didnt feel like spending the 200+ on a new set, so i decided to see if they would come clean.
If you look closely, the plastic lense had actually started spider cracking.
So some sanding is needed to cut down these fine cracks.

-First started wetsanding the lights with 1500, and water... I really sanded the shi* out of it, untill it looked uniform and smooth. ( maybe 30-45 minutes worth on each headlight)
-Next, took some pink rubbing compound i had laying around and hit the headlamp up with a buffer ( using a very soft foam pad), and worked the compound into the light. Then whiped off with cloth, and used a polish to give them a final shine... Soon after it rained, so i was not able to get any clear pics. But as you can see in the comparision,( or not) they turned out just as nice as new lights. Might look alittle hazey with the flash, and rain water on it, but its crystal clear.

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Now for the bumper, its pretty basic on how to remove it..
2 pop in phillips push pins on the top edge.. Remove the grill with the bumper, makes it easier, so youll need to remove all the little push pins on the top radiator support panel.

Remove the phillips screws on the backsides, just in front of the tires, and the 2 push pins on the bottomside.. they just pull out.
Lastly, reach around to the inside of the bumper, side edge and unbolt the 2 side each, 7/16th nuts holding the bumper on.. after that itl pull off.

Sanded the bumper with 400 grit, wet paper untill all the bug pits and spots came level, or somewhat level.. cleaned it up with laquer thinner, and sprayed the base coat on. thats as far as i got for the night, tommorrow the clear goes on, and more pics to come of the whole deal.


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[urban96]

damn oink u always amaze me. u should throw a chin spoiler on ur 01 and a grille delete if u havnt done that already

 

[Henceforward]

Grill delete, and front spoiler!

Great job on the headlights.

I think the grill delete would look very sharp. It would contrast with your yellow paint.

Did you tear the front bumper cover off to work on the pitting/flaking.

I have seen on the front of the newest Mustangs where the paint sometimes comes off in quarter coin sized chunks.

Way to go Ford, for using that high quality 80s engineered Dodgish paint.

 

['13_ImpactBlue_GT]

We can also blame the EPA for this, dont manufacturers have to use water based paint or something like it?

 

[d98gt]

old thread man, though I wish the pictures were still good.

My bumper is horrible looking.