Paint and Body Headlight cleanup

gearhead77 · Mar 22, 2019

The thread I found this on was old, so I thought I’d make a new one. Did my headlights today using only Bar Keepers Friend, Mr. Clean sponge and some elbow grease. Not perfect, but way better and cheaper than any kit out there. I did use Rejex as a protectant after I was done, but I already had that. Point is it can be done cheap if you’re on a budget and don’t want repros.

I don’t know why the right headlight is crooked. Drives me nuts, but a project for another time.

JD1964 · Mar 22, 2019

Id say thats a noticeable improvement

Rdub6 · Mar 22, 2019

Nice job!! Looks good!

BlakeusMaximus · Mar 22, 2019

In think your right headlamp is out of adjustment. You can use a 5mm socket and bring that back in. There are a couple adjustment screws that stick out of the back of the lamp. Right, left / up, down. The lamps really cleaned up well.

Davedacarpainter · Mar 23, 2019

It looks so far out though that I bet one of the springs is loose or broken.

Cheap fix though, LMR has replacement springs.

General karthief · Mar 23, 2019

The 87-93 headlights have a spring? Don't remember that when I changed mine, but that's not surprising!

7991LXnSHO · Mar 23, 2019

After the damp Magic Sponge, Kit Scratch Out or Meguires Mirror Glaze (both for plastics and even helmet visor screens) will take the micro scratches out. That’s the step to get them or your gauge faces crystal clear again.
The hard work is scrubbing long enough to get all the yellowed plastic off, and your certainly did that.

Davedacarpainter · Mar 23, 2019

General karthief said:
The 87-93 headlights have a spring? Don't remember that when I changed mine, but that's not surprising!

I’m not sure really, I was just thinking about my 4i’d headlights.

So, maybe nvm.

General karthief · Mar 23, 2019

Davedacarpainter said:
I’m not sure really, I was just thinking about my 4i’d headlights.

So, maybe nvm.

there you go thinking again,it will give you a headache, that's why I try not to think much
Ok, so I hardly ever think
I thought I think but maybe I'm wrong

gearhead77 · Mar 23, 2019

Davedacarpainter said:
It looks so far out though that I bet one of the springs is loose or broken.

Cheap fix though, LMR has replacement springs.

LMR has lots of things to take my money. And if they don’t, CJ pony parts, American muscle or Summit will!

gearhead77 · Mar 23, 2019

7991LXnSHO said:
After the damp Magic Sponge, Kit Scratch Out or Meguires Mirror Glaze (both for plastics and even helmet visor screens) will take the micro scratches out. That’s the step to get them or your gauge faces crystal clear again.
The hard work is scrubbing long enough to get all the yellowed plastic off, and your certainly did that.

When I first saw the car, I was just going to get repro’s. But then I found another thread with Bar Keepers Friend mentioned and I know that stuff works. It’s only original once and while I’m rather certain the corner lights aren’t original, I’m taking an “ original but upgrade when I can” mindset with this car. The lights coming out this good saved a good deal of money and really brightened the cars look.( no pun intended )

These came out better than expected. I posted another pic here in sunlight. ( I have the lens to the fog light and it still works.). I think they look even better now that the Rejex cured on them.

7991LXnSHO · Mar 24, 2019

Does Rejex have a UV blocker in it? (Never heard of it.) That’s what keeps the plastic from yellowing when you have developed carpal tunnel and tennis elbow but lights look great.
Meguires has a final spray UV etc. coating I have only seen online, and it is available either in a kit or by the can. Polishing my Mustang lights was not a good option as they were holding water. The new ones (LMR?)? look better made, but the Van and my girl’s new style Beetle look almost new, for now.
PS, The only spring on the 91 lights is from the weather or birds now it is out of winter storage.

gearhead77 · Mar 24, 2019

7991LXnSHO said:
Does Rejex have a UV blocker in it? (Never heard of it.) That’s what keeps the plastic from yellowing when you have developed carpal tunnel and tennis elbow but lights look great.
Meguires has a final spray UV etc. coating I have only seen online, and it is available either in a kit or by the can. Polishing my Mustang lights was not a good option as they were holding water. The new ones (LMR?)? look better made, but the Van and my girl’s new style Beetle look almost new, for now.
PS, The only spring on the 91 lights is from the weather or birds now it is out of winter storage.

Here's a link:
http://rejex.com/rejex-high-gloss-finish-that-protects/

Yes, it does have a UV blocker. It's good stuff, goes on and off really easy. Their penetrant/lube Corrosion X works really well, better than PB Blaster and that's high praise ( it's also more money too, but I had one can last me years). I use Rejex mainly on my wheels and the chrome exhaust tips of my VW to reduce the direct injection soot and dirt build up. But it's great on paint. I knew I needed to seal them and I know this stuff works.

gearhead77 · Jul 12, 2019

So, I was finally able to give the car a bath and both headlights and turn signals immediately got water inside them. Is it worth it to get new seals or should I just get new lights?

General karthief · Jul 12, 2019

That depends, you could take clear silicon and seal the lenses but likely will need to redo it from time to time. Maybe some model cement, are they original?

Rdub6 · Jul 12, 2019

As he mentions model glue, it reminds me. I use the CA glue, meant for gluing RC tires to their wheels, on everything plastic. I guess it basically Krazy Glue. That stuff holds strong with everything I’ve used it on. Can’t say it would work on the lights, but at the point where they are leaking, I guess it’s worth a shot.

Wayne Waldrep · Jul 12, 2019

gearhead77 said:
So, I was finally able to give the car a bath and both headlights and turn signals immediately got water inside them. Is it worth it to get new seals or should I just get new lights?

Every other year when I buy all new lights I put silicone all the way around the headlight where the clear lens meets the rear housing. It lasts as long as the headlights. Tired of buying lights and actuators.

ryguy77 · Jul 12, 2019

pretty nice! The toothpaste method i didnt like lol. but i had some meguir cleaning kit for 30$, worked great

gearhead77 · Jul 18, 2019

The lights are original. I see that LMR sells a kit for the seals, but the reviews are mixed.

Paint and Body Headlight cleanup

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there is enough sticking out to grab on to

So while I wait to figure out my rear end issues

Still got to try a little lube on my speedo head

Chicks can make things hard if they’re inspired...

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

wanna catch the space herp

Chicks can make things hard if they’re inspired...

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

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wanna catch the space herp

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wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

So while I wait to figure out my rear end issues

Before I post a pic, do you have one of yours?

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