Welcome Guest, It appears you are not registered with our community. To gain full access to the forums Click Here and register today!

It is currently Thu Feb 09, 2012 4:36 am

All times are UTC - 6 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 26 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Author Message
PostPosted: Mon Feb 22, 2010 10:39 pm 
Offline
GPONA Addict
GPONA Addict
User avatar

Joined: Thu Jan 31, 2008 12:29 am
Posts: 1500
Location: Fresno, CA
Thanks given: 0 time
Thanked: 0 time
Age: 26
Over the years I've taken my 04+ GP through a machine car wash dozens of times. I still have the original headlights on the car and a lot of wear and tear has been applied to both headlights, especially the passenger side one. The spidering effect on both headlight tops has been growing noticeable the past couple of years and my local dealer has also managed to scratch both headlights while working on the engine in for service. My question is could a machine buff get most of the spidering and the scratches off the headlights without having me to replace both altogether? I posted pics of the two below. Feel free to share any methods or techniques that could help restore them to better condition.

Image

Image

_________________
2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP Competition Group


Top
 Profile   
 
PostPosted: Mon Feb 22, 2010 10:45 pm 
Offline
GPONA GTP Addict
GPONA GTP Addict
User avatar

Joined: Tue Sep 02, 2008 6:20 pm
Posts: 648
Location: Northwest Indiana
Thanks given: 0 time
Thanked: 0 time
Age: 30
Name: Jay
Mind are like that ... only 10,000 times worse LoL ... I have a guy that works for a part supply place who is looking into how much he can get me two headlight housings for ... if the price is right, I'll skip the labor trying to refurbish them and pick 'em up. If not, I have heard you can buff them out with a headlight repair lens kit sold at Advance Auto Parts, Autozone, or even Walmart. I picked up my kit at advanced, messed around with it a little (without a buffer) and it seemed to work a little. I'm sure with a buffer the kit would work much better.

_________________
Guns don't kill people. Men who come home early from work do.


Top
 Profile   
 
PostPosted: Mon Feb 22, 2010 10:50 pm 
Offline
Owner/Administrator
Owner/Administrator
Donating Member
Donating Member
User avatar

Joined: Thu Dec 27, 2007 11:26 pm
Posts: 7964
Location: In my garage..
Thanks given: 0 time
Thanked: 8 times
Age: 36
Blog: View Blog (1)
You can sand them down & reclear them..


Top
 Profile   
 
PostPosted: Tue Feb 23, 2010 12:10 am 
Offline
GPONA Addict
GPONA Addict
User avatar

Joined: Thu Jan 31, 2008 12:29 am
Posts: 1500
Location: Fresno, CA
Thanks given: 0 time
Thanked: 0 time
Age: 26
FLIP wrote:
You can sand them down & reclear them..

I'm just wondering how much that would cost and if someone at a local car wash could do it. The current hand car wash place I go to now tried to do it by hand, but it didn't get anywhere. The other alternative is to find a cheap pair from Ed Morad or something instead of paying upwards to $200 for a new assembly each.

_________________
2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP Competition Group


Top
 Profile   
 
PostPosted: Tue Feb 23, 2010 12:32 am 
Offline
GPONA GT Member
GPONA GT Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2010 2:43 pm
Posts: 160
Location: Tacoma WA
Thanks given: 1 time
Thanked: 0 time
Highscores: 27
Age: 27
Name: Dale Bowman
You can pick up a set off ebay for 102 shipped. Not gonna be GM parts but they will be new and clear.

_________________
Image


Top
 Profile   
 
PostPosted: Tue Feb 23, 2010 1:06 pm 
Online
The Stig
The Stig
Premium Member
User avatar

Joined: Thu Mar 06, 2008 3:09 am
Posts: 4496
Location: Miami, FL
Thanks given: 1 time
Thanked: 4 times
Age: 25
Name: Anthony Carmenate
L32GTPCompG wrote:
FLIP wrote:
You can sand them down & reclear them..

I'm just wondering how much that would cost and if someone at a local car wash could do it. The current hand car wash place I go to now tried to do it by hand, but it didn't get anywhere. The other alternative is to find a cheap pair from Ed Morad or something instead of paying upwards to $200 for a new assembly each.

It's easy... Just purchase what I got and follow the instructions. I have some progress pictures in the thread too.
do-it-yourself-f12/write-up-malefic-gp-s-custom-04-08-headlights-t9323.html

_________________
Image

Why have more money than brains? Cuz RACE CAR :lol:


Last edited by Malefic_GP on Tue Feb 23, 2010 1:08 pm, edited 2 times in total.

Top
 Profile   
 
PostPosted: Tue Feb 23, 2010 5:04 pm 
Offline
GPONA GTP Addict
GPONA GTP Addict

Joined: Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:18 am
Posts: 562
Location: Flushing, Michigan
Thanks given: 0 time
Thanked: 0 time
Age: 28
Name: Ryan
I agree sand and reclear

_________________
05 GTP, TOG's , 3.5 pulley, ZZP 1.9 rockers, K&N CAI, OVERKILLED, poly mounts, GMPP suspension, F-body brakes Image


Top
 Profile   
 
PostPosted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 12:11 am 
Offline
GPONA Addict
GPONA Addict
User avatar

Joined: Thu Jan 31, 2008 12:29 am
Posts: 1500
Location: Fresno, CA
Thanks given: 0 time
Thanked: 0 time
Age: 26
I'm trying to avoid having to try to sand and reclear it myself, under the presumption that I might do something wrong and screw it up. That's why I've been wondering if someone can machine buff it out and reclear it. If it comes to worse, I'll have to find a pair for cheap somewhere.

_________________
2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP Competition Group


Top
 Profile   
 
PostPosted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 12:20 am 
Online
The Stig
The Stig
Premium Member
User avatar

Joined: Thu Mar 06, 2008 3:09 am
Posts: 4496
Location: Miami, FL
Thanks given: 1 time
Thanked: 4 times
Age: 25
Name: Anthony Carmenate
it's seriously not that hard at all.

_________________
Image

Why have more money than brains? Cuz RACE CAR :lol:


Top
 Profile   
 
PostPosted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 12:21 pm 
Offline
GPONA SE Member
GPONA SE Member
User avatar

Joined: Wed Apr 01, 2009 10:59 pm
Posts: 68
Thanks given: 0 time
Thanked: 0 time
Age: 20
Name: Matt Holland
X's 2 on eBay. $100 for brand new ones

_________________
2004 Comp G
Parked with a full build on the way! .020 over 10:1 JE's, My Cam and Heads, ZZP S2 IC, 2.8", #80s, Racetronix pump, E85!


Top
 Profile   
 
PostPosted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 2:51 pm 
Offline
GPONA GTP Addict
GPONA GTP Addict

Joined: Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:18 am
Posts: 562
Location: Flushing, Michigan
Thanks given: 0 time
Thanked: 0 time
Age: 28
Name: Ryan
Wet sand with a high grit sand paper then spray it with clear. Mine look great. If you have to you can get a headlight restore kit for $20. Try that first, then, if you mess it up buy new ones. You won't mess it up bad enough that you won't be able to drive while waiting for new ones. It's really easy

_________________
05 GTP, TOG's , 3.5 pulley, ZZP 1.9 rockers, K&N CAI, OVERKILLED, poly mounts, GMPP suspension, F-body brakes Image


Top
 Profile   
 
PostPosted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 3:28 pm 
Offline
GPONA GTP Addict
GPONA GTP Addict

Joined: Tue Feb 23, 2010 8:58 pm
Posts: 565
Location: mount pleasant, Michigan
Thanks given: 0 time
Thanked: 0 time
Name: Tony K.
its extremely easy! if you no how to shift into drive you should be able to do it lolz


Top
 Profile   
 
PostPosted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 12:13 am 
Offline
GPONA Addict
GPONA Addict
User avatar

Joined: Thu Jan 31, 2008 12:29 am
Posts: 1500
Location: Fresno, CA
Thanks given: 0 time
Thanked: 0 time
Age: 26
I'll first try looking around for a headlight restore kit. If it goes wrong, I'll explore another option.

_________________
2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP Competition Group


Top
 Profile   
 
PostPosted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 2:10 am 
Online
The Stig
The Stig
Premium Member
User avatar

Joined: Thu Mar 06, 2008 3:09 am
Posts: 4496
Location: Miami, FL
Thanks given: 1 time
Thanked: 4 times
Age: 25
Name: Anthony Carmenate
Get the one I got the link above- it's the best I've come across.

_________________
Image

Why have more money than brains? Cuz RACE CAR :lol:


Top
 Profile   
 
PostPosted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 4:36 am 
Offline
GPONA GTP Addict
GPONA GTP Addict

Joined: Wed Aug 06, 2008 1:37 am
Posts: 705
Location: Minnesota
Thanks given: 0 time
Thanked: 0 time
Age: 25
Name: Dustin
I would use something to keep even pressure on the sandpaper too, your knuckles will start to wear the lens down in those spots more.. probably won't notice it sanding the small amount of fuzz out of yours, but just my .02

_________________
Image


Top
 Profile   
 
PostPosted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 6:58 pm 
Offline
GPONA GTP Addict
GPONA GTP Addict
User avatar

Joined: Thu Aug 14, 2008 8:58 pm
Posts: 692
Location: Green Bay, WI
Thanks given: 0 time
Thanked: 0 time
Age: 36
do-it-yourself-f12/hardcore-headlight-restoration-t18468.html

_________________
Image


Top
 Profile   
 
PostPosted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 7:16 pm 
Offline
GPONA GTP Addict
GPONA GTP Addict

Joined: Tue Feb 23, 2010 8:58 pm
Posts: 565
Location: mount pleasant, Michigan
Thanks given: 0 time
Thanked: 0 time
Name: Tony K.
ive heard of people using just rubbing compound and polishing compound and getting good results!


Top
 Profile   
 
PostPosted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 8:17 pm 
Offline
GPONA SE Member
GPONA SE Member

Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 11:15 pm
Posts: 83
Location: Minneapolis
Thanks given: 0 time
Thanked: 0 time
Age: 21
vFULLCOLLAPSEv wrote:
You can pick up a set off ebay for 102 shipped. Not gonna be GM parts but they will be new and clear.


I made the mistake of getting some of those. Fit horribly, and the beam pattern was all over the place.


Top
 Profile   
 
PostPosted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 8:35 pm 
Offline
GPONA GTP Addict
GPONA GTP Addict
User avatar

Joined: Sat Dec 29, 2007 7:51 pm
Posts: 824
Location: tha ghetto
Thanks given: 0 time
Thanked: 0 time
Age: 39
Name: James
my headlights looked worse than that, and I was able to save em' for about $40. Bill05GTP posted a link to the thread I started about it


Last edited by fruitloop on Thu Feb 25, 2010 8:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Top
 Profile   
 
PostPosted: Fri Feb 26, 2010 12:15 am 
Offline
GPONA Addict
GPONA Addict
User avatar

Joined: Thu Jan 31, 2008 12:29 am
Posts: 1500
Location: Fresno, CA
Thanks given: 0 time
Thanked: 0 time
Age: 26
xXGTPXx wrote:
ive heard of people using just rubbing compound and polishing compound and getting good results!

Right now I'm leaning towards either the Meguiars or Permatex headlight restoration kits.

_________________
2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP Competition Group


Top
 Profile   
 
PostPosted: Fri Feb 26, 2010 12:18 am 
Online
The Stig
The Stig
Premium Member
User avatar

Joined: Thu Mar 06, 2008 3:09 am
Posts: 4496
Location: Miami, FL
Thanks given: 1 time
Thanked: 4 times
Age: 25
Name: Anthony Carmenate
fruitloop wrote:
my headlights looked worse than that, and I was able to save em' for about $40. Bill05GTP posted a link to the thread I started about it


I did it with half the money you spent :cool:

_________________
Image

Why have more money than brains? Cuz RACE CAR :lol:


Top
 Profile   
 
PostPosted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 8:50 pm 
Offline
GPONA GT Member
GPONA GT Member

Joined: Fri Jul 04, 2008 9:46 pm
Posts: 143
Thanks given: 0 time
Thanked: 0 time
Age: 20
Name: Martin
LOL 102?! 200?! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I got a friend who works at a body shop to get me a pair FO' 63!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Eagle Eye brand?... It was tacked on to someone else's bill :)

_________________
Image
[2004 Grand Prix GT-2]
CAI--180 T--Night Shades--Port. Box 2 15'' Audio Pipes--PH2-2000 Kole Audio AMP--


Top
 Profile   
 
PostPosted: Thu Mar 11, 2010 10:20 pm 
Offline
GPONA Addict
GPONA Addict
User avatar

Joined: Thu Jan 31, 2008 12:29 am
Posts: 1500
Location: Fresno, CA
Thanks given: 0 time
Thanked: 0 time
Age: 26
No aftermarkets brand for me, I'm an OEM junkie. I saw that Ed Morad is selling one for $64 right now that's in very good shape for a used one. But I'm going to try to work on mine this weekend.

_________________
2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP Competition Group


Top
 Profile   
 
PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2010 11:09 pm 
Offline
GPONA Addict
GPONA Addict
User avatar

Joined: Thu Jan 31, 2008 12:29 am
Posts: 1500
Location: Fresno, CA
Thanks given: 0 time
Thanked: 0 time
Age: 26
I picked up the Meguiars headlight restoarion kit on Friday and I used it yesterday with some marginal success. The drivers side came out looking good, but the passenger side needs more work done it. I'm thinking that both headlights need about 2-3 more passes on them.

_________________
2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP Competition Group


Top
 Profile   
 
PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2010 1:59 pm 
Offline
GPONA Addict
GPONA Addict
User avatar

Joined: Sat Dec 29, 2007 5:28 pm
Posts: 1710
Location: Lawndale, CA
Thanks given: 0 time
Thanked: 1 time
Age: 32
Name: Mike
I just did my brothers headlights on his cavalier with the 3M headlight kit. It came out really good. I recommend the 3M kit.

_________________
1999 GT|SLP CAI|Borla Catback| Shift kit|18" Koblenz|GMPP Lowering|GMPP handling|Blk Headlights|ER Rcokers|HV3|HV TB http://www.fquick.com/The_GuzImage


Top
 Profile   
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 26 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next

All times are UTC - 6 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
© 2008 phpbbstylists.com
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group

phpBB SEO
[ Time : 0.093s | 19 Queries | GZIP : On ]
augmentative
augmentative