2001 x5 Headlight Lenses Re-Do

[Ricky Bobby]

that looks fine, use that and 50/50 with mineral spirits youll be good

[sunny5280]

Originally Posted by jc1surf

Hi sunny, i just wanted to confirm this with you before i went ahead and opened it. will this urethane work? the guys at Ace hardware never heard of this for plastics...lol

Ruhroh, I also did the sanding by hand, mine wasn't too bad to begin with. But I did use porter cable with light cutting pad for the rubbing compound, then switched to lighter pad for Meguires Plastix polisher. I can tell the difference after using the potter cable. Unfortunately, the plastix did not give me the result i was looking for. it was just a tad more polished, but i wanted the new plastic effect/look like Sunny's. So now im going to use the urethane.

Will post pics soon.

That should work. I would recommend a little bit on the thinner side so a mixture of 60/40 (mineral spirits / urethane). This mixture is easier to apply and smooths out better. I would also recommend multiple applications.

You'll be very pleased with the results. They'll be noticeable from the very first application. I couldn't believe the difference.

[jc1surf]

thanks a lot Sunny. really appreciate the help. I will post pics afterwards.
by the way, what does the miguers plastix polisher do? what results am i suppose to see? not much difference after i used it.
thanks

[sunny5280]

Originally Posted by jc1surf

thanks a lot Sunny. really appreciate the help. I will post pics afterwards.
by the way, what does the miguers plastix polisher do? what results am i suppose to see? not much difference after i used it.
thanks

The Miguers removes the scratches from the sanding process. Since you used a polishing kit it's possible the polishing compound did the same job as the Miguers making it redundant. For the method I used:

• Sanding: Removes the oxidation, scratches, pitting, etc from the lenses.
• Miguers: Polishes out the scratches from the sanding. Leaves a fairly good finish but doesn't leave the lenses looking like new.
• Urethane: Fills in the imperfections left from the previous step, leaves the lenses looking like new, and provides a UV protectant to extend the life of the finish.

Can't wait to see the pics.

[bcredliner]

Sure makes a huge difference.

[bpowa]

I did mines today also with mcguires. Then applied 2 coats of the mineral and poly mix.

However the lines from the wipe are very visible. I will have to wets and and rebuff after it fully cures. My advice as mentioned earlier its 60/40 mix of more mineral spirit. This is easier to apply and should smooth out on its own. Progress so far. Before and after poly/mineral.

[bpowa]

Phone won't let me load multiple photos in one post.

With the kit. Buy yourself a couple a sheet each of 1000, 2000, and 3000 grit sandpaper. The kit only comes with 2 pads. 1000 and 3000.

What sucks is there is oxidation behind the lens on my driver side. Probably due to heat from the projector. :/

[Aman]

Hi what is the best way to apply the urethane?
With a rag, brush, spray?
Thanks

[bpowa]

I think a fine bristle brush would work best. I used microfiber rag. I'm sure a brush would be easier.

I did not use spray. But am sure it would work. I just don't want the extra chemicals that can bubble the lens.

[sunny5280]

Originally Posted by Aman

Hi what is the best way to apply the urethane?
With a rag, brush, spray?
Thanks

I used the following Micro Fiber cloth from AutoZone:

AutoZone/3 pcs. microfiber detailing set (AZC0AZ) | Cloths, Towels and Chamois | AutoZone.com

You don't need to use a whole cloth...I cut it into 1/4 pieces.