Great video. For those of us who want to be spared skinned knuckles and broken clips getting the headlight assemblies out of the car. For the headlights on my Pajero, I used a method found on RUclips by Sweet Project Cars. I used an 8 inch Hitachi Sander/Polisher on slow speed with a cut down Loop Pile attachment and Farecla 75mm velcro G-MOP. Spread Mothers Mag and Aluminium Polish liberally on the headlight lens, buff with the dry pad on the polisher. Total time, 3 Minutes per headlamp. Lasts a year, lasts a lot longer if you spray the lenses with 303 Aerospace Protectant and polish with a microfibre cloth once a month.
The one time I tried adhesion promoter on headlights, I got a cloudy finish. From them on, no more adhesion promoter. Not necessary and it's more trouble than its worth. For all other plastics though, I always use adhesion promoter.
We've been doing them with clear coat 20 years ago up here in Canada with a good quality clear coat with UV inhibitor. A very efficient way to recycle. I really enjoy your channel Gunny, keep them coming.
Came out like new Gunny, I wouldn't use any adhesion promoter either, as you said the headlights are rigid so unlike bumpers which are flexible and a different plastic there is no need. John UK.
Thanks Gunnie! for confirming this method. I've found that this is the best way. It will last many years. ... I do suggest using ultra high-solids clear coat because medium solids tends to flake off after some time
Hey brother, long time. 100% on the 1k adhesion promoter... which is why i never use any clears that use reducers in them... i mean even alcohol makes headlights react... its a toss up. But i had good results. Everyone works different. Cheers!!
Hey my man Jose, haven't seen that name in a long time. Hope you've been well brother. And yeah totally agree with you on the adhesion promoter. Not necessary and causes more trouble than good.
I’ve had 1k adhesion promoter cause problems on headlights. My personal vehicle has been going strong for 4 years after 1000 grit, no adhesion promoter, and regular 2k clear.
Gunny, Thanks for the tutorial. Straight to the point with no BS, as always. Much appreciated. I attempted this the other day, and though I thought I had the process down, I definitely screwed a few things up. One I could live with--not sure if I can live with both. Depends on how hard to fix. 1. Got some solvent pop. Not a ton, and not too noticeable from a distance, but I know it's there. Cut and buff? Only went with a tack coat and one full wet coat of clear. In total, probably 40 mils per headlight. 2. The plastic wasn't secured, and as I was letting the lights dry in open air, a breeze caught the plastic and put a couple of significant blemishes in the clear. Again, not too noticeable from a distance, but then, up close it's pretty obvious. Now, this is my daily driver, and I do want it to be nice, but it'll never be perfect. Heck, half the time the lights are covered with bug guts anyway. Am I making too big a deal here, or would you correct either of these? Recommendations? Thanks again!
I sanded and buffed two headlights on a Honda jazz and they looked like new. 12 months later they were yellow again. Did the job again but used clear coat on them the second time and they were like new 2 years later.
Hi gunny when i had one of my boats the screen was terrible everyone has seen them , my father told me about using brasso and a buff ,i was a bit sceptical but it did a great job on the cheap.I know this is a car headlight different bird but thought i would just mention it .
I have been using brasso on my own headlights for years. Works great and only needs doing once a year. I like this clip on how to clearcoat them tho. I have tried Clear Acrylic and failed so I went back to just buffing them with brasso. I might try Clear 2 pack on my car one day and see how that goes. like many others, I watch a ton of YT clips about clear coating lights but none of them say what type of clear they are using.
@@FuManchu5ltr True story tho. And no there it isn't. Toothpaste somewhat works for a short time only, lucky if it lasts 2 months. I never heard of someone using WD40. But Bresso does work for a very long time and really brings the lens up like new - it's good stuff but still just a bandaid.
Awesome job bro ! Looks brand new again ! Did many head lights restorations with diff brands from auto parts store but couldn't get clear enough the way I wanted . Seeing your video looks so Good. Will try 2k clear in a couple Of weeks ..Tnx you're awesome
@thegunman can you please try using different clears I normally do same steps you have done but one time I used protec hs clear (what my shop uses) and the lens went all funny and left like crack lines everywhere (no plastic primer just rub and clear coat )
There is actually a clearcoat what they sell as a headlight clear and price is ridiculous compared to a normal clear. They also say it has better uv protection and adhesion. Idk if it is just a same product than normal clear.
I did this years ago on a minivan that I have, but I made the mistake of using 1k (rattlecan) clear. Looked good for a year then went to shit. The van's not a commonly used vehicle, matter of fact it's just backup/for large things that need to be hauled but it needs it's lights done again now. Been thinking of getting the 2k in a can since I don't currently have a compressor.
Can't be any worse than the 1K was. From what I've been able to find through my research and watching other videos, it will. I need to get a compressor when I can afford it, I want to respray the UGLY off green they put on a CR-V I own and after looking at rattle can'ing it completely; just not a smart move financially. Besides I do some car repair and pneumatic tools will come in handy for the rust belt I live in.
Hey gunny my name is Bill thank you for the video on headlight restoration. May I ask what clear coat are you using. And the tip size of the devil's spray gun thank you for your time.
Awesome 👏 gunny those headlights well done 👍 spot on the money you hit the nail on the head with this video gunny keep it up much love and respect ✊👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌☝️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏😎😎😎😎😎😉😉😉👏👏👏👏👏✊✊✊✊✊✊✊💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Excellent video. I’m got an old 190e merc and has a crack on the lens. Good thing is the glass is a separate attachment to the light.so it can be separated. Any ideas on how to repair it. Apart from buying a new one lol.
Hes right, Do not use adhesion promoter! It etches into the plastic and leaves an uneven finish! Then you need to start over and that ap is a pain to sand back! Found out the hard way!
Sanding and polishing will last many years as long as you keep the lens well protected, ideally with a quality ceramic coating. No need for fresh clear coat in such cases.
For those that don't have access to a spray gun I've had really good results with Supercheap auto brand high gloss clear using the same prep technique.
@@MaFTB yeah I've tried Dulux and Concept paints spray can clear with poor results, the Supercheap one worked great for me on 4 different cars 2+ years ago and still looks great.
I had my clear peel off on a job like this without adhesion promoter, so I redid it with some and the adhesion promoter separated on me (looked like a dried up lake bed). Super frustrating. Had to strip it off and start over. Must have been too wet.
Hi Sam ... I had such issues only with the cheap clear coats ... I've been doing 1200grit prep and High-solids clear with no adhesion promotor ... No issues and happy clients... I even offer 3yr guarantee
Very cool to see the process and how easy it seems to be! Thank you, Gunman. Have you tried to use SprayMaxx 2K Glamour Clear coat on plastic headlights? Any luck, if so?
Just did 2 cars with the Spraymaxx gloss clear. Same prep as Gunny does. Both were much improved, but really it comes down to the condition of the original lens. One had a lot of minor crazing which cannot be removed due to its depth. I was happy with all results though. The only thing I did was hit the finished item with a little swirl remover polish as I had a little bit of orange peel from the spraycan nozzle.
every headlight is different depending on the manufacturer. Don't use alcohol or any other solvent AFTER you sanded them down and you'll be good. Otherwise some of them can and will react and crinkle after applying clear coat. Older Subaru's being some of them ..
Gunny I love your videos, I have heard that the clear coat looks good but reduces the efficiency of the headlight and there is a specific coating for headlights. I saw a comparison video, what are your thoughts? I also watch your raw channel, great information and fantastic videos.
Haha talkin bout adhesion, man in the past iv got good amout of clear overspray on a head light obviously not sanded and it wasnt coming off with out sanding. 🤣🤣
For me, probably only an hour or so, but I'm set up in the workshop and didn't do any remove and refit. So for the average person no more than 2-3 hours should easily see it done.
@@makosharkcnc7730 things are good. The mill is running good but unfortunately I have only been using it for flanges lately. I only do the small block ford stuff. Sorry bud. 👍
I wonder if i could perform this on my full-face spray mask screen ? Im over wiping it with metho spirits as i spray indoor onsite work with no booth just the extraction exhaust fan
There is a 2k clear coat can by HB body without activator (bit strange) but it gives full gloss straight away like we have seen in this video. I have used it from small jobs like mirrors and headlights with amazing results. www.ebay.com.au/itm/174102529523
So satisfying seeing the first hit of clear laid down 👌
They look awesome gunny. Look better than brand new ones.
You should do more of these! People love headlight resto vids!
Wheels suck to rub down man honestly one of my least favourite things to paint. That and bullbars
@DrivewayAutoBody DAB fair enough.. I can appreciate that. Shadow chrome ones are a bit of fun to try replicate
Agree and that’s bloody great gunny
Great video. For those of us who want to be spared skinned knuckles and broken clips getting the headlight assemblies out of the car. For the headlights on my Pajero, I used a method found on RUclips by Sweet Project Cars. I used an 8 inch Hitachi Sander/Polisher on slow speed with a cut down Loop Pile attachment and Farecla 75mm velcro G-MOP. Spread Mothers Mag and Aluminium Polish liberally on the headlight lens, buff with the dry pad on the polisher. Total time, 3 Minutes per headlamp. Lasts a year, lasts a lot longer if you spray the lenses with 303 Aerospace Protectant and polish with a microfibre cloth once a month.
I've been clear coating headlights for years. Best restoration method.
Totally agree... Can't beat the quality and durability of original automotive clear coat
The one time I tried adhesion promoter on headlights, I got a cloudy finish. From them on, no more adhesion promoter. Not necessary and it's more trouble than its worth. For all other plastics though, I always use adhesion promoter.
WOW!!!!! From the 1200 grit to first coat of clear! Astonishing! Didn't even need to put a polisher to those bad boys haha
We've been doing them with clear coat 20 years ago up here in Canada with a good quality clear coat with UV inhibitor. A very efficient way to recycle. I really enjoy your channel Gunny, keep them coming.
Quick but thoroughly explained everytime, can't beat this guys videos
Came out like new Gunny, I wouldn't use any adhesion promoter either, as you said the headlights are rigid so unlike bumpers which are flexible and a different plastic there is no need. John UK.
Thanks Gunnie! for confirming this method. I've found that this is the best way. It will last many years. ... I do suggest using ultra high-solids clear coat because medium solids tends to flake off after some time
Hey gunny, the pigtails is the little swirls that are left behind from the sander yeah
Correct.
Such a superb finish !!!!
Hey brother, long time. 100% on the 1k adhesion promoter... which is why i never use any clears that use reducers in them... i mean even alcohol makes headlights react... its a toss up. But i had good results. Everyone works different. Cheers!!
Hey my man Jose, haven't seen that name in a long time. Hope you've been well brother. And yeah totally agree with you on the adhesion promoter. Not necessary and causes more trouble than good.
I’ve had 1k adhesion promoter cause problems on headlights. My personal vehicle has been going strong for 4 years after 1000 grit, no adhesion promoter, and regular 2k clear.
Gunny,
Thanks for the tutorial. Straight to the point with no BS, as always. Much appreciated. I attempted this the other day, and though I thought I had the process down, I definitely screwed a few things up. One I could live with--not sure if I can live with both. Depends on how hard to fix.
1. Got some solvent pop. Not a ton, and not too noticeable from a distance, but I know it's there. Cut and buff? Only went with a tack coat and one full wet coat of clear. In total, probably 40 mils per headlight.
2. The plastic wasn't secured, and as I was letting the lights dry in open air, a breeze caught the plastic and put a couple of significant blemishes in the clear. Again, not too noticeable from a distance, but then, up close it's pretty obvious.
Now, this is my daily driver, and I do want it to be nice, but it'll never be perfect. Heck, half the time the lights are covered with bug guts anyway. Am I making too big a deal here, or would you correct either of these? Recommendations?
Thanks again!
Honestly I'd probably fix it. It's such an easy job to do that I'd just sand them back and redo it.
@@TheGunmanChannel thanks, gunny. I'll do it. :)
I’m predicting some mouth breather is going to comment how toothpaste or WD40 is what they use.
Lol I do headlight pilishing on the side cheap and I always get those people commenting. WD40 last like 12 mins...
@@ryanbland628 I pilished only once and they look great!
I’ve always buffed them but like you said it never last. I’m going to try your way on my car this weekend.
Ceramic coatings are supposed to help with longevity after polishing but I can't speak for them. I prefer the 2k clear method
Once you cut and buff, the UV inhibitor is removed. Spraying 2K clear is the only way they will last. Great video Gunman!
@@setthehook4me detailers swear a ceramic coating will offer the same or better protection than a 2k clear.
I did a few headlight restoration with harbor freight purple gun and 2k clear on my channel . Excellent results and lasts long!
I sanded and buffed two headlights on a Honda jazz and they looked like new. 12 months later they were yellow again. Did the job again but used clear coat on them the second time and they were like new 2 years later.
Great restoration less money good look
I love this i do something very similar. I never used plastic promoted just used shopline clear comes out perfect every time
Stunning result.
Wow! I'll be doing this in the next couple days
Hi gunny when i had one of my boats the screen was terrible everyone has seen them , my father told me about using brasso and a buff ,i was a bit sceptical but it did a great job on the cheap.I know this is a car headlight different bird but thought i would just mention it .
I have been using brasso on my own headlights for years. Works great and only needs doing once a year. I like this clip on how to clearcoat them tho. I have tried Clear Acrylic and failed so I went back to just buffing them with brasso. I might try Clear 2 pack on my car one day and see how that goes. like many others, I watch a ton of YT clips about clear coating lights but none of them say what type of clear they are using.
And there it is.
@@FuManchu5ltr True story tho. And no there it isn't. Toothpaste somewhat works for a short time only, lucky if it lasts 2 months. I never heard of someone using WD40. But Bresso does work for a very long time and really brings the lens up like new - it's good stuff but still just a bandaid.
Awesome job bro ! Looks brand new again ! Did many head lights restorations with diff brands from auto parts store but couldn't get clear enough the way I wanted . Seeing your video looks so
Good. Will try 2k clear in a couple
Of weeks ..Tnx you're awesome
Nice job gunny. As always regards from Ireland!
Awesome video gunny.
Brand new! Gunman it's a Magician. Thanks.
spot on gunny great there look like new
@thegunman can you please try using different clears I normally do same steps you have done but one time I used protec hs clear (what my shop uses) and the lens went all funny and left like crack lines everywhere (no plastic primer just rub and clear coat )
I will definitely try the 1200 wet after 800. Thought all I needed was 600, 800. Thanks man!
I’ve done a couple of these in tinted by adding a few drops of black into the clear but I’m sure smoked headlights are probably illegal in Australia
A few drops?? You have to go aleast 30% black to get any kind of tint after 2 coats.
There is actually a clearcoat what they sell as a headlight clear and price is ridiculous compared to a normal clear. They also say it has better uv protection and adhesion. Idk if it is just a same product than normal clear.
I did this years ago on a minivan that I have, but I made the mistake of using 1k (rattlecan) clear. Looked good for a year then went to shit.
The van's not a commonly used vehicle, matter of fact it's just backup/for large things that need to be hauled but it needs it's lights done again now. Been thinking of getting the 2k in a can since I don't currently have a compressor.
I don't see why that wouldn't work. I'm yet to use the 2k rattle cans but I'm sure they'll work just fine for headlights.
Can't be any worse than the 1K was. From what I've been able to find through my research and watching other videos, it will.
I need to get a compressor when I can afford it, I want to respray the UGLY off green they put on a CR-V I own and after looking at rattle can'ing it completely; just not a smart move financially. Besides I do some car repair and pneumatic tools will come in handy for the rust belt I live in.
You can get great results polishing alone but this gets the best result and longevity is a little better imo
Where you been gun man. Missing you videos
I've been right here, go check through my channel. I've been doing weekly video for ages.
Great job
this was really good!!! Hope more people see this video🤩
Cheers!!!
Nice job great stuff!!👌
Very good mate very nice 👍
Hey gunny my name is Bill thank you for the video on headlight restoration. May I ask what clear coat are you using. And the tip size of the devil's spray gun thank you for your time.
When the light got heat, clear can be peeled off right mr gun man??
Excellent could you do a video on clear coat repair on a vehicle ?
Lol you must be new here :)
Awesome 👏 gunny those headlights well done 👍 spot on the money you hit the nail on the head with this video gunny keep it up much love and respect ✊👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌☝️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏😎😎😎😎😎😉😉😉👏👏👏👏👏✊✊✊✊✊✊✊💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Excellent video.
I’m got an old 190e merc and has a crack on the lens.
Good thing is the glass is a separate attachment to the light.so it can be separated.
Any ideas on how to repair it.
Apart from buying a new one lol.
Hes right, Do not use adhesion promoter! It etches into the plastic and leaves an uneven finish! Then you need to start over and that ap is a pain to sand back! Found out the hard way!
Needed to see this👊🏾
So beautiful 🤩
the trick is this method looks like it works if the Astra lasted 4 years, the kits you buy don't last, lenses just go yellow again,
Exactly, they even have football stars and B-grade actors selling those snake oil kits 🤣🤣
Sanding and polishing will last many years as long as you keep the lens well protected, ideally with a quality ceramic coating. No need for fresh clear coat in such cases.
For those that don't have access to a spray gun I've had really good results with Supercheap auto brand high gloss clear using the same prep technique.
@@MaFTB yeah I've tried Dulux and Concept paints spray can clear with poor results, the Supercheap one worked great for me on 4 different cars 2+ years ago and still looks great.
I had my clear peel off on a job like this without adhesion promoter, so I redid it with some and the adhesion promoter separated on me (looked like a dried up lake bed). Super frustrating. Had to strip it off and start over. Must have been too wet.
Hi Sam ... I had such issues only with the cheap clear coats ... I've been doing 1200grit prep and High-solids clear with no adhesion promotor ... No issues and happy clients... I even offer 3yr guarantee
Very cool to see the process and how easy it seems to be! Thank you, Gunman. Have you tried to use SprayMaxx 2K Glamour Clear coat on plastic headlights? Any luck, if so?
Just did 2 cars with the Spraymaxx gloss clear. Same prep as Gunny does. Both were much improved, but really it comes down to the condition of the original lens. One had a lot of minor crazing which cannot be removed due to its depth. I was happy with all results though. The only thing I did was hit the finished item with a little swirl remover polish as I had a little bit of orange peel from the spraycan nozzle.
Did the same steps but it developed some cracking in the clear surface.
every headlight is different depending on the manufacturer. Don't use alcohol or any other solvent AFTER you sanded them down and you'll be good. Otherwise some of them can and will react and crinkle after applying clear coat. Older Subaru's being some of them ..
2:00 Jewellery on hand lol.
just like new again thumbs up
nice!
Gunny I love your videos, I have heard that the clear coat looks good but reduces the efficiency of the headlight and there is a specific coating for headlights. I saw a comparison video, what are your thoughts? I also watch your raw channel, great information and fantastic videos.
I don't know about that but surely it can't be worse than how they came in. Possibly a company just trying to sell a product
@@TheGunmanChannel you are more than likely correct. They looked like new!
Hi Gunman... Nice man... Can you let me know what is the gun set up ? Thank you!!!
SWEET
I like This VDO
Most consumers don't realize how much labor and time and danger goes into auto body. Not to mention the stress involved.
what clear varnish?
I learnt the hard way of using plastic adhesive primer on a set of headlights and had it separate it's self 😭
Sweet sauce!
definitely if painted on will chip off but 3 in 5 chance is very probable
Clear coat less light screen
Haha talkin bout adhesion, man in the past iv got good amout of clear overspray on a head light obviously not sanded and it wasnt coming off with out sanding. 🤣🤣
So what do you put on bumpers before you paint them what is the best thing to use do you use bulldog?
Is this regular clear coat for paint?
므찜 good gunman
How I get one of ur guns
Hay how much do you charge for the lights and if so are you in Melbourne 👍👍👍👍👍
I'll be in Melbourne in 7 weeks but living in Perth nowadays.
Hey gunny what kind of clear coat you use normal 2k clear and reducer
Nice gunny, start to finish. How long does that take?
For me, probably only an hour or so, but I'm set up in the workshop and didn't do any remove and refit. So for the average person no more than 2-3 hours should easily see it done.
Do u use fish eye remover ever?
i done this with the pass 3 cars i own !!!! i sanded mind with 400
Funny to catch you on here bud., 👍
@@PonyDownPerformance Hi my friend how are things going you mill running good? you ever make headers for corvette?
@@makosharkcnc7730 things are good. The mill is running good but unfortunately I have only been using it for flanges lately. I only do the small block ford stuff. Sorry bud. 👍
@@PonyDownPerformance My son is looking for mustang gt manual
@@makosharkcnc7730 any particular year range. The fox body (79-93) prices are high right now.
Nice job gunman my question is if I were to spray my head light and I wanted a slightly tint effect what would you recommend thank you for the video
Add a little black to your clear.
Thank you appreciate it
I wonder if i could perform this on my full-face spray mask screen ?
Im over wiping it with metho spirits as i spray indoor onsite work with no booth just the extraction exhaust fan
Yeah it does the same thing mate. I've done mine before
@@BeauOgrady sounds cool might give it a whirl 👍
👍👍👍
Which grip paper you sending this headlight befour spray
If you watch the video, you will find out.
Hello Gunman, is there much difference between regular clear coat and some special UV resistant ones? Thanks :)
The UV resistant clears will last much longer in the sun.
@@TheGunmanChannel Thanks :)
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Do you think you can get a good job from clear coat in a can?
There is a 2k clear coat can by HB body without activator (bit strange) but it gives full gloss straight away like we have seen in this video. I have used it from small jobs like mirrors and headlights with amazing results.
www.ebay.com.au/itm/174102529523
@@TruthHurtLiars thanks I tried a few spray cans and it came out very cloudy.
@@gav240z don't use acrylic clear at all. Use wax and grease rempver and make sure the plastic is completely dry before you spray.
I made the mistake of using 1k adhesion promoter it crazed and I spend an hour sanding it back again lol
Killa 👍
Is your flex ore 150 a good sander?
Yes I love it.
👌👌👌👌👌👌👌🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
What electric sander are you using?
This one brother www.spraygunsdirect.co.uk/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/8959/s/flex-sander-ore-5-150-ec-set/#sthash.YHI9W4SE.dpbs
@@TheGunmanChannel thanks man
Toyota Land Cruiser 200
Hi Gunny. Try Mothers Aluminium polish.
It works but doesn’t last like Gunny said. 2k clear is the best for long lasting results, which can also be purchased in a spray can.
And another. Try as you might, polish won’t fix this.
Good stuff Gunny!! came up a treat.