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Headlight lense cleaning? - 2 bucket method?

TIPEX9

TIPEX9

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Wales
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vtec-s
Hi guys im after a bit of advice and i also have a question about buckets :lol:

Firstly whats the best stuff to bring the headlights up to scratch on my 1.8 vtec-s? When i owned my Supra i remember buying something to take the horrible yellowing/ageing off the plastic lenses as it was an import but i cant remember what it was called and no longer have the bottle.

Also ive heard a few people on here talking about washing their Accords using the 2 bucket method, what is this?!

Cheers ;)
 
TIPEX9 said:
Also ive heard a few people on here talking about washing their Accords using the 2 bucket method, what is this?!

Cheers ;)
Click to expand...

It is what it says. 1 bucket of water with car shampoo, 1 bucket of water. Insert sponge/mitt or whatever you are using to clean the car into the shampoo, clean part of the car, rinse the sponge/mitt or whatever you are using to clean the car in the other bucket to get the dirt off and then put it back into the car shampoo bucket which will only have clean water in it. Repeat until clean. Don't be tempted to throw the bucket of dirty water over your wheels when you've finished cleaning.
 
For the headlights you should go with a plastic polish. Most of the detailing brands have them, and give great results.

The 2 bucket method is basically that. Two buckets were you wash your sponge after using it in the car (to release dirt), and then another bucket to start again with clear water/shampoo. Basically, clear a panel, use the dirty bucket to clear the sponge, then use the clear water bucket to start again.
 
Thank for the feedback folks, i think i will shower tonight using 2 sponges! :lol: :lol: :lol:
 
I'm planning to do my headlamps aswell for the same reason. Reading a few howto's, I think there is one somewhere on here. I am going to use rubbing compound, plastic polish, buffing pad and sealant.

Rubbing compound
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_170783_langId_-1_categoryId_165625

Meguairs Plastic Polish
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Meguiars-Plast-RX-Rich-Gel-Plastic-Cleaner-Polish-295ml-/221003448585?pt=UK_Car_Accessories_Car_Care_Cleaning&hash=item3374d50109#ht_1192wt_1140

Sealant
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_230723_langId_-1_categoryId_165527
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sZg9cj2hxI


This is the best method. You don't need a rotary. A DA will do the job.
 
I did my lights by wetsanding then machine polishing. Comes up a treat.

Some sponges are fine, I often use a B&Q grout sponge, especially if using a no rinse wash product.

I also prefer to have shampoo in my rinse bucket as well as the wash bucket, as it seems to help break down the dirt on the sponge/wash mit better than just rinsing alone, especially if the dirt is a bit greasy. I only ever use a 2nd bucket if the car is dirty though or if using a no rinse product. For a weekly wash i find a 2nd bucket is overkill for me, especially if i have prewashed the car using snow foam.
 
Having read a few posts on this headlamp cleaning , i have just tried using soda crystals with water on a scourer sponge. It happens to be on a rainy day and the lights were only slightly opague, It does look alot better but will wait to see what they look like on a dry day.
 
For MOT passing on the Tourer (I-ctdi) I use a bit of Solvol autosol. Rub as hard as possible keeping the same bit of towel.

Then buff off with one half of the other side, folding over until the debris and damaged plastic is clear of the panel.
 
Well the soda crystals method does not work. Will try your autosol idea, just incase as a back up i have ordered some headlamp cleaner £6.99 from ebay.
 
Just do it once and do it right...
600, 1200, 2000, 4000grit wet sanding and compound polish + wax to seal.
 
Very good video on this topic here (one of my favourite youtube channels)


I ordered the Cerakote kit from Amazon USA, cost around £22 inc delivery so not cheap but should do the job well. I think the key is sealing them afterwards, if you just polish they go back again very quickly.

On my list of jobs to do - I will remove the headlights at some point as I want to "de-tango" them.
 
Tried the headlamp restorer and renovator liquid from ebay . Then gave them a turtle wax cover. Will see how long it lasts. Will try to get some pics before and after when i know how to
 
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