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Can you restore all headlights on the car?

Posted: January 5th, 2016, 10:37 am
by clearvision
I had a neighbors Dad inquire about headlight restoration on his motor home. The headlights were very recessed inwards with painted areas surrounding it and looked very hard to get to ,either by machine or hand sanding.

He was more interested what he could do himself than hiring me but it made me wonder how I would have done them.

I just ordered a backing plate extension for my rotary and hopefully that will help in situations like that?

Re: Can you restore all headlights on the car?

Posted: January 5th, 2016, 10:52 am
by Brent Deines
The first thing I would do is check to see how hard they are to remove. Extensions make controlling a rotary tool much more difficult so be extra careful if you go that route and consider adding an extra layer or two of tape surrounding the lens.

Re: Can you restore all headlights on the car?

Posted: January 5th, 2016, 12:49 pm
by clearvision
Thanks Brent.

I was wondering how the extension would affect the controle of the rotary!

I use blue painters tape. Are you saying I may need even 3 layers of tape? I use the blue painters tape.....

Thanks!

Re: Can you restore all headlights on the car?

Posted: January 5th, 2016, 5:03 pm
by Brent Deines
I would add the extra layers or maybe try the extension on a test light to see if you have any control issues. I was surprised how much extra effort it took to control drills and rotary buffers with an extension attached and it doesn't take much of a rub with a rotary to go through even the best masking tape.

I guess I should first have asked if you are using the rotary for sanding or just polishing. If just polishing it's not nearly as big of a deal. And of course you may be better at controlling the tool than I am so I'm only suggesting that you use a bit of caution until you get used to the extension if you are using it for the sanding process.

Re: Can you restore all headlights on the car?

Posted: January 5th, 2016, 8:31 pm
by clearvision
I appreciate the concern Brent!

Maybe duct tape as an extra precaution! I will be using it for sanding and I do have a junk car to do some testing on so that will be my next step when the extension comes in. Its a 2 ' extension.

I will post how it goes! Wish me luck! I am actually a bit nervous now! :lol:

Re: Can you restore all headlights on the car?

Posted: January 5th, 2016, 11:53 pm
by screenman
You might find the front of the vehicle comes off witha few clips or bolts giving you loads of room to work.

Re: Can you restore all headlights on the car?

Posted: January 6th, 2016, 1:26 pm
by clearvision
Thanks Screenman.

Now if I do that I hope I can put it back together correctly! :D

Re: Can you restore all headlights on the car?

Posted: January 11th, 2016, 8:47 pm
by clearvision
I tried out the extension today for polishing and yes I did have a harder time with control and could feel different muscles being used especially my wrists were stressed.

Its amazing what just a couple inches can do to change everything. I was surprised!

Sanding should be a bit more challenging.Havent gone there yet!

Re: Can you restore all headlights on the car?

Posted: January 12th, 2016, 10:44 am
by Brent Deines
Sanding is definitely more challenging. Easy to catch an edge and gouge the lens.