harder then normal lights list

[part-timer]

tk4.....Could I ask what process you use to do your headlights? I bought and tried the Griots 3" machine and didn't like the way it worked. I now do most of my headlights by hand wet sanding except the especially hard original coatings, which I use a razor blade, then a 400 discs with machine and then hand sand with 600, 800, 1000, 1500 and a final 3m Trizact 3000 pad with a drill. Then apply the UV coating.
I was a auto technician for 22 years and have a ton of tools but never did any bodywork or headlights until a little over a year ago. A buddy of mine suggested that I try the headlights and I've been doing them since that time. I'm definately not as experienced as many here, so I'm always asking for others advice and opinions. Thanks to everyone's help....it is much appreciated.

[mend master]

So you assume, because someone doesn't find BMW lenses difficult, that person is doing a poor job? That is quite an assumption on your part.

I am further south than you and I do see the lenses with "barnacles" as you referred to them, everyday. I still do not find these to be an issue. It is all in the sanding.

I guess at this time I should same something negative about your ability or the job you perform but I am not going to lower myself to that level.

Good luck in the future with you BMW lenses!

If you go back and reread my post, I think you will find I specifically said I WASN'T saying you were doing a poor quality job. I am not trying to slam anyone. All I can do is share my experience, just like you are. Could be different years, could be other variables. I don't know. All I know for sure is that most of the newer lenses seem to have an incredibly thick OEM coating and take more energy and materials to achieve a quality finish. I apologize for offending you. That was not my intention. The smokin' crack was just a poor attempt at humor. Please forgive me.

[t4k]

tk4.....Could I ask what process you use to do your headlights? I bought and tried the Griots 3" machine and didn't like the way it worked. I now do most of my headlights by hand wet sanding except the especially hard original coatings, which I use a razor blade, then a 400 discs with machine and then hand sand with 600, 800, 1000, 1500 and a final 3m Trizact 3000 pad with a drill. Then apply the UV coating.
I was a auto technician for 22 years and have a ton of tools but never did any bodywork or headlights until a little over a year ago. A buddy of mine suggested that I try the headlights and I've been doing them since that time. I'm definately not as experienced as many here, so I'm always asking for others advice and opinions. Thanks to everyone's help....it is much appreciated.

I use Delta Kits' methodology and a Metabo sander.

[part-timer]

Dodge trucks and some other vehicles with lots of curves and odd shapes are a bit challenging, especially if they have only the top 1/3 of the original coating deteriorated. Sometimes removing the old coating can be tough.

[part-timer]

Does anyone feel like maybe the different car makes/models may have different variations of hardness/softness to their headlamp lens composite materials? It sure seems like some are harder or easier than others to remove sanding marks/swirls. I did a Mitsu Eclipse the other day all by hand....wet sanded with 800, 1000, 1200, 1500, 2000 and then 3000.......and after doing the 3000 noticed sanding marks from the 800......I had to go back to 1000 and start over....while other cars like a Honda civic I did sanded out great one time through and looked excellent.
Anyone agree? disagree? Any input is welcome....Thanks!

[just chippen away]

It could be that you did not spend enough time the first time with the 1000 grt... Clean and let dry to see what is looks like before starting on the next grt up... the more you do the better you will get it down pat.

[part-timer]

I've just ran into another problem. There is now someone in my area running around to the used car lots that I was doing, offering to do their lights for $25 a pair!! Also from what I'm reading, in this forum and others, people are doing a complete set from start to finish in only 1/2 hour. I'm wondering what their procedure/process is. It's cuttin into my jobs!!! Grrrrrrr!

[mend master]

I've just ran into another problem. There is now someone in my area running around to the used car lots that I was doing, offering to do their lights for $25 a pair!! Also from what I'm reading, in this forum and others, people are doing a complete set from start to finish in only 1/2 hour. I'm wondering what their procedure/process is. It's cuttin into my jobs!!! Grrrrrrr!

I have exactly the same issue in my market. As a matter of fact, these guys have pretty much ruined the market in my area and driven the going rate down to $25. I still command $50/set wholesale, but only for my discerning customers. I also charge more for retail and some of the harder than normal sets that have been identified on this thread. Unfortunately, there are also detail shops using banners with $39.95 pricing to drive business. Many of these shops do some level of sanding, then simply polish the lens with a buffer which lasts 2-3 months max. The $25 guys here wet sand with 600 and shoot a coat of cheap clear. It looks shiny and they can easily do a set in a half hour. I have had one of my jobs side by side with their's and had the dealer tell me they couldn't see any difference. Trust me, Stevie Wonder could have told the difference, but what they were saying is they liked his price better than the final appearance mattered. When someone has that attitude, there is nothing you can do but move on. One of the reasons I like being a full-on recon tech. If they want to nickle and dime on a certain type of job, I just do something else.

[t4k]

I worked on an 04 BMW 5 series, 06Lexus LX 470 and a MB C300 today. They went off with out a hitch and the customers were pleased with the outcome. I personally love the high end cars and their owners.

The BMW owner was the most impressed because he bought a DIY kit and almost ruined one of his lenses with the aggressive sanding.

[part-timer]

I've just ran into another problem. There is now someone in my area running around to the used car lots that I was doing, offering to do their lights for $25 a pair!! Also from what I'm reading, in this forum and others, people are doing a complete set from start to finish in only 1/2 hour. I'm wondering what their procedure/process is. It's cuttin into my jobs!!! Grrrrrrr!

I have exactly the same issue in my market. As a matter of fact, these guys have pretty much ruined the market in my area and driven the going rate down to $25. I still command $50/set wholesale, but only for my discerning customers. I also charge more for retail and some of the harder than normal sets that have been identified on this thread. Unfortunately, there are also detail shops using banners with $39.95 pricing to drive business. Many of these shops do some level of sanding, then simply polish the lens with a buffer which lasts 2-3 months max. The $25 guys here wet sand with 600 and shoot a coat of cheap clear. It looks shiny and they can easily do a set in a half hour. I have had one of my jobs side by side with their's and had the dealer tell me they couldn't see any difference. Trust me, Stevie Wonder could have told the difference, but what they were saying is they liked his price better than the final appearance mattered. When someone has that attitude, there is nothing you can do but move on. One of the reasons I like being a full-on recon tech. If they want to nickle and dime on a certain type of job, I just do something else.

I feel your pain my friend. I'm surprised that just 600 and clear works at all!! It's a shame with this economy there are people willing to do anything cheaper just to survive themselves. I still try to convince my customers that quality matters and remind them of the phrase, "You get what you pay for"......lol I guess we all have to just keep sluggin' !