Pass V1

Does anyone know the correct way to remove the painted molding strip on the headlights? I need to polish the headlights and it would be easier if I could remove that molding.

trhs75

This doesn't really answer your question, I'm afraid, but I took the easier way out and put blue painters' masking tape over the painted areas to polish the lenses!

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

What are folks using nowadays to polish plastic headlight covers? I've tried a couple of "kits" which were a rip-off and didn't do any better that liquid/paste polishing compound (which only got about 1/2 the haze off).

cduluk

definitely no need to remove the strip to polish the headlights. Like the first poster suggested, just add a couple layers of masking tape over the strip- or, just leave it and polish the strip while you're at it

Wet-sand the plastic with 1500 grit sandpaper and machine polish (don't even think about doing it by hand...) with 3m scratch remover. The plastic will come out good as new. I give my headlight retrofit customers a complimentary wet-sand and polish this way works great.

butttttt.. if you insist on removing the molding, you need to first remove the headlight to get to the small screw towards the outward edge. Then use a heat-gun to gently melt the adhesive tape holding the rest of it on. It's a royal PITA so beware...

molexGS400

to polish haze off of the headlights try a product called " REJUVINATOR" its sold wholesale so its a little hard to find. apply and remove by hand.

cduluk

aka 3m scratch remover with a larger price tag

It's just an abrasive like any other paint scratch remover...

Pass V1

Hi everyone thanks for the info. I am not going to remove the headlight assy to reach the screw and get the molding off.

As far as the polishing goes I will use a Micro-Mesh Kit KR-70. This is what I used in my past airplane mechanic's life to remove any plastic windshield defects. It is done by hand using a foam block,1500,1800,2400,3600,4000,6000 sand paper, and then a liquid abrasive. I have done several headlights, it works great, and last a long time. I will post the pics of the RX in a few weeks when I complete the project.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Ah, that might be my problem - I've always done it by hand - don't own an orbital sander/buffer

cduluk

yeah... working by hand won't get you good results unless you work on it for hours...

If you have an orbital etc the job could be done in less than a 1/2 hour and you can remove the little rock chips as well. The rx300 headlight plastic is approx 1/4" thick believe it or not. Wet-sanding will take the majority of the chips out, then polishing with the compound will remove the sanding scratches and make the plastic shine like brand new.

trhs75

I used a plastic polish (2 different abrasive levels, actually) made by Meguiar's, I believe. I rubbed forever and it didn't do as much as I expected. I think I'll try the suggestions posted above!

ImOutRu

I found an awesome way to clean the headlights to new condition..Brasso...LOl..sounds funny, but works perfectly..makes lens new again..apply in circular motion...wait to haze up, buff out...this will blow your mind how well it works

cduluk

again, all it is, is an abrasive.