JDM fog light lense restoration

JustJeff · 11-13-2011, 11:06 PM

Got some JDM fogs for pretty cheap. Bought them off somebody who was parting out a front clip. They were pretty scratched up. I followed an online guide for restoration. I wet sanded with 400, 800, 1000, and 2000 grit. Then polished with some Plastix. The guide actually called for 1500 grit mixed in there. I thought I had some but didn't and didn't want to go back out to the store. The guide called for doing one pass horizontal and another vertical for each grit.

The results are a good start but not good enough. From a distance they look pretty alright. But up close you can see light scratches from the sanding. I'm gonna do them over. Any advice would be appreciated.

I wish I had taken a before shot or two, but all I have are the afters.

One deep scratch that was missed. I may go back and start with 320 grit. You can also see the sanding marks.

Sanding marks really show with them lit up

Pete_89T2 · 11-14-2011, 10:18 PM

Looks good. I had pretty good results using just the Meguire's headlight lens restoration kit on my FTP lenses on the FC, and my Protege5 & my son's Sentra headlights. In all three cases, I was dealing with just cloudy oxidized lenses, no major scratchs, so there was no need for sandpaper. Just used the polishing bonnet & polishing compound that came with the kit, and it really improved the clarity of the plastic. For the FTP's, it was necessary to remove them and do it on the workbench because I didn't want to mess up the bumper. Is it hard to remove the FC fog lights? If not, I think I'll try those next.

For the other cars, I just used masking tape to protect the bodywork around the lenses from the polishing bonnet.

JustJeff · 11-15-2011, 02:37 PM

I looked at Mequire's and other restore kits but bought everything individually. IIRC the Mequire's Plastx is the same stuff they give in those kits. I've got a sponge block I can use rather than my hand...if I can find it. If I can get to the store tonight after work before they close I'm gonna get some 1500 grit.

I think they are going to be limited in how well they clean up. The insides of the lenses have some moisture marks. So I think there is only so good I'm going to be able to clean these up. BUT they already look better than before I started.

Pete_89T2 · 11-15-2011, 03:52 PM

Yup, the Meguire's kit consists of just their Plastix polish, a polishing head & bonnet to attach to a drill, and a microfiber cloth for final hand buffing. Less than $20 at most Walmarts.

JustJeff · 11-15-2011, 08:19 PM

Like the other thread says. I already owned a few different grades of paper. I needed some more 400 and am going back for some 1500. I already had some 800, 1000, and 2000.

I was actually looking at the heavy duty kit. It was around $30...and my lenses needed it. Not that I was surprised they needed cleaning up. They are 20 year old plastic.

I ended up getting a full bottle of Plastix for like $8. I've got a total of 3 sets of foglights. One JDM and two USDM. I'll be taking the USDM off my turbo vert and swapping the JDM. I've also got a vert with no engine that I'm deciding what to do with. The front bumper is off that for paint. While it's off I might as well buff up those fog lights too. My one set of FTP lenses are in really good shape, but the other set could use some cleaning up...and they are off the bumper for paint anyway.

11-14-2011, 10:18 PM	#2
Pete_89T2 Lifetime Rotorhead Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Elkton, MD iTrader: (1) Posts: 874 Rep Power: 15	Looks good. I had pretty good results using just the Meguire's headlight lens restoration kit on my FTP lenses on the FC, and my Protege5 & my son's Sentra headlights. In all three cases, I was dealing with just cloudy oxidized lenses, no major scratchs, so there was no need for sandpaper. Just used the polishing bonnet & polishing compound that came with the kit, and it really improved the clarity of the plastic. For the FTP's, it was necessary to remove them and do it on the workbench because I didn't want to mess up the bumper. Is it hard to remove the FC fog lights? If not, I think I'll try those next. For the other cars, I just used masking tape to protect the bodywork around the lenses from the polishing bonnet.

11-15-2011, 03:52 PM	#4
Pete_89T2 Lifetime Rotorhead Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Elkton, MD iTrader: (1) Posts: 874 Rep Power: 15	Yup, the Meguire's kit consists of just their Plastix polish, a polishing head & bonnet to attach to a drill, and a microfiber cloth for final hand buffing. Less than $20 at most Walmarts.