I haven't posted any pics of Basil yet, because he is kind of self-conscious about the damage on his face. Left front corner has received some serious sand damage. From what I have read here, I think I'm going to try the Touchup 123 system for the paint damage. My question deals with Basil's left eye. The lens is heavily pitted and has a frosted look. I really (REALLY!) don't want to spend $1000 on a new headlight. Any thoughts on cleaning up the lens? AutoZone has a pad system for polishing lenses; anyone tried it?
Once I come up with a game plan, I will do a photo session of the resto attempt.
Thanks, detailing gurus!

 

Have you checked with your insurance company to see if this is covered by your policy?

 

Unfortunately, I bought him this way, so no coverage.

 

^^ you are too honest. jk.

depending on how deep the chips are you might need a new repaint
on the bonnet and quarter. if it's through the clear it's basically best
you get it professionally repaired.

the headlight can be repaired probably, but sounds like you're going to
need to remove it from the car, sand it with a sander 1000grit, then
come back up gradually 1500, 2000, 3000, and polish at the end.

 

Well, there is that, but it's also a matter of timing. Haven't had any good windstorms since I bought him. Now, if I were to wait a couple of months when we get our Spring winds....

As far as repaint, same deal. Not ready to put out that kind of money. I thought the Touchup 123 system was intended for rockchips and such. May not be a perfect repair, but certainly better than what I have now.

 

Hi, I used the plastic polish kit from Autozone on my hdlites. The pits are too deep for them to be removed with the kit. I did not have the courage to sand them down and repolish them. I only did one side and it was noticably clearer than the other. If you use the kit , you can burn the plastic if you run the pad on its edge or push too hard, and it will be very hard to remove the burn
I think its sand blowing on the car from semis and truck's tires in front at speed, there is no sand storm.

 

Have you looked on E-Bay for a headlight replacement? I bet you could find one for less then your insurance deductable.

 

I say to find a replacement, then to put a clear cover over the lens to protect it from any damage.

 

I'd suggest you try polishing the lens out. You may surprise yourself with the results. Once you get Basil's vision back to 20/20 make sure to buy a set of light covers. I got my set from Moss & they are quite thick & heavy duty.

 

I just polished out one headlight on my 2001 Town and Country - was in an accident and one was replaced, made the other look AWFUL - pitted, hazy, discolored, the works. I wet sanded with 1000 grit to get all the pits out, then 1500 and 2000 to get it smooth. Couldn't find any finer grit paper locally. So I polished it the same way I'm polishing out the paint - Meguair's #2 / Prima Swirl / Prima Finish using the PC and yellow/orange/white DP pads. Looks LIKE NEW now. Now sure how this composition compares to the MINI headlights... but expect they would respond similarly.

p.s. - once you start sanding you will feel CERTAIN that you have ruined your headlights. Just hang in there and work through the process...

 

Since you're in New Mexico, just take out the old light and use baling wire to put in one of those old square headlights.

Can't just the lens be replaced?

 

Kurt, trying to stay away from the SW ghetto look, thanks!

With the Xenons, complete assembly only.

 

How's uncle Owen?