MK5 Golf GTI
General => Detailing => Topic started by: Saintsteve on January 31, 2013, 05:19:11 pm
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Well spent 4 hours this afternoon trailing out this kit. For only £8.33 instead of £20, it just had to be done.
My xenons were not in the best condition, even since I bought them off from QD (Forum member) many moons ago, he was good enough to install them, but wasn't too impressed with the lenses condition.Looking back I payed around £500 fitted.
This is the kit, and I know quiet a few people cottoned on to this deal when it was posted a couple days ago..
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8359%2F8428842849_e63bdf56b1.jpg&hash=de5bca8427f5c2d2cb1b88766fbb222c8a96423e) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62252191@N06/8428842849/)
image (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62252191@N06/8428842849/) by Saint steve (http://www.flickr.com/people/62252191@N06/), on Flickr
Well, here is a pic to give you an idea of the lense condition ..
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8225%2F8432210555_318ea3cbc0.jpg&hash=601afbd015635a2ab64c4149f7c4da50acea2a02) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62252191@N06/8432210555/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62252191@N06/8432210555/) by Saint steve (http://www.flickr.com/people/62252191@N06/), on Flickr
Very sorry looking close up, but thought bollocks to it, brought the kit and summoned some tools from the Van..
Weapon of choice :signLOL:... Detailers might feel light headed with that tool :grin:
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8225%2F8432271431_acfce020d6.jpg&hash=7d13513c097dba5fd6da9b4c23179d29563a01a0) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62252191@N06/8432271431/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62252191@N06/8432271431/) by Saint steve (http://www.flickr.com/people/62252191@N06/), on Flickr
So on we go..
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8089%2F8433286506_7131c5eb0b.jpg&hash=31c71bfdff71ab73f6d330d5a4eff4f644a1fdbf) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62252191@N06/8433286506/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62252191@N06/8433286506/) by Saint steve (http://www.flickr.com/people/62252191@N06/), on Flickr
Pretty scary when you put 800 grit to your headlights leaving quite a worrying mess behind..
Progressing pics
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8357%2F8432200149_5501931bba.jpg&hash=b3527da3649adf190ef8101d331fb5fa93bc43fa) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62252191@N06/8432200149/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62252191@N06/8432200149/) by Saint steve (http://www.flickr.com/people/62252191@N06/), on Flickr
Next down to 500 grit.. Getting finer scratches
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8369%2F8432208011_18e81b83fc.jpg&hash=9c71bb7079cb8d8e4d06474293d7d60df9131c60) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62252191@N06/8432208011/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62252191@N06/8432208011/) by Saint steve (http://www.flickr.com/people/62252191@N06/), on Flickr
Then it was onto the supplied mopping pad with an addition of water to get it nearly scratch free.
I finished off using the compound that was enclosed in the kit, but I decided to use some Meguires Scratch X on the buffing pad and ended up with headlights that now look so much nicer.
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8190%2F8433294430_0b77912caa.jpg&hash=7b104f7d67ed8ab4509da867c916ec135c0c240c) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62252191@N06/8433294430/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62252191@N06/8433294430/) by Saint steve (http://www.flickr.com/people/62252191@N06/), on Flickr
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8091%2F8433384864_374d924145.jpg&hash=d85701b9fea2d4b7640d34f037e1f7ece8a6b63b) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62252191@N06/8433384864/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62252191@N06/8433384864/) by Saint steve (http://www.flickr.com/people/62252191@N06/), on Flickr
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8220%2F8433386034_826699b728.jpg&hash=03a040998ebf87590ee200b72ef1f0e9392947ea) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62252191@N06/8433386034/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62252191@N06/8433386034/) by Saint steve (http://www.flickr.com/people/62252191@N06/), on Flickr
Much better, car is filthy so will add a final pic later, but you get the idea. Well worth doing, look so much better, and total time spent was 4 Hours :grin:
Don't rush it , take your time when you take this on, and don't panic even before you get to the Compound stage.
I used some Meguires ultimate Polish with my makeshift DA and was well chuffed with the results.
:drinking:
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Blimey Steve. :congrats: :notworthy:
Great results there. Bet you thought WTF am i doing half why through. So the only thing you added to the process was the final Megs Ultimate Polish? Will know grow some gonads and do mine over the weekend!
:happy2:
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Nice outcome.
I'll be trying it on the wife's car first...!
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Blimey Steve. :congrats: :notworthy:
Great results there. Bet you thought WTF am i doing half why through. So the only thing you added to the process was the final Megs Ultimate Polish? Will know grow some gonads and do mine over the weekend!
:happy2:
You are right :signLOL:... you start with the 500 grit, your supplied 6 of these, so divided all the discs into 2.
Used 3 500's
Used 2 800's. .... Each side I mean, so all discs will get used.
1 spray bottle of water when you use the 3000 mopping disc
Even after that stage I could still see fine scratches and my arse starting making buttons :signLOL:
But the final stage with the orange sponge pad with the supplied compound, got rid of 85% of all the scratches.
That's when I thought, I have some Meguires Scratch x, couple squirts onto same pad, and bobs your uncle.. All gone.
Then used the Meguires ultimate polish onto after to really make them gleam.
I was very chuffed, and after doing the 1st headlamp, the confidence was there to do the 2nd.
Don't be scared, use light to medium pressure with your choice of drill you have at your disposal. I would use one that has two battery's, so whilst ones on charge you use the other, so it doesn't stop you from doing the job without stopping.... Except tea breaks lol
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brought these of MarkyMark so the headlights will have Sunglasses on in a week or so :signLOL:
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8071%2F8433499554_a8d47bb9e0.jpg&hash=f632982f067c331818386960838cc2da062b1348) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62252191@N06/8433499554/)
image (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62252191@N06/8433499554/) by Saint steve (http://www.flickr.com/people/62252191@N06/), on Flickr
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^^^^ like them a lot. Been trawling the interweb for them after I saw he was selling them. Will have to ask him where he got them.
And thanks for all the info too. :happy2:
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Brilliant result Steve :happy2:
I also bought a kit at that great price. As per Andrew I need to grow some cojones and do this at some point.
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Nice one Steve! :congrats:
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Looks good mate, :congrats:
Brings back memories of me trying this out on a CS182... didnt have the 3M kit and lets say... it didnt end well! :sad1:
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I viewed this thread on my iPhone and couldn't see much difference. Much more noticeable on a large display. Looks far better. Any noticeable change on the road in terms of visibility?
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I viewed this thread on my iPhone and couldn't see much difference. Much more noticeable on a large display. Looks far better. Any noticeable change on the road in terms of visibility?
I noticed last night when my car was parked face onto a wall, whilst raining, I cold seen the rain drops sliding down the lights reflection clear as day against wall.
Yet to go for a night time drive yet, but I'm sure it will improve range and clarity of the light beam.
wife commented they looked more sharper and more defined when lit up this morning, certainly looks like I have new xenons fitted now rather then dated 5 + years old.
Worth buying this kit if your lights lenses are in poor condition. .. You can go wrong, easy step by step guide supplied with the kit, and everything you need,and don't need to buy the blue masking tape as it comes with that too.
My own personall recommendation is some scratch X and a good polish after as this isn't supplied.
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Brilliant result Steve :happy2:
I also bought a kit at that great price. As per Andrew I need to grow some cojones and do this at some point.
It was very satisfying, seeing before and after, and felt I really achieved something yesterday
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Looks like you got some good results there Steve, I can see why it took you 4hrs now. :happy2:
How come you started with the 800 grit and then the 500 grit? Surely it should be the other way round? :confused:
Had a go on one of my headlights today and I must've done something wrong, its covered in scratches if you look closely and doesn't look even. The other untouched headlight looks much better. Knew I should've left it lol. :ashamed:
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Looks like you got some good results there Steve, I can see why it took you 4hrs now. :happy2:
How come you started with the 800 grit and then the 500 grit? Surely it should be the other way round? :confused:
Had a go on one of my headlights today and I must've done something wrong, its covered in scratches if you look closely and doesn't look even. The other untouched headlight looks much better. Knew I should've left it lol. :ashamed:
I started with the Yellow discs, moved onto the white ones,so maybe my typo error as to which one I done.
Did you do yours with your Nail files Mandy?? :evilgrin:
What drill did you use?? Battery one or mains ?
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Looks like you got some good results there Steve, I can see why it took you 4hrs now. :happy2:
How come you started with the 800 grit and then the 500 grit? Surely it should be the other way round? :confused:
Had a go on one of my headlights today and I must've done something wrong, its covered in scratches if you look closely and doesn't look even. The other untouched headlight looks much better. Knew I should've left it lol. :ashamed:
I started with the Yellow discs, moved onto the white ones,so maybe my typo error as to which one I done.
Did you do yours with your Nail files Mandy?? :evilgrin:
What drill did you use?? Battery one or mains ?
I bet I would've achieved better results with a nail file, stupid drills lol! I will have another battle with it tomorrow maybe.... :rolleye:
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The grit gets less with the numbering... so 500 is coarser than 800 and so on.
If you've made a balls up, and done it vice versa, then you just need to buy more 800 and above paper to rectify the problem... I would assume 8)
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The grit gets less with the numbering... so 500 is coarser than 800 and so on.
If you've made a balls up, and done it vice versa, then you just need to buy more 800 and above paper to rectify the problem... I would assume 8)
No we both used the correct order, I got the numbers incorrect but can confirm both Mandy and myself used the right coloured discs in correct order....
Although I feel Mandy has rushed hers and as a result not got rid of the sanding, and hopefully not burnt through the lense!!
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I'm not sure what went wrong, I probably needed to spend more time on each grade of paper, I can't see how I could've burnt the lens with a 14.4v drill compared to your 36v, I didn't really push down hard or repeatedly go over the same spot either. :confused:
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I'm not sure what went wrong, I probably needed to spend more time on each grade of paper, I can't see how I could've burnt the lens with a 14.4v drill compared to your 36v, I didn't really push down hard or repeatedly go over the same spot either. :confused:
Could also be your drill isn't fast enough Mandy? And why it's so patchy as you say it looks perhaps?.
I tried with my 14v Bosch but soon ditched it for my Works 36v lithium beauty to regulate the speed better.
I doubt you have burnt through the lense either, that would be pretty hard to do.
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Hi guys & gals
Great work on your headlights Steve. I've previously put up shots of headlights I've restored - my old Audi S6's and a pal's Saab if you care to search for them. I believe any headlight kit is an unnecessary purchase. What appears to be the 'quick and easy' method will not always achieve the desired results in the hands of someone who's not used to rotary or DA techniques. Mistakes can happen and a drill will only make the accident happen quicker and with more severity.
All one needs is the corresponding wet and dry abrasive papers, from 800 - 3000 ideally and some elbow grease!!
Use them after soaking for 10-15 minutes, rinse regularly in clean water and maintain a steady stream of very mildly soapy water out of a spray bottle and most importantly, take your time! Mandy's problems definitely stem from using a powered disc on a drill - just like burning paint with a rotary polisher v a DA; too much heat and abrasion in one place. I'd stay clear of power polishing, treat the headlight with care and above all time and the plastic will become beautifully clear. Plast-X definitely works a treat as final polish before sealing.
Good luck.
galaxie500
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Hi guys & gals
Great work on your headlights Steve. I've previously put up shots of headlights I've restored - my old Audi S6's and a pal's Saab if you care to search for them. I believe any headlight kit is an unnecessary purchase. What appears to be the 'quick and easy' method will not always achieve the desired results in the hands of someone who's not used to rotary or DA techniques. Mistakes can happen and a drill will only make the accident happen quicker and with more severity.
All one needs is the corresponding wet and dry abrasive papers, from 800 - 3000 ideally and some elbow grease!!
Use them after soaking for 10-15 minutes, rinse regularly in clean water and maintain a steady stream of very mildly soapy water out of a spray bottle and most importantly, take your time! Mandy's problems definitely stem from using a powered disc on a drill - just like burning paint with a rotary polisher v a DA; too much heat and abrasion in one place. I'd stay clear of power polishing, treat the headlight with care and above all time and the plastic will become beautifully clear. Plast-X definitely works a treat as final polish before sealing.
Good luck.
galaxie500
@mandy..... Notice TIME :laugh:
Great advise, but for Mandy, hand sanding is much much longer process.. :happy2:
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As promised a full shot after its clean up today..
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8372%2F8438912804_1ac3d5170c.jpg&hash=f2ccf0353ad312184f6bb49cf0634bdc8d02efb2) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62252191@N06/8438912804/)
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/62252191@N06/8438912804/) Saint steve (http://www.flickr.com/people/62252191@N06/)
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Great Jobs guys/gals
Hope you get it sorted Mandy :smiley:
Just ordered a kit myself, do you think the same could be used on the fog lights?
:happy2:
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Great Jobs guys/gals
Hope you get it sorted Mandy :smiley:
Just ordered a kit myself, do you think the same could be used on the fog lights?
:happy2:
I used it on my wing mirror housings today, I wet sanded my over filled stone chips, and got the drill out again and used the pad and compound. I now have pure black casings with no stone chips now :laugh:
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So it should work ok on the fog light glass... :happy2:
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So it should work ok on the fog light glass... :happy2:
Not sure if it will cut glass.... Plastic/ paints are softer, glass might not remove surface scratches?
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So it should work ok on the fog light glass... :happy2:
How about using some metal polish, such as Autosol?
Have read a few threads about using metal polish as a scratch remover on windows so don't see a reason why it wouldn't work on your Fog Lights. No idea if it actually works though so if it goes wrong don't blame me Neil. :laugh:
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:happy2: yeah good point, I have heard of folk using something named along the lines of "jewellers loop" for using on windscreens...
anyone shed any light on this stuff
:popcornsoda:
If it goes wrong Martin, your getting the blame :signLOL:
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^^^^ :booty: :signLOL:
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I believe it's 'Jewellers Rouge' you've heard about. A Lupe is the magnifier a jeweller looks through to assess a diamond or other jewel's quality and repair a watch movement.
Rouge is a polishing compound type stuff I think!
I've heard it can be used on plastics too - some watch glasses are plastic and can be made scratch free again.
Hope that helps!
galaxie500
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Thanks for that galaxie500, do you know where this stuff can be bought :happy2:
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Just found some on ebay:-
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JEWELLERS-ROUGE-POWDER-100g-GLASS-SCRATCH-FREE-POSTAGE-/250609393430?pt=UK_Jewellery_Watches_JewelleryBoxes_Supplies_CA&hash=item3a597bdf16
:happy2:
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i have done this using galaxies method after reading his report on how to do it...worked a treat doing it by hand! took my time and i now have ultra clear lights :happy2:
considered getting this kit before hand but i dont think it is unnecessary.
i also used plastic X for the last coat but i havent sealed it with anything....
whats the best sealant for the plastic lights etc?
cheers :happy2:
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Linky to kit??
Ta
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Linky to kit??
Ta
Here's the recent thread mate: http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,60623.0.html
Don't forget the extra 10% coupon on the first page in that thread too... :happy2:
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cheers for that - ordered