ULOSECLOWN

My 2009 headlights protective covering has deteriorated. I am trying to figure out if i should replace the lens or refinish?
I wet sanded with 800,1000,1500,3000 grit sandpaper lens are now nice and smooth protective covering now all removed.
I applied 3 light coats of Rustoleum Painters touch 2X ULTRA COVER GLOSS CLEARCOAT WITH UV PROTECTION. LENS ARE STILL HAZED AND SCRATCHES OR CRACKS STILL VISIBLE. SEE ATTACHED PICS.
ARE THESE LENS SALVAGEABLE? I was planning on waiting 2 days per Rustoleum and then buffing with rubbing compound , then polish and finally a paint sealant. WILL LENS CLEAR UP? OR DO I START FROM SCRATCH OR JUST BUY NEW LENS? FORUM HELP NEEDED....

J3TVETTE

Wow that looks really bad, I think it may be time to replace to be honest.

VET4LES

I think new lenses are in order. I haven't seen this work yet.

ULOSECLOWN

Thanks for your reply... dealer states they can refinish lenses for $90 with a 2 yr warranty...

RLSebring

Here's my take for what it's worth. There are a few threads here where the owners did the wet sanding and clear coat. All required a lot of elbow grease. I don't recall any using rattle can clear most used a more expensive clear. I haven't personally heard of any of the results lasting more than a year. You'll have to determine what your time is worth.

AS far as the dealer 1) I think when he physically sees the Corvette he'll back away from the refinish deal. If not I believe you'll be dealing with him a lot during those 2 years. Most lens refinishing deals and kits are meant for acrylic/lexan plastic that are on most cars.

Replacing lens, more money initially but then your done for 5 or so years and you know what the instant results are.

joec

ummmm , nope those look toast to me.. Call R&L and get your lenses re-done..

Not So Fast

Listen to post #5 he knows lenses quite well, probably wind up using his talents sooner of later.
NSF

4SUMERZ

RL is the man for lenses

11LS3A6

Not that I am shocked, but how do they get away with advertising whatever that stuff is on TV that they show doing the trick---- or have they been shut down for this very reason?

4SUMERZ

Spray bug repellent on the lenses, and they will be clear for a little while as well.
It's all snake oil for sure.

ULOSECLOWN

Thanks for the info. Aren't the lens hard to install? I believe I read I would have to bake headlights in an oven??? :crazy :

cvm

After the sanding step which in my limited experience should be fine finishing at 3k, you need to buff the out w/ compound just like paint-M105/205; etc. did you buff? if not here is most of your problem. Even the Meg. Plastic-X at auto stores works well.

lynnt

Get the headlight kit from Sylvania and use their UV block clear coat that comes with the kit it should clear up the haze Then spray the Rustoleum clear coat

Not So Fast

Either liv2tour (Paul) or RL Sebring will answer in depth, its not so easy
NSF

4SUMERZ

When you buy your lenses from Robert (RLSebring), he will send you the detailed instructions on how to do it.
I'm pretty much game for any project, so for me I dug right in with Robert's help.
Just need a regular oven, a pair of gloves and a few basic tools and a bit of patience.
I found the hardest part was removing the headlights from the fenders.
Removing the lens and installing the new was a fairly easy process.
It sounds daunting, but really not.

Good Luck