Headlight removal

[LA_phantom_240]

How do I remove the headlights on my zenki s14? I see two small bolts close to the grille end of the headlight, but I'm wondering if there are any others I need to remove as well (other than the corner lamp assembly)? On my 90 Acura Legend I had to drop the bumper to get the headlight off... and the FSM did no good, as well as the search function.

[garagelu]

There are 4 bolts total to remove each headlight. 2 by the grill and then 2 behind the corner lights. After that, just unplug the bulb harness and it will come out.

[LA_phantom_240]

There are 4 bolts total to remove each headlight. 2 by the grill and then 2 behind the corner lights. After that, just unplug the bulb harness and it will come out.

Good... Now I can finally make my right headlight look good again. My left is new because it got broken in a fender bender before I bought it. My right, however is getting a little foggy.

[steve shadows]

I used a Sawzaw

[LA_phantom_240]

I used a Sawzaw

Duly noted.:bigok:

[MavericStephenc]

remember to be careful when taking the corner light, and the headlight as well. you don't want broken tabs!

[LA_phantom_240]

remember to be careful when taking the corner light, and the headlight as well. you don't want broken tabs!

The corner light is easy. I had to change the bulb in it when I got it. The only way I could think of to change the bulb is to take the whole corner lamp off.

[MavericStephenc]

that would be correct. g/l cleaning up the lenses

[LA_phantom_240]

that would be correct. g/l cleaning up the lenses

I got my 2000 grit and polishing compound ready to go.

I may experiment with a durable, UV resistant clearcoat.:w00t:

[LA_phantom_240]

WOW! What a difference. 2000 grit + soapy water + 20 minutes = No more surface imperfections. It leaves the headlight looking mighty hazy, but paves the way for further action. 30 minutes with polishing compound, and the headlight is looking damn good. Close to new, in fact. Then top it off with clearcoat made for wheels, and it looks exactly like new once you let it cure and then hit it lightly with polishing compound and then a coat of wax.

Pics when I can find my camera cord.

[MavericStephenc]

what polishing compound did you use?

[The Chad]

^^ def curious, as i have one new light and one old one...the old one allways ends up yellowed again soon after i sand it/buff it out...abt 2 months later. What kind of clear did you use, i.e. brand and type??? Thanks ahead of time. :)

--Mav, your sig still gets me man, i def need a fun sig...hmmmm...

[LA_phantom_240]

I used Turtle Wax polishing compound, and a microfiber wax applicator from AutoZone. Soak the applicator and wring it out, then go to town with the compound. I used a hair dryer to dry and heat up the headlight, then I used that Duplicolor Wheel Paint. Clear, of course. I did a thick layer by slowly adding light layer by light layer, about 45 seconds after another. I then used the hair dryer again to heat and speed the curing process, then let it sit a while. Pressed on the paint to make sure it had hardened all the way, and went to town on it with the compound, washed it, and waxed it.

[fliprayzin240sx]

PICS OR BAN!!! Curious to see how well it turned out compared to the brand headlight...

[LA_phantom_240]

I don't have any 'before' pics, because the only pics I have are when I first got the car, and it wasn't that bad then... but just imagine your 'typical' cloudiness. Nothing life-threatening, but ugly nonetheless.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/phantom240/Headlight003.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/phantom240/Headlight001.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/phantom240/Headlight002.jpg

Whadayathink?

[aznpoopy]

looks good. but you have to keep up with it, or else it yellows over again. ask me how i know... >.>

[LA_phantom_240]

looks good. but you have to keep up with it, or else it yellows over again. ask me how i know... >.>

Even after clearcoating it?

[The Chad]

^^^ yeah i was under the impression that if you cleared it, it wouldn't fade...or at least last longer??

+1 btw for the Invader Zim pic :)

[aznpoopy]

i never tried clear coating it before. seems like it should last longer. let us know how it goes

[LA_phantom_240]

Will do, good sir.

[MavericStephenc]

nice n' clean good job and do let us know about how long it lasts

chad, did you get my message about the PA meet?

[The Chad]

Def let us know how long it lasts...if i have to keep sanding my headlights there will be nothing left!!!! haha :)

Nope, i did not Maveric. Pm me please i think my box was full. If its a big meet i might make the trek :) .

[BoostedCoupe]

i do/did the same thing. bit when i do it i just use mothers mag polish and a clean rag. scrub the headlight wiht the mag polish on it and once it is clear enough for you put wax on it. any kind of wax works. i done this like 3 or 4 moths ago and mine havent got yellow yet. the car has seen snow rain and sun.