Can you restore headlights that have been clear coated?

Chevy Impala Headlight Restoration

Recently, a headlight restoration/windshield repair technician in Colorado was restoring the headlights on a 2006 Chevrolet Impala. His question, “Can you restore clear coated headlights?”  The technician noted that the headlight appeared as if a clear coat had been applied directly over the original protective coating without first removing the layer of oxidation. The coating was very difficult to remove. But with extra time and sanding discs, the technician could remove both the coating and oxidation. Next, the technician completed the remainder of the Delta Kits’ recommended sanding and polishing steps. Then applied a fresh coat of Delta Kits’ Coat2Protect. As demonstrated by the photos below, the result was a stunning transformation.

Seeking Advice

After talking with several headlight restoration technicians who have had similar experiences with late model Impala’s and Malibu’s, it is unclear if an aftermarket coating had been applied.  Or if a harder coating was applied to the headlights at the factory in these particular vehicles. Delta Kits is in the process of obtaining late model Impala and Malibu headlights in various stages of deterioration for testing. Watch for updates on this topic in future editions of The Wise Crack. Regardless of the type of factory or after market clear coat, you must take the time to remove the entire clear coat. Also remove all the oxidation and contaminates on the surface of the lens. This requires a bit of patience. But, the Delta Kits Professional Headlight Restoration System contains everything you need. The kits help make even these difficult to restore headlights look like new.

The Sanding Discs

In most cases, use a 320 grit disc to remove initial coating. However, in this case, a courser grit may reduce the number of discs and the time requirement to complete the restoration. Should you choose to use a courser grit of sandpaper to remove a particularly stubborn coating; please use extreme caution to avoid accidental damage.

Use the finer 600 and 1500 grits to sand the lens smooth. Use a 3000 grit polishing disc for the final step before applying the Coat2Protect.  There is no need for polishing.

Our thanks to Reese Atkinson of Roo’s windshield repair for sharing his story and photos with us. For more headlight restoration and windshield repair tips from Reese, visit www.windshield-repair-forum.com, search for Roo in the members list, and click on the number of posts he has made. This will give you a searchable list of every post Roo has made. Roo is an active member in the windshield repair and headlight restoration forums.