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**NewsReaper** · 09-18-2018, 12:29 PM

Re: Headlight reflector problem!!

Topic approved.

**ashwinprakas** · 09-18-2018, 04:55 PM

Re: Headlight reflector problem!!

Originally posted by rydergeorge View Post

My ride is karizma r and reflector is not available individually. Do I have any options remaining? Otherwise I'll have to buy whole headlight assembly for 1600rs.

Rubbing Compound.

Cheers,
A.P.

**rydergeorge** · 09-18-2018, 07:19 PM

Re: Headlight reflector problem!!

Originally posted by ashwinprakas View Post

Rubbing Compound.

Cheers,
A.P.

Tried and failed

**ashwinprakas** · 09-18-2018, 09:13 PM

Re: Headlight reflector problem!!

Originally posted by rydergeorge View Post

Tried and failed

Let the headlight dry out completely and then use rubbing compound with some persuasion.

There is practically nothing that can't be removed with rubbing compound.

**rydergeorge** · 09-18-2018, 11:50 PM

Re: Headlight reflector problem!!

Originally posted by ashwinprakas View Post

Let the headlight dry out completely and then use rubbing compound with some persuasion.

There is practically nothing that can't be removed with rubbing compound.

I did it when the headlight was dry. When I read your reply about rubbing compound, bought one and used it. I asked the water service guys about the same. One of them told that if I've used thinner on fiber reflector l, it will melt the reflector a little bit and that caused damage. Is that true? Any idea?

**ashwinprakas** · 09-18-2018, 11:55 PM

Re: Headlight reflector problem!!

Originally posted by rydergeorge View Post

I did it when the headlight was dry. When I read your reply about rubbing compound, bought one and used it. I asked the water service guys about the same. One of them told that if I've used thinner on fiber reflector l, it will melt the reflector a little bit and that caused damage. Is that true? Any idea?

Paint thinner is corrosive to plastics, but even that can be countered with rubbing compound followed by polishing as long as you didn't let the thinner sit for long and cause too much damage, in which case the headlight reflector would crack after a few heat cycles.

**rydergeorge** · 09-19-2018, 12:00 AM

Re: Headlight reflector problem!!

Only thinner was helping to remove the stain. So used it again and again. Used headlight twice after that. Yesterday night and today. I saw videos om youtube about restoring headlights with sandpaper. But the finest one available here is 320 grits while most of YouTubers use 2000 grits.

**ashwinprakas** · 09-19-2018, 12:05 AM

Re: Headlight reflector problem!!

Originally posted by rydergeorge View Post

Only thinner was helping to remove the stain. So used it again and again. Used headlight twice after that. Yesterday night and today. I saw videos om youtube about restoring headlights with sandpaper. But the finest one available here is 320 grits while most of YouTubers use 2000 grits.

I would still insist you stick with Rubbing Compound, even though it would take some time and elbow grease to get the job done it is still safer than the finest grit sand paper. If you have access to a buffer then the job can be done in a few minutes.

Also do Google a bit to learn how to properly use rubbing compound, I use 3M compound and it has worked wonders for me, even when it comes to removing deep scuffs on my mom's car after she's scraped the car around a bit, I've even restored blurry PSP and cellphone screens with it, patience is key, buy it will work wonders.

**rydergeorge** · 09-19-2018, 12:16 AM

Re: Headlight reflector problem!!

Originally posted by ashwinprakas View Post

I would still insist you stick with Rubbing Compound, even though it would take some time and elbow grease to get the job done it is still safer than the finest grit sand paper. If you have access to a buffer then the job can be done in a few minutes.

Also do Google a bit to learn how to properly use rubbing compound, I use 3M compound and it has worked wonders for me, even when it comes to removing deep scuffs on my mom's car after she's scraped the car around a bit, I've even restored blurry PSP and cellphone screens with it, patience is key, buy it will work wonders.

Asked for 3m but it was not available. So used motomaxx. Will try it again tomorrow. I don't have a buffer. Have a driller and sander machine but don't have buffer pads for those.

**Pinaki** · 09-22-2018, 01:15 AM

Re: Headlight reflector problem!!

Originally posted by rydergeorge View Post

Only thinner was helping to remove the stain. So used it again and again. Used headlight twice after that. Yesterday night and today. I saw videos om youtube about restoring headlights with sandpaper. But the finest one available here is 320 grits while most of YouTubers use 2000 grits.

Paint thinner will melt plastic surface and make it uneven . I have found all grades upto 1700 grit wet/dry sandpaper also known as emery paper in shops that specialize in selling automotive-paints , not the general hardware / paints stores . Have you tried cleaning / polishing the lens both from sides , inner and outer surface ? Anyway in my opinion it would save a lot of time & effort and well worth the cost , other than safety at night if you just replace the headlight lens with new .

**rreneav1987** · 09-22-2018, 07:17 AM

Headlight reflector problem!!

Well, you can soak a part of cloth with Engine Oil and then rub off the affected area. Worked for me when some fool decided to stick chewed gum on my car’s bonnet. Give it a shot if you are still facing this issue. No harm will be done

**rydergeorge** · 09-22-2018, 10:28 AM

Re: Headlight reflector problem!!

Originally posted by rreneav1987 View Post

Well, you can soak a part of cloth with Engine Oil and then rub off the affected area. Worked for me when some fool decided to stick chewed gum on my car’s bonnet. Give it a shot if you are still facing this issue. No harm will be done

Will try it today. I've used sandpaper upto 320 grit and light output is not that bad. But it really looks ugly. One guy in a service centre told me about a water service station which will fix the damaged reflectors. If the engine oil didn't work, will try to find that service station today. I'll definitely Change the reflector if none of this works. Reflectors are available individually in kochi from used parts dealers. So I guess I don't have to change whole assembly. Thanks for your inputs.
Ride safe.

**rydergeorge** · 09-22-2018, 10:33 AM

Re: Headlight reflector problem!!

Originally posted by Pinaki View Post

Paint thinner will melt plastic surface and make it uneven . I have found all grades upto 1700 grit wet/dry sandpaper also known as emery paper in shops that specialize in selling automotive-paints , not the general hardware / paints stores . Have you tried cleaning / polishing the lens both from sides , inner and outer surface ? Anyway in my opinion it would save a lot of time & effort and well worth the cost , other than safety at night if you just replace the headlight lens with new .

The finest sandpaper available here is 320 grits. The inside of reflector is not damaged. Used rubbing compound from outside. It smoothened the surface. Will try to fix it today. If i fail, going to replace reflector as soon as possible.
Thanks
Ridr safe.

**hgps** · 09-22-2018, 06:14 PM

Re: Headlight reflector problem!!

Tried soaking it up with warm/hot water and then rubbing it. See if that helps

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