willsol

I just bought an 05 CTS-V exterior was in pretty good shape for 5yrs old except for the headlights and badges.

The headlights just looked glazed and horrible although the rest of the paint looks great. The badges are faded as well.
Totally doesnt mesh well with how a V should look.

I found out Dwight (nismospeed) does headlight repair for M.A.D.

So he hooked me up here is the before and after shots with my cell phone. Forgot to take a better camera.

Before


After



This saved me a lot of money and ensure they will pass the German inspection.

Next is the badges...

Can we replace the Grille badges or do we have to replace the whole grille?

raven154

iTrader: (14)

You can get just the caddy emblem. My was faded pretty bad as well and I replaced everything on the exterior.

willsol

Nice... once I get all the emblems I will be happy.

Then its onto the interior pieces... I want Short throw, suede ****, CTS center console.

sod

iTrader: (1)

those headlights look great!

I would love to do this to mine.

What's the technique?

Thanks!

smashn808

iTrader: (2)

Yeh, do tell!

ISMELLRICE

iTrader: (22)

looks great...i used the 3m headlight kit and it worked great also

willsol

I've heard thats the best one.


He used a high grit air sander... removed all the crud

then wet sanded 2000

then wet sanded 3000

then a degreaser

then he used a high speed bugger with polish and sealer

normally charges 150 hooked me up for 50 bucks since I know him.

If your local I can get you their numbers.

SoJersey05V

Takes about 30mins a light to do, mine were about as bad as these posted, wet sand, buff, polish, seal, drive.

demang

iTrader: (3)

where are you located. and where can i find the 3m kit? Thanks

willsol

Im in Virginia beach area.

3m kit I believe is at autozone? or Pep boys.

demang

iTrader: (3)

thanks

JD03Cobra

I'm gonna have to try this out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t1RBw0IGXA

kjr6306

iTrader: (1)

FYI....I bought the 3M kit and was somewhat disappointed. I had a hard time getting near the edges and wound up burning through the tape and paint in a few spots. I found it was much easier to just sand them by hand. I started with 400 grit paper and sanded til the lens was cloudy and completely iniform in color. Then went to 800 wet, then 1200 wet, then 2000 and finished with polish and wax. It took a bit longer but the next time I do this I won't spend 20 bucks for a few pieces of sand paper and plastic polish. The lens came out like new.

willsol

good deal sorry you hurt your paint.

It does take a delicate hand around those edges.

renzos23

iTrader: (17)

i just put extra coats of tape around the edges because i don't have delicate hands...lol

sod

iTrader: (1)

Hey guys,

I'm in the process of cleaning up my headlights.

I've wetsanded them with 400-800-1000-2000 & then rubbing compound & polishing compound. They look pretty good, but maybe not quite as "shiny" or "glossy" as areas that did not need sanding.

I noticed that you guys mention using a polish & a sealer...can anyone be more specific & recommend a polish & a sealer?

Is polishing compound a polish? is wax a sealer?

Also, has anyone used Meguair's PlastX?

I was thinking of giving that a try after the polishing compound, but I figured I'd check & see if anyone has used it.

Thanks!