Polishing headlights. Possible problem.

[Substream]

Hey, guys. I just bought a good headlight polishing kit to clear up the polycarb lenses on my stock headlights (because I can't afford to go HID :-p). I was about to start polishing them today when I noticed that my headlights have these little nubs that stick out from the lens. I was wondering if these serve any purpose whatsoever or if there would be any problems at all due to removing them so that I can sand/polish the lenses more easily. Also, what would be the best way to remove them? I'm thinking hack saw? haha thanks

http://www.aww-kittah-aww.com/up/files/515/My%20Car/Nubs.jpg

[Gryz]

If you're buffing by hand I see no problem leaving them on. If you are using a PC or rotary (on a very slow speed BTW) then I would just tape them up unless you really do want to get rid of them altogether.

If you do remove them, I don't think you will ever get rid the their appearance fully.

[98_328i]

They're from the molds when the lens was made. Work around them because it will be noticeable on the lens surface if they're gone

[E36youngster]

i used a dremel and just took the top ones off so eyelids would sit on the headlights evenly..but when you grind them down, there will be a nasty spot where it used to protrude from. like 98_328i said, its from the mold so its solid all the way down. i wouldnt recommend it.

use meguiars plastx to polish. its the best.

[PhilipWOT]

I don't know how to remove the bumps, but I can tell you for sure that wiping the lenses with acetone before polishing is a baaaad idea. Trust me.

[chizao]

Well if you were going to use plastx polish, I think that claying it first might help though I havent tried it just yet. Clayed my brother's headlights yesterday and it seems to remove quite a bit. Didnt hit it yet with the plastx though. Good luck with your project.

[B/\/\W]

I don't know how to remove the bumps, but I can tell you for sure that wiping the lenses with acetone before polishing is a baaaad idea. Trust me.

I remember when you had that issue :)

[Jim Spence]

Meguiars Plast X ... it's the only way to go, and it's $4 a bottle. Takes two minutes and they look like new.

[im]

put blue painters tape on all painted car parts that may come in contact with polisher.
i used the meguiars plastix with good results...had to use it multiple times on the same day...spent about 1.5 hours...removed all yellow and the slight haze (1996 318 convert)...i now apply by hand about every 3 months.(15 minutes)

[PhilipWOT]

I remember when you had that issue :)

:rofl: That SUCKED!

[Substream]

put blue painters tape on all painted car parts that may come in contact with polisher.
i used the meguiars plastix with good results...had to use it multiple times on the same day...spent about 1.5 hours...removed all yellow and the slight haze (1996 318 convert)...i now apply by hand about every 3 months.(15 minutes)

Yeah, I read in Popular Mechanics to use painter's tape around the lights too, but I think I'm just going to take them out completely for good measure. haha

Thanks to everyone for the info :)

[Fireman Paul]

First off I am almost certain that the nubs on the lenses are to ensure that a headlight alignment unit is set properly on the lens to ensure proper alignment. If you want to polish your lens first go to an autobody shop and get 1500, 2000 and 2500 grit wet sanding paper. Also pick up some Maquires plastic polish. Tape off the paint around the lens. If your lens is pitted or yellow start with the 1500. I use a water bottle and the paper cut to a 2inch square. Pour water on the lens and start to sand and the paper will stick to the lens. Keep it wet. Move to the 2000 and the 2500. Rinse the lens. At this point you will want to scream WHAT DID I DOoooo! Get a clean cloth and polish with Mcquires plastic polish and them scream WOW. Hope this helps. This process took about 20 mins per lens.

[E36 Phantom]

Meguiars Plast X ... it's the only way to go, and it's $4 a bottle. Takes two minutes and they look like new.
:flipoff:
It costs 7 in CA.....

I don't know how to remove the bumps, but I can tell you for sure that wiping the lenses with acetone before polishing is a baaaad idea. Trust me.

:rofl: That SUCKED!

Bwahahahahaha, that depends on your point of view! I found it hilarious!!!!

:rofl:

:p

:angel:

[Jim Spence]

Chad, I'll buy you a case for $4 a bottle and ship it to you ... for $3 a bottle shipping.

[Chris S]

Chad, I'll buy you a case for $4 a bottle and ship it to you ... for $3 a bottle shipping.

be nice... make it $2.95 a bottle shipping

[estoril blu]

I say leave em alone, polish them yeah cut things off big NO NO

[BMWredneck]

haha, a buddy of mine was talkin bout acetone and taillights and headlights. fogs the **** up pretty good. Well, makes the lense cloudy. Not a good outcome and i think the only way to fix it is to replace the lense? could be wrong on that.

[yourbuddy]

I just fixed my headlights, wasnt very hard because I bought a kit from pep boys. I was actually looking for meguiars but I couldn't find any because I have found their products to be reliable!

[Substream]

OK, well I just polished them. Left the little nubs on. I have to say, I'm not very satisfied with the results. I used the kit exactly as instructed, except I replaced their polish with Meguiar's PlastX as the last step. It definitely got rid of the yellowness and the pitting, but the plastic still looks foggy. It looks... well, like someone used sandpaper on them. haha did I do something wrong?