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So I got to restoring my headlights today, and am I pleased! (and thank you for the suggestions Strat! 
)
I asked my neighbor if he had any sandpaper I could use (I get lost in home depot...) and he told me to use his sander & his polisher. I feel like using a machine makes a big difference. It felt more even and not as much work for a great result!
If you decide to do this yourself, I suggest watching lots of videos! All cars have different wear and tare on the headlights so what I did might not work for you.
I always watch a ridiculous amount of videos of people doing these things to their car and it helps me get a better understanding of what I'm doing. Some people use different methods and by looking at all the different ways of doing it, you get an idea of what you're suppose to be doing for each step and how it's suppose to look. It also might help you decide what works best with your situation.
Don't be afraid to ask your local automotive store a bunch of questions too, especially when it comes to products. There are so many different kinds that claim to do the same thing so I always have a hard time deciding without googling and questions.
Mine hates me for asking a billion things about different products, but I'd rather get the right thing then go in blind when choosing. I use the internet to research products too before going in because sometimes the employees at the auto store will tell you anything to get you out. At the end you have to use your best judgement but it doesn't hurt to do research before.
Anyways, here's the pics you probably just want to see instead of reading my blabber!
Here's an overall pic of my 2001 Ford Explorer
;
Rims are spray painted, have had them painted for about 2 years now and have only felt the need to touch them up once since I was cleaning the rims anyways. Lots of prep work goes into making them look right, that's why they've held up nicely for so long. I have recently heard about plastidip as an alternative but I'm sticking with what has worked for me.
Back windows are limo tinted and front is very lightly tinted (can't remember the %, I want to say 50% but not too sure). Very dusty right now since I've been working too much but I plan on washing tomorrow.
Next I am trying to get the hard water spots off of my car.
I have tried clay bar & the vinegar/water method with no results. If you have any tips/suggestions, I'd love to hear!
)I asked my neighbor if he had any sandpaper I could use (I get lost in home depot...) and he told me to use his sander & his polisher. I feel like using a machine makes a big difference. It felt more even and not as much work for a great result!
If you decide to do this yourself, I suggest watching lots of videos! All cars have different wear and tare on the headlights so what I did might not work for you.
I always watch a ridiculous amount of videos of people doing these things to their car and it helps me get a better understanding of what I'm doing. Some people use different methods and by looking at all the different ways of doing it, you get an idea of what you're suppose to be doing for each step and how it's suppose to look. It also might help you decide what works best with your situation.
Don't be afraid to ask your local automotive store a bunch of questions too, especially when it comes to products. There are so many different kinds that claim to do the same thing so I always have a hard time deciding without googling and questions.
Mine hates me for asking a billion things about different products, but I'd rather get the right thing then go in blind when choosing. I use the internet to research products too before going in because sometimes the employees at the auto store will tell you anything to get you out. At the end you have to use your best judgement but it doesn't hurt to do research before.Anyways, here's the pics you probably just want to see instead of reading my blabber!
Spoiler
Here's an overall pic of my 2001 Ford Explorer
;Rims are spray painted, have had them painted for about 2 years now and have only felt the need to touch them up once since I was cleaning the rims anyways. Lots of prep work goes into making them look right, that's why they've held up nicely for so long. I have recently heard about plastidip as an alternative but I'm sticking with what has worked for me.
Back windows are limo tinted and front is very lightly tinted (can't remember the %, I want to say 50% but not too sure). Very dusty right now since I've been working too much but I plan on washing tomorrow.
Next I am trying to get the hard water spots off of my car.
I have tried clay bar & the vinegar/water method with no results. If you have any tips/suggestions, I'd love to hear!
Good job!