[Update] Head & Fog Lamp Restoration, SLE to SE Fender Conv.

[Dean]

So, 1 out of 20 or so scheduled repairs/maintenance on 2000 Bonneville SE completed. Here are the results:

I used the guide linked in the "Common Problems" thread to buff my headlamps. On taking them out, the passenger side headlamp casing (side facing the engine) broke off as I tried to wiggle it out of the ball joint. I fixed this with silicone sealant, but this probably unnerved me and reduced my performance for the rest of the job. I'll probably be adding a layer of sealant and/or duct tape to those seams when I do my permanent polish & seal later on.

I wet-sanded with 800, 1000, 1500, 2000 and 2500 papers and then polished with Meguiar's PlastX. The results on this first day were very disappointing despite polishing for like 30 minutes. I thought I may have irrevocably damaged them so I eventually gave up and reinstalled them. On reflection, I think I had too little light and used too much polish. I took out the plastic ball socket on the fender/body so that it wouldn't rip the headlamp apart if I had to take it out again.

Yesterday afternoon I decided to try again, and instead of messing with sandpaper, I just polished them more. They turned out great! Today I polished each one 2 more times and used Turtle brand carnauba wax as a temporary sealant (I'll do a really good polish & polyurethane-mineral spirit seal when I have the money). Polished my '98 Lumina and wife's '94 Camry too.

Headlamp (now the cloudiness is only a reflection - the other side has less scuffs/dings):




In context:



I have no idea what I did wrong the first time. But I do think that the tutorial should emphasize that you should pull the headlamps forward in order to keep from breaking the casing. It took very little pressure to break the thing.

[nos4blood70]

Looking awesome!

[Dean]

Update: I repolished, added the Helmsman Clear Gloss Spar Urethane & polished/sealed the fog lamps. If you look closely at the lights, the urethane did run - but it is very hard to see. What a difference it makes!

However - I also replaced the left front fender. This one came from an SLE with pinstriping and the sideskirts that extend over the fender. Thankfully, the donor fender was painted underneath. With a few minutes of a blowdryer, palmolive soap, water & wax, it fit seamlessly with my SE trim! Beats the medium red metallic fender I got it with...



I never took a picture with the red fender, but you can see it in the far left of this picture. Also note the unpainted portion of the old fender.

[drift7one]

now you just gotta clear those headlights

[Dean]

now you just gotta clear those headlights

I was considering that - it really does make the car look sharp. It will also be an opportunity to fix the casing properly. However, I do think that the orange adds some dimension to the lights. Perhaps I will find a softer color to replace it with...