Sep 16 (edited) • General discussion
Why Picking the Right Method is Important
This was the hardest job I've ever done. The client stated they couldn't remember what clear coat they put on, but they're sure it was for headlights (I have my doubts about that). Be that as it may, this was DIFFICULT.
I started at P500, had to drop down to P220 bc it was such a hard clear coat & DID NOT like getting sanded. If I was to go by hand, I'd be there all day. There was no way 600 or higher was going to work here. It's a lesson in knowing your limits if you're only hand sanding. Could I have used a pocket knife/razor blade? Sure, but I was making enough progress by the time I hit the 220.
Another important thing to consider is what the customer has done to their vehicle. Did they use toothpaste & bug spray or other internet "hacks?" Did they buy a kit & felt brave by using a drill for the first time, now there's ugly swirl marks everywhere? How uneven is the lens if they did so? Did they send in pictures that show it well enough so you can give an accurate estimate for the time it'll take? How long has the headlight been sitting in poor condition? This will affect the way the finished product looks bc if there's internal damage, that isn't your fault & this needs to be addressed. Internal hazing, cracking, etc. isn't something you'll be able to fix & the customer needs to know that or else you WILL get blamed for it.
Make sure to really zoom in on the before pictures & see that clear coat. Also, really zoom in on the 'after' and you can still see some cracking & scratches. This wasn't anything I did. This was from the car sitting in this condition for so long & obtaining damage. I'm always honest & upfront with the customer, asking as many questions as possible & pointing out after it's done, "Hey, you see how scratches are still there? Right, so since they've been sitting like this for so long, they got internal damage unfortunately & a restoration can't do anything about it."
The weather didn't help in capturing the clarity of the 'after', however video usually fairs better. Cloudy days often make the lights appear cloudy. The last photo shows how many discs I used.
So, if you're just starting out, these are jobs you DON'T want to pick. Stick to the low hanging fruit like Andrew has stated. If you just picked up guitar, you're not about to bust out the solo for Stairway to Heaven, you'll be doing Mary Had a Little Lamb. It is what it is. You gotta walk before you can run.
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Why Picking the Right Method is Important
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