2006 YarisRS 'Renovations'

[WeeYari]

Pics never show the flaws, but that looks real good.

[06YarisRS]

Originally Posted by WeeYari

Pics never show the flaws, but that looks real good.

Thanks. Well, it's going to get another sanding and repaint. I took it out into the sunlight and it looks ok, but I could also see a bit of light shining through. I have a pretty good basecoat though now. I'll post up pics of the finished product.

After that, it's the front lip. That, I'll install first and then paint it on the car. I doubt that this paint would handle any amount of flex.

The above said, if I'm not satisfied with the overall look of the car, I have another possible plan. There is a fellow locally with an autobody/collision shop. I am going to ask him to do an estimate on painting the back of the car. I've seen some of his blending work from all angles and the guy is a pro - virtually impossible to see his blending. The other option is a total repaint, except the door jambs, engine bay under hood, tailgate, inside of doors etc. I had spoken with him before and he quoted me around $350 - $400.00 to do the back end. If I repaired the tiny dings and sanded out the light scratches and he was willing to seal, base coat and clear for around $1K, I may do it. He is open to painting cars that other non-professionals have done minor body work on.

[BennyLava]

When you polished out the headlights, what grit of sand paper did you use?

Also, is the the exact polish you buffed them with afterwards?

https://www.autogeek.net/klashiggloss.html

[06YarisRS]

Originally Posted by BennyLava

When you polished out the headlights, what grit of sand paper did you use?

Also, is the the exact polish you buffed them with afterwards?

https://www.autogeek.net/klashiggloss.html

If memory serves me correctly, I used 1500 followed by 2000 or 2500, wetsanding. That stage is important as the more time you put in here, the better the job, IMO. Keep sanding lightly until the yellow slurry turns to white slurry. Rinse well. I then used Meguiar's Ultimate Polish with my dual action polisher and cutting pad. After a good cleaning, rinse and microfiber towel drying, I applied a couple of coats of Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze as in your link - about a day between applications. This is because to get the yellow out, you have to sand off the clearcoat that is on the headlight. That's what yellows. The klasse serves as a replacement for the uv blocker in the clearcoat to keep them from yellowing again. All of this is just my theory, but I have had good long-term success with this approach. We did a raft of cars in our school shop and our 'customers' were thrilled with the results.

Thinking about doing yours?

Klasse HGSG is the product I use exclusively for my car's paint. I have been using it for years and although I haven't tried many other sealants, it is amazingly durable/long-lasting and a few layers creates the most gloss candy-like and slick coating. And, to boot, a $30.00 jug (large jug) will last years! My cars get 4 - 5 coats a year and application is quick. If you want the best method, IMO, follow the link below. I do my headlights every time I do the paint too. I don't use Klasse All In One (AIO) as my paint is pretty clean usually anyway.

https://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-...de-and-review/

[06YarisRS]

Originally Posted by WeeYari

Pics never show the flaws, but that looks real good.

This look better? I think the extra effort will be worth it. I resanded, repainted and re-cleared. Clearcoat is nice and thick, so should be easy to polish out the orange peel and achieve a high gloss.

Some day I'd like to invest in some actual automotive painting equipment and learn how to properly paint a car.

[WeeYari]

Originally Posted by 06YarisRS

This look better?

I thought it looked good earlier. Any flaws then were really only visible to your eye. Camera doesn't pic them up. Just like taking a pic of my front bumper. Looks fantastic in pictures, naked eye sees something that looks to have seen the business end of a 12 gauge.


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[06YarisRS]

Originally Posted by WeeYari

I thought it looked good earlier. Any flaws then were really only visible to your eye. Camera doesn't pic them up. Just like taking a pic of my front bumper. Looks fantastic in pictures, naked eye sees something that looks to have seen the business end of a 12 gauge.


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So true. Once on the car and out of the garage, I'm sure all the imperfections will jump out. My whole car is a "looks great from 10 - 20 feet away" vehicle. LOL.