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If they are original and not cracked or broken, RESTORE THEM!
Tape up the paint work front them to protect the finish from accidentally scratching them.....
Depending on HOW BAD your lights are, I start with a 1500 grit wet sand paper and mar the finish. You can go lower if there is more damage, just be careful as the lens is not all that thick.
From the 1500, move to a 1800 grit wet paper, then an 2000 grit wet paper followed by a 2400 grit wet paper.
Once this is done, rinse and dry them completely.
Follow this with a good quality Head Light Restoration Polish using a high speed buffer. This is really no different than color sanding and buffing a new paint job.
I finish with a UV Protectant paste, ones used for Motor Homes sold at an RV shop.
If they are original and not cracked or broken, RESTORE THEM!
Tape up the paint work front them to protect the finish from accidentally scratching them.....
Depending on HOW BAD your lights are, I start with a 1500 grit wet sand paper and mar the finish. You can go lower if there is more damage, just be careful as the lens is not all that thick.
From the 1500, move to a 1800 grit wet paper, then an 2000 grit wet paper followed by a 2400 grit wet paper.
Once this is done, rinse and dry them completely.
Follow this with a good quality Head Light Restoration Polish using a high speed buffer. This is really no different than color sanding and buffing a new paint job.
I finish with a UV Protectant paste, ones used for Motor Homes sold at an RV shop.
Your headlights will look as good as new!!!
I have done this several times and I still cannot get the headlight perfect. A little haze remains. I guess the trick is using the higher grit, eg, 2000 or 3000, since my headlights are not that bad in the first place?
I have done this several times and I still cannot get the headlight perfect. A little haze remains. I guess the trick is using the higher grit, eg, 2000 or 3000, since my headlights are not that bad in the first place?
Yes, the higher grade paper will take out even more scratches and bring out a more crystal glow.
My buddy who is in the AirForce and works on F16's gave me a kit they use for the canopies of the plane which goes up to 6000 grit....
A good polishing with a high speed buffer after is the final step.
I have seem people (on youtube videos) finish with a Clear Coat Paint....but I cannot speak to that as I have never done it that way.
I did mine recently and made a big difference. If you take the lens off that is a major job and I don't think they sell new lens covers without the assembly, you might as well buy a whole new headlight or try to find a newish one in a junkyard if you're going this route. I've seen people remove the lens only to paint the inside black or some other customization.
Yes, the higher grade paper will take out even more scratches and bring out a more crystal glow.
My buddy who is in the AirForce and works on F16's gave me a kit they use for the canopies of the plane which goes up to 6000 grit....
A good polishing with a high speed buffer after is the final step.
I have seem people (on youtube videos) finish with a Clear Coat Paint....but I cannot speak to that as I have never done it that way.
I spent some time this weekend redoing each headlight and just using 3000 grit, and the headlights are MUCH brighter. It seems that once the headlights are in 'good' condition, moving to 3000 grit or above is necessary, as you suggested. Also, I used polisher with 3000 rpm for the final step, and that helped a lot! For the clear coat, I use Maguires Headlight Coating (the hard part is making sure surface is perfectly clean and lint-free).
Use the 3M Headlight Restoration kit Dnasty has recommended above.
It costs £20 and gives great results. I have a CLS now and the headlights are all good, but I needed to do this on my old CLK a year or so back. It took me no more than a couple of hours.
Here are the before and after results, and believe me I am only a basic DIY'er
Use the 3M Headlight Restoration kit Dnasty has recommended above.
It costs £20 and gives great results. I have a CLS now and the headlights are all good, but I needed to do this on my old CLK a year or so back. It took me no more than a couple of hours.
Here are the before and after results, and believe me I am only a basic DIY'er
Yea I was actually shocked at how effective it was. I didn't expect much going in but it actually restored my headlights.
09-19-2017, 10:13 AM
