When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hello fellow enthusiasts! I set off to freshen up the headlights on my wife's 2013 GLK350.
The following is being asked because I have spent HOURS combing through the interwebs and cannot find anything that addresses my problem.....
I used the 3M kit and the progress you see here is on the first stage (500 grit). According to the instructions, I should continue sanding but I am afraid I have completely killed the factory clear coat on the passenger side headlight (left in the photo).
Should I continue on with a lower grit? Say 400 or so to remove all of the clear coat before working my way up? This is with about 2.5 or 3 hours of sanding with a drill so far.
I look forward to your comments and if you are a seasoned pro at this
Comparison Passenger headlight with clear spot in the middle 3m instuctions
Yes you need to keep sanding away, steadily increasing the grit size up. That's when you'll see the lens start turning clear. Don't push down too hard, keep the surface moisturized with water to prevent overheating.
The last step will be polishing paste then a good coat of sealant type wax and they'll be good for a few more years.
Agree with andreigbs' comments. And that the best way to restore the headlights is to replace them with OEM units. I polished one set of headlamps with the 3M kit, and replaced the headlamps on another vehicle of the same vintage as the one I polished. No comparison on the results, time and frustration level. Replacement is more expensive, and it's another reminder that one gets what one pays for.
And that the best way to restore the headlights is to replace them with OEM units
Agreed. And they will last likely another 5-7 years before you even have to worry about hazing issues. It's also best to keep cars parked in the shade or indoors, as the hazing is mostly caused by sun damage. But I digress...
OP: let us know how they turned out, and whether or not it's worth ever doing it again. The few times I sanded old headlights, it took me about 2 good hours of careful work with an air compressor drill, several levels of grit and patience. Those lights looked new when I was done with them, and I didn't have to remove them from the car. I then dropped in HIDs (projector housings!) and the difference was literally night and day. You do get what you pay for, and time is money. Weigh your options and choose wisely.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
