Anyone try polishing and clearing the headlights or swapping new lenses?
06-14-2018, 08:15 PM
#1
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Anyone try polishing and clearing the headlights or swapping new lenses?
Ive seen some great results on a friends car. So I am going to hate my detailer do the wet sand polish and clear then buff technique. If I dont like the results which i kinda doubt. I will buy the new lenses.
Just dont feel like taking off bumper removing lights and baking them etc etc.
Anyone try either of the 2 options to make there headlights look new again?
My car is going to look **** with al new carbon fiber lip, diffuser, and side skirt splitters. So the headlights is a must to keep it looking good.
Just dont feel like taking off bumper removing lights and baking them etc etc.
Anyone try either of the 2 options to make there headlights look new again?
My car is going to look **** with al new carbon fiber lip, diffuser, and side skirt splitters. So the headlights is a must to keep it looking good.
06-14-2018, 08:27 PM
#2
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2007 Mercedes E63 AMG
i had my body shop polish and reclear mine...very very happy with the results...new lenses would look clearer and better, but you'd never notice unless they were side by side.
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Max.H (06-15-2018)
06-14-2018, 08:30 PM
#3
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Should turn out fine. Just as an FYI, make sure the detailer doesn't polish then clear coat... Only wet sand to 2000+ grit, then clear coat. The polishing oils will screw with the clearcoat. If you want it to last make sure he uses a 2k clear coat.
As long as he isn't charging you an arm and a leg go that route. New lenses are cheap and easy to replace, just takes a little time.
-Nigel
As long as he isn't charging you an arm and a leg go that route. New lenses are cheap and easy to replace, just takes a little time.
-Nigel
06-14-2018, 09:21 PM
#4
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2013 ML350 Bluetec
Two years ago a deer played chicken with my Benz, and failed miserably. Part of the aftermath involved a new headlight assembly on the driver's side. The passenger side was looking a bit cloudy, so I asked the body shop if they could clean it up. They did. I can't tell the difference even now. If I didn't know better I'd say they replaced it.
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Max.H (06-15-2018)
06-14-2018, 10:08 PM
#6
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E55 headlights Sanded with a DA. 600 then 800. Then sprayed with Spies Hecker 8600 clear.
E55 headlights Sanded with a DA. 600 then 800. Then sprayed with Spies Hecker 8600 clear.
They look milky from the lights reflecting from my spray booth. But they are crystal clear on the car.
06-15-2018, 10:00 AM
#7
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2001 E320 Wagon, 2006 LBZ Silverado, 2007 E63 (sold), 2001 E55 (sold)
I did the lights on my wagon. Sanded with 600, 800, 1200, 1500, 2500, 3000 and then gave them a final polish. From 5' out they looked like brand new lights. Up close you could see some spots where I didn't sand quite enough (I did it by hand). For $10 in materials I'm happy with the results.
FWIW, the only thing I had to buy was sand paper. I already had polish and a DA.
FWIW, the only thing I had to buy was sand paper. I already had polish and a DA.
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Max.H (06-15-2018)
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06-15-2018, 10:38 AM
#8
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16 E550 Cab, 2003 Ram bright red crewcab 4x4 we call Clifford :)
I did the lights on my wagon. Sanded with 600, 800, 1200, 1500, 2500, 3000 and then gave them a final polish. From 5' out they looked like brand new lights. Up close you could see some spots where I didn't sand quite enough (I did it by hand). For $10 in materials I'm happy with the results.
FWIW, the only thing I had to buy was sand paper. I already had polish and a DA.
FWIW, the only thing I had to buy was sand paper. I already had polish and a DA.
hopefully you did it all wet...... 600 ? light must have been nasty
but up to 3000 is minimum.... 5000 wet is even better.... good job
06-15-2018, 11:28 AM
#10
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2001 E320 Wagon, 2006 LBZ Silverado, 2007 E63 (sold), 2001 E55 (sold)
06-15-2018, 03:29 PM
#11
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i used the 3m Headlight restoration kit. (google it..found almost anywhere). Worked extremely well for me. No clearcoat spray afterwards. I apply car wax to my headlights once per month, and that has kept the UV rays/yellowing away for the last 2.5 years now.
Also, I did mine with the headlights on the car/hood open. But I used a fair amount of masking tape to ensure I didnt accidentally sand the bumper cover/body parts.
But ideally? You'll take the headlights out. Easier to fully get the headlight edges that way
Also, I did mine with the headlights on the car/hood open. But I used a fair amount of masking tape to ensure I didnt accidentally sand the bumper cover/body parts.
But ideally? You'll take the headlights out. Easier to fully get the headlight edges that way
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Max.H (06-15-2018)
06-15-2018, 06:06 PM
#12
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Ya, he's not gonna charge that much. I will report back. IMO after the wet sanding the clear coats and final buffing is what makes them look crystal clear. So I told him to put like 3 coats of clear.
06-29-2018, 03:43 PM
#13
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I've done mine twice now. First time I did not seal them so they started to yellow again about a year later.
it's pretty easy, just tedious. Came out tremendous looking after the first time. After the second time they don't look as great, but I think that's my fault for having not cleaned the inside of the lens when I baked it open for a projector swap. Oh well.
it's pretty easy, just tedious. Came out tremendous looking after the first time. After the second time they don't look as great, but I think that's my fault for having not cleaned the inside of the lens when I baked it open for a projector swap. Oh well.
06-30-2018, 01:47 AM
#14
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I've done mine twice now. First time I did not seal them so they started to yellow again about a year later.
it's pretty easy, just tedious. Came out tremendous looking after the first time. After the second time they don't look as great, but I think that's my fault for having not cleaned the inside of the lens when I baked it open for a projector swap. Oh well.
it's pretty easy, just tedious. Came out tremendous looking after the first time. After the second time they don't look as great, but I think that's my fault for having not cleaned the inside of the lens when I baked it open for a projector swap. Oh well.
07-13-2018, 12:45 PM
#15
Member
I’ve done both and swapped out lenses a couple different times for different reasons but the lens swap would be the best way to go because it’s a brand new lens it will basically be a brand new headlight. Get them cheap off eBay they do scratch easily meaning fine scratches just make sure to add some type of sealant or protectant after swapping lenses if you go that route.
07-13-2018, 01:24 PM
#16
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I recommend swapping out the lenses then applying (PPF) Paint Protection Film to them, to keep them fresh for the long haul.
That is what I've done.
That is what I've done.
07-13-2018, 02:14 PM
#17
Member
Mine have been polished and have a ceramic coating over them, but these headlights never seen to look great. Mine are crystal clear but from some angles they kinda look hazy. Hate it, but what are you gonna do.
07-13-2018, 02:48 PM
#18
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I am changing my lense on Monday had it in my garage for 2 weeks. I have ceramic coating I’ve used on peoples cars that I’m doing
