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      03-21-2015, 02:47 PM   #1
PA135i
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Best headlight restoration kit

What is the best headlight restoration kit out there? I saw two youtube videos from the Chemical Guys. One was without the need for an orbital buffer. I don't own a buffer yet so thats what I am looking for.
They sell a kit called Glassy lite. Which after proper application lasts for a year.

My headlight lenses are not real bad but they need to be restored.
I have been using Mequires plastx but this only lasts about two weeks then needs to be reapplied. Any advice from detailers out there..thanks.
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Last edited by PA135i; 03-22-2015 at 03:41 PM..
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      03-22-2015, 07:33 PM   #2
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I've used several difference methods over the years and have found the most effective system is with abrasives, compound and polish.

Just to see how this works I did use the 3M system and it does a fairly decent job but I still used my DA with compound and polish when I wasn't quite satisfied. I know there are several good headlight lens sealants but I normally just use the same wax as I would apply on the car.

There seems to be a YouTube trend lately with headlight restoration videos that show using everything from toothpaste, WD40 and various one step products. Most modern headlights are made from polycarbonate that incorporate a thin UV coating. Once that UV coating is oxidized it's almost impossible to restore clarity without removing it. Thus the need for sanding and polishing.

This 3M system can work well with a drill but it takes patience. I would recommend cleaning your lamps first with a good glass cleaner to remove any debris. Next would be a wipe down with isopropyl alcohol. The grit paper in the 3M system should be from 800 up to 3000. I would first use the highest grit (high meaning 3000) to see what that removes first. The reason is that it's always harder to remove deeper sand scratches than fine. The goal is to remove the majority of the decontamination and damage with the highest grit. This will make the process easier and faster.

Let's say you find 1000 grit removes almost all the defects. Next would be to remove these sanding scratches with the next higher grit, probably 1500. You would work your way up through the different grits until you get to the highest. I would recommend using water as a lubricant above 1000 and drying the lens as you go to see the changes. The end result is a nice smooth even dull surface, you shouldn't see any sand scratches.

The next step is to prep the pad for compound. In your case using a drill I would spin it up and use a MF towel to lightly remove any loose particles from the pad. I now would wet the pad so that it's slightly damp. I usually add compound to the pad and work it in to avoid sling rather than applying to the lamp. Work in slow overlapping motions (about 50% overlap) moving from left to right or right to left. Have a spray bottle of water to mist the lens between each application and wipe dry to see the results of your work. It might take 2-3 times to get the results you need. I suggest alternating from left to right to an up and down between applications of compound.

Now than you have compounded the lamp next will be polishing. Use the same method for prepping the pad and application. Use a clean MF towel when removing polish. Do not use the same towel as you used with compound.

Once everything is super clear and clean then you can apply the sealant or wax of your choice.

Hope this helps.
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      03-22-2015, 07:36 PM   #3
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I've heard that some people use EasyOff(oven spray cleaner) to spray on the headlights and buff off. Supposedly it makes for a super easy(off, pun intended!) cleaning of old worn headlights. ?
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      03-23-2015, 06:10 PM   #4
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Read the third to last post in this thread
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1101287
He makes his headlights look amazing and it's what I'm planning on doing in the future
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      03-23-2015, 06:16 PM   #5
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fantastic video by the owner of Ammo NYC
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      03-23-2015, 08:01 PM   #6
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Perfect. Thanks guys... I will be using the sanding method. Probably 1000 grit then 1500 - 3000 grit. My lenses are not badly faded.
The final step for protection I may use the jet seal from Chemical guys. That seems to be a good UV protectant that will last a long time.
Thanks again for your help.
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      03-23-2015, 08:10 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tglazed View Post
Read the third to last post in this thread
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1101287
He makes his headlights look amazing and it's what I'm planning on doing in the future
Wow.. great thread.
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      09-21-2016, 04:53 AM   #8
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Nice thread guys, wasn't sure what to do with mine. But fully educated now
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      10-26-2017, 01:00 PM   #9
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Best 12 Inch Subwoofers Reviews

Best wager on the off chance that you need better than the average sound it to do the mod stickied at the highest point of the discussion.
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      10-26-2017, 01:02 PM   #10
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Best Headlight Restoration Kits

I'd search for somebody in your general vicinity that has done the mod to the stock HU and check whether they would do it for you, or discover a companion that knows something about gadgets that could do it.
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      10-26-2017, 01:04 PM   #11
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I like this forum very much. Because it provides some quality things which I need more.
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      10-27-2017, 01:43 AM   #12
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The Sylvania headlight restoration is a good kit also since it comes with UV block clear coat.
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      10-22-2018, 10:36 PM   #13
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From my experience this is the only way to get that "like new or better look" for the OCD folks https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...bmw-520-a.html
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