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Headlamp Restoration Success
I recently refurbished my 2006 headlamp assemblies which were looking hazy and yellow from years of weather. I was surprised how well they came out and thought I'd post here in case anyone else feels inspired to do the same. Its a fairly quick job, the hardest part was removing the bumper and lights themselves.
I used wet&dry from 1,000 to 10,000 grit, followed by two coats of E-Tech Restored Headlight Clear Coat. It's been 2 weeks now, and the lights still look as they do in the final picture. Sorry the pictures are a bit large. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...9245c89564.jpg First pass, 1000 grit. This mostly felt like cleaning off years of grime. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...d5fc4b868c.jpg Starting to get nervous at 3000 that they would never clear up. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...6f37a4e61f.jpg Still nervous at 5000. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...062b56c270.jpg At 7000 they started looking noticeably clearer. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...74acbe0561.jpg From 7000 to 10,000 they started to look great. But only after the clearcoat was applied did they start to look brand new. |
Came out Excellent.
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Need to do this to mine might try it out in the future.
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Originally Posted by Catticus
(Post 25133546)
From 7000 to 10,000 they started to look great. But only after the clearcoat was applied did they start to look brand new.
Thanks! |
Originally Posted by Catticus
(Post 25133546)
I recently refurbished my 2006 headlamp assemblies which were looking hazy and yellow from years of weather. I was surprised how well they came out and thought I'd post here in case anyone else feels inspired to do the same. Its a fairly quick job, the hardest part was removing the bumper and lights themselves.
I used wet&dry from 1,000 to 10,000 grit, followed by two coats of E-Tech Restored Headlight Clear Coat. It's been 2 weeks now, and the lights still look as they do in the final picture. Sorry the pictures are a bit large. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...9245c89564.jpg First pass, 1000 grit. This mostly felt like cleaning off years of grime. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...d5fc4b868c.jpg Starting to get nervous at 3000 that they would never clear up. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...6f37a4e61f.jpg Still nervous at 5000. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...062b56c270.jpg At 7000 they started looking noticeably clearer. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...74acbe0561.jpg From 7000 to 10,000 they started to look great. But only after the clearcoat was applied did they start to look brand new. |
PPF Film is a borderline permanent haze preventer. I used Expel a decade ago and it has been flawless. If you are careful with your sanding and tape off the lenses well, you can refinish without removing the lights.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...a6888edeac.png |
Originally Posted by windhund116
(Post 25133625)
Does keeping the car under a cover -- when having to park it outdoors -- help lengthen the time that the lenses stay clear?
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Yes. Straight from sanding, wipe clean with water, dry thoroughly, then clear coat.
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Looks great, OP!
Originally Posted by windhund116
(Post 25133625)
Does keeping the car under a cover — when having to park it outdoors — help lengthen the time that the lenses stay clear?
Thanks!
Originally Posted by Car Analogy
(Post 25133657)
Definitely. Its a tag team of UV light, and road abrasives that damage lenses.
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Originally Posted by Catticus
(Post 25133781)
Yes. Straight from sanding, wipe clean with water, dry thoroughly, then clear coat.
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