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Headlight Restoration

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Old 05-17-2010, 11:15 AM
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Default Headlight Restoration

So just wanted to share my experience with Headlight restoration

Yes I know removing fenders is not necessary. I did it because my clear side markers are due in today

So I had treated my headlights with Meguiars Plastx about a week ago. There was definitely vast improvement but I wasn't completely satisfied with the results. So I went out and purchased a 3M headlight resto kit for 25 bucks.

Here's what the headlight looked like to start (after a Plastx treatment last week)




This is the end of the second phase with an 800 grit drill attached sand disk



The first phase looked exactly like this except the dust had a strong yellow tint to it.


Now wiped down and ready for wet sanding with 3000 grit disk





The final step, a long slow go over with rubbing compound and a foam disk applicator



And this is the end result



I'm very pleased I love how the diffuser POPS, can't wait for my Clear JDMs to ship!
Old 05-19-2010, 08:40 AM
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why didn't you just use painter's tape to cover the bumper and the fenders?

otherwise, it looks great!
Old 05-19-2010, 09:23 AM
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Originally Posted by termigni,May 19 2010, 08:40 AM
why didn't you just use painter's tape to cover the bumper and the fenders?

otherwise, it looks great!
yes I know removing fenders is not necessary. I did it because my clear side markers are due in today biggrin.gif




absolutley LOVING the clear side markers, looks so much cleaner on silver.
Old 05-19-2010, 12:43 PM
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even then you could have just removed the sidemarker with the fender still on haha

good work though.
Old 05-19-2010, 12:47 PM
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How difficult was it to realign the fenders?

You get a better result if you wet sand with 1,500 and 2,000 grits in addition to the 3,000 grit pad. The 3,000 grit pad isn't abrasive enough to get out the scratches created by the 800 grit paper. You will see swirl marks from the sanding in certain angles in the sun.
Old 05-19-2010, 12:58 PM
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i, too, have used the 3m kit, and can vouch that thing works like a miracle...
but i only paid $14 bucks from amazon...

http://www.amazon.com/3M-Headlight-Lens-Re...74302646&sr=8-1
Old 05-19-2010, 12:58 PM
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dayam... only $10 now...
Old 05-19-2010, 02:50 PM
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Originally Posted by AZDavid,May 19 2010, 12:47 PM
How difficult was it to realign the fenders?
Not difficult at all, I attached the fender with all the upper bolts, loosely. Then applied pressure to the inside corner of the headlight assembly, which pulled out the outer corner. I put a little pressure on the front part of the fender tightened down the bolt that attaches both the fender and the headlight assembly, and BAM! all done.

Old 05-19-2010, 05:49 PM
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3M makes a whole host of automotive products.

http://www.shop3m.com/automotive-products.html
Old 05-19-2010, 07:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Vi37573r,May 19 2010, 12:43 PM
even then you could have just removed the sidemarker with the fender still on haha

good work though.

Wtf dude totally, I installed my clear sidemarkers with the fender on, the sidemarkers just slide out! A+ for effort haha!


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