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General => Detailing => Topic started by: Davstylee on 22 October 2013, 11:59

Title: Restoring headlights
Post by: Davstylee on 22 October 2013, 11:59
Hey guys

I noticed last night that my headlight lenses weren't looking too great, they are a little dull and have a fair amount of light scratches on them, so I am not getting the best out of my Philips X-treme Vision blubs. I wouldn't say they are oxidized or yellow in anyway, just could do with a good clean up/scratch removal.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a good restoration kit, or a home method that works well?

This has good reviews http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_922499_langId_-1_categoryId_255233#tab3 but I would like the get the professionals (you guys) opinion before I buy anything.

Any advice would be great, thanks!
Title: Re: Restoring headlights
Post by: dragonfly on 22 October 2013, 15:57
The Megs stuff is not bad all you need is a decent plastic cleaner.
Title: Re: Restoring headlights
Post by: JBirchy on 22 October 2013, 17:32
Hey matey, the Megs Plastx stuff is pretty good to be honest.

I've had great results by wet-sanding mine in the past with 2000 then 2500 grit Meguiars paper, then machine polishing back to a bright shine, but if you don't have access to a machine then I'd definitely give that restoration kit a go.

Jon
Title: Re: Restoring headlights
Post by: Ginge 35Edition on 22 October 2013, 21:14
Plastx is a good shout. We used it on my bros old audi cab and they came up a treat!
Title: Re: Restoring headlights
Post by: AaronMc on 23 October 2013, 12:19
Wet and Dry is the way forward I think, although I've never tried the kit.

Coming fault on the MK5 headlights, replaced loads due to this eventually they fail an mot for effecting the beam pattern..
Title: Re: Restoring headlights
Post by: dubber36 on 23 October 2013, 17:34
Wet and dry starting with a 1500 grade, working up to a 2500 grade, followed by a machine polish with a cutting compound will sort it out. They will need a sealant afterwards and that maintained regularly.

It's the anti-UV protective coating that breaks down and goes cloudy. Once you've taken that off, there is no UV protection, so the polycarbonate lenses will go all cloudy. It's a vicious circle.
Title: Re: Restoring headlights
Post by: jay26 on 31 October 2013, 10:22
quixx kit was a good one for me
Title: Re: Restoring headlights
Post by: joelee on 31 October 2013, 21:55
i have wet sanded a few sets now and always had the best results with 2000 2500 3000 and than a machine polish