Plug for the 3m Headlight restoration kit

[bobdole369]

Just wanted to say I had very good results with the 3M headlight restoration kit. The kit has a hook/loop circular drill bit backing (for 1100-1600rpm drills) a number of 500 grit, a number of 800 grit, and a 3000 grit pad, plus a sponge and rubbing compound to finish.

Used BlueMagic "headlight sealer" afterwards. Thousandfold improvement!

Don't have before and after pics, but will be doing MIL's car this weekend most likely and will then.

Prior to this, I used a number of wet/dry sandpapers in series by hand to do headlights (on my old car at least), that came in a kit at the pep boys and was dreading this when I came across teh 3m kit! Was quite wary about using a drill to sand plastic, but not too much material comes off with 500 - 800 grit. It took a lot less effort than by hand, no need to keep it wet while doing it either, just the 3000 grit.

 

[Arkaign]

Good stuff. I hope the sealer works well for you, I know a couple of folks who have had to do it several times (usually every 6 mos to 1 year) to get it clear again, even after using 3m (?) sealer. Either way it's a bargain compared to the hassle of finding/buying/installing new headlamp enclosures.

 

[CraigRT]

I am a huge fan of that kit.
I used it on my '02 Maxima and the headlights could pass as new from a distance of even a few feet away. Unless you looked at them really up close they looked flawless. They were 95% better. I highly recommend it.

 

[NutBucket]

The sealer only lasts a few months TOPS so reapply!

Personally I use this:
http://www.autogeek.net/wolfgang-headlight-how-to.html

The cleaner/glaze are definitely a potent enough combo to negate the need for sandpaper.

 

[WackyDan]

Ditto on the 3m kit... though I may try Mothers on my Wife's car this weekend just for kicks. Even if I have to redo it in a year or so... It is cheaper than even aftermarket lights.

 

[Kaervak]

If your headlights aren't too horrible Meguiar's PlastX works quite well. Had a bit of hazing/oxidation on the lenses in our Subaru and a quick and light polishing with PlastX cleaned them up really quite well. They're still a bit "iffy" but much improved compared to how they were. I'm sure if I put a bit more effort into them, they'd look even better.

 

[CraigRT]

If your headlights aren't too horrible Meguiar's PlastX works quite well. Had a bit of hazing/oxidation on the lenses in our Subaru and a quick and light polishing with PlastX cleaned them up really quite well. They're still a bit "iffy" but much improved compared to how they were. I'm sure if I put a bit more effort into them, they'd look even better.

If your headlights are even slightly past iffy, you need the wet sand kit.
Nothing beats removing a layer of plastic as far as restoring headlights. Polish will only be good on surfaces that are not too far gone. 3M kit will always do a better job on lights that are in sad shape. I wish I'd taken before and after pics on my Maxima. You could not tell in the pics that they were even used.

 

[halik]

I just buy new headlight lenses

 

[kaerflog]

Posting this without before and after pic is epic fail.
I will probably get one myself.

 

[SparkyJJO]

I rubbed some fresh brake fluid on my headlight with a rag and it actually cleaned up some of the worst of the yellow haze

I know it isn't permanent but I don't care, I have new lights to go in once I finish them. I just wanted to hide the yellow for a short while and get a little more light on the road.