MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: Pesky jones on August 24, 2015, 12:38:29 pm

Title: headlight restoration
Post by: Pesky jones on August 24, 2015, 12:38:29 pm: So my passenger side headlight is very cloudy. The driver side is in mint condition (slightly odd how they’re different?)

I bought a restorqation kit for about 20 pounds from Halfords to use. I’m not sure if it worked a little bit, but it certainly didn’t restore it.

It was one where you just hand sand it then drill polish it. I’ve heard about the 3m kit, shall I try again with this kit?
Title: Re: headlight restoration
Post by: xjay1337 on August 24, 2015, 02:03:32 pm: Save yourself the money
Buy 800 grit
1500 grit
2000
2500
work 800 until whole headlight is cloudy and even when dry.
then go up through 1500, 2000 then 2500.

then use a machine polisher with a correction compound and a hard pad then a softer pad with a refinement/finishing polish.
protect with a decent sealant.
done.
Title: Re: headlight restoration
Post by: Pesky jones on August 24, 2015, 02:06:28 pm: Quote from: xjay1337 on August 24, 2015, 02:03:32 pm
Save yourself the money...then use a machine polisher...

I don't have one, will it save me money? the kit is only 20£
Title: Re: headlight restoration
Post by: xjay1337 on August 24, 2015, 02:11:16 pm: borrrow one :happy2: :happy2:
Title: Re: headlight restoration
Post by: tobievans on August 24, 2015, 08:12:53 pm: How long did it take to wet and dry like that?
Title: Re: headlight restoration
Post by: Rasco on August 24, 2015, 10:58:44 pm: Ok I need to do this too, just need advice on what finishing compound and sealant to use at the end?
Title: Re: headlight restoration
Post by: xjay1337 on August 25, 2015, 11:57:35 am: Quote from: tobievans on August 24, 2015, 08:12:53 pm
How long did it take to wet and dry like that?
I can do them about 45 minutes to 1 hour per side if I really go hell for leather.
Title: Re: headlight restoration
Post by: Beej on August 25, 2015, 08:22:33 pm: mine are only slightly starting to cloud up, but i am a little weary about sanding them, but i think i would rather that than buy a kit that didn't really do what i wanted.....so i will be sanding, polishing and sealing!
Title: Re: headlight restoration
Post by: bonelorry on August 25, 2015, 09:31:01 pm: I used the 3M kit on my headlights about 3 weeks ago and got good results, See my thread in the members rides section. :happy2: