MK5 Golf GTI

General => Detailing => Topic started by: petemcr on April 17, 2013, 07:19:29 pm

Title: Headlight restoration
Post by: petemcr on April 17, 2013, 07:19:29 pm: So

I read a topic on here about wet sanding to restore your headlights and thought to hell with it, I will give it a go

This is the before shot, you can't see it too well but the passengers headlight was a mess and the drivers looked pretty good

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/599027_10152655307620433_769937613_n.jpg)

So I went at it, 1500 to start, then worked out all the marks from the 1500 using 2000 and went on to finish with some of that Plast-X and a bit of polish/wax, got to say massively impressed with out they've come out, just the drivers look a bit tosh now in comparison so I need to do that one this weekend

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/526419_10152740974195433_1346572496_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Headlight restoration
Post by: swgti on April 18, 2013, 10:45:43 am: Not a bad job, I used the 3M kit the other week that i got a while ago and was stunned with the results, easy quick and all for a tenner.
Title: Re: Headlight restoration
Post by: bigeyd on April 22, 2013, 08:58:01 am: Have you put some uv protector on afterwards as you'll need to.
http://gtechniq.com/shop/3s-for-cars/exterior-coatings/c4-permanent-trim-restorer/
Title: Re: Headlight restoration
Post by: Tomm on April 24, 2013, 10:13:38 pm: hey guys, what would use say is the best for headlight restoration. i have some little surface scratches i would like to get rid of too?

thanks
Title: Re: Headlight restoration
Post by: petemcr on April 24, 2013, 11:06:39 pm: Voorhees, I've not used any sealant but I could do with going over again with the 2000 grit so I might do it after
Title: Re: Headlight restoration
Post by: petemcr on April 24, 2013, 11:07:33 pm: Best way to do it Tomm is off the guide on here, just take your time and keep the surface damp or you might end up adding some scratches
Title: Re: Headlight restoration
Post by: swgti on April 25, 2013, 07:09:17 am: I would strongly recommend the 3M kit very, very easy, quick, stunning results and worth every penny, I only paid a tenner for mine but would happily pay full price having used it.

http://www.3mdirect.co.uk/p-2639-3m-headlight-restoration-kit.aspx (http://www.3mdirect.co.uk/p-2639-3m-headlight-restoration-kit.aspx)
Title: Re: Headlight restoration
Post by: Tomm on April 25, 2013, 12:51:48 pm: Quote from: swgti on April 25, 2013, 07:09:17 am
I would strongly recommend the 3M kit very, very easy, quick, stunning results and worth every penny, I only paid a tenner for mine but would happily pay full price having used it.

http://www.3mdirect.co.uk/p-2639-3m-headlight-restoration-kit.aspx (http://www.3mdirect.co.uk/p-2639-3m-headlight-restoration-kit.aspx)

sounds good! would i need to put that uv protection thing on to ? or just use the 3m kit and thats me ?
bit confused
Title: Re: Headlight restoration
Post by: swgti on April 25, 2013, 02:42:11 pm: There's a polishing compound with the kit then I just added a couple of coats of Auto Glym glass polish and that seems to have done the job but I'm sure some of the Gtechniq stuff will also do.
Title: Re: Headlight restoration
Post by: Tomm on April 26, 2013, 12:39:43 am: Quote from: swgti on April 25, 2013, 02:42:11 pm
There's a polishing compound with the kit then I just added a couple of coats of Auto Glym glass polish and that seems to have done the job but I'm sure some of the Gtechniq stuff will also do.

what is the uv protector stuff meant to do :S
if i just got the kit would that do everything i need done to the headlights?

thanks
Title: Re: Headlight restoration
Post by: bigeyd on April 27, 2013, 07:06:21 am: You need some UV protection otherwise you will have the light dulling and going yellow,saying that in England the amount of friggin sun we had last year I am surprised any is needed :laugh: