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Old 09-23-2009, 03:30 PM
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Default Cloudy headlight lens

Any remedy for this? I saw the "lens restoration kit" at the auto parts store but figured it was just a compound/cleaner. Do they work?

I tried a compound, wax, cleaner wax, acetone and nothing worked.
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Old 09-23-2009, 03:35 PM
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I sell a Restoration kit at my shop that works great. Its made by BG, its so good that we rarely have to redo them. I also offer a lifetime warranty. BG is not sold in many stores so get on their web site and find a rep in your area.
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Old 09-23-2009, 03:42 PM
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May need to wet sand them first, then compound, then seal.
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Old 09-23-2009, 03:42 PM
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Wet/Dry sand paper. Depending on how scratched the lenses are will determin what grit to start with.

Probably start with 600. Wet the lens and the paper. Go over the entire lens well, clean with a rag and repeat. Follow the 600 with 1000, then 1500, then 2000 using the same procedure. I then used a clear coat scrub and followed that with a product called "Scratch X".

Lenses came out looking great.

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Old 09-23-2009, 05:25 PM
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I can't believe I didn't think of the wet sanding thing first. I should have known that. I try that method first and if that doesn't do it I'll try the kit.

Thanks guys.
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Old 09-23-2009, 05:56 PM
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Default Try Soft Scrub

Hi
I use Soft Scrub for dishes.
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Old 09-23-2009, 05:58 PM
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I believe FLIZ (sp?) has a kit, or can be used on headlights?
Hey Chris, I just placed an order yesterday for a set of LED spreader lights.
Just a quick question?, What amp fuse should I use for the lights?
THX Scott
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Old 09-23-2009, 07:10 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ss3964spd View Post
Wet/Dry sand paper. Depending on how scratched the lenses are will determin what grit to start with.

Probably start with 600. Wet the lens and the paper. Go over the entire lens well, clean with a rag and repeat. Follow the 600 with 1000, then 1500, then 2000 using the same procedure. I then used a clear coat scrub and followed that with a product called "Scratch X".

Lenses came out looking great.

Dan
+1 on the sandpaper Ive used it on several vehicles and it works great use upto 2000 and if you need a polishing compound or a rouge compound. Ive tried the kits they dont work as well as sandpaper. They are a little easier especially the ones for the drills but go with the sandpaper.
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Old 09-23-2009, 07:49 PM
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Chris, you dont need a kit, just 1000, 1500, 2000 Wet Dry and finish with a wheel and regular compound. If you need it, Ill UPS out what you need,
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Old 09-23-2009, 10:46 PM
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I have tried that crap from WalMart/Autozone and it does not work. I never thought of wet sanding a (used to be clear) plastic lens.
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Old 09-24-2009, 05:47 AM
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I tried the Meguiar's product on my daughter's car and it did nothing. Walmart (sorry guys) does the wet sand deal pretty cheap.
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Old 09-24-2009, 05:56 AM
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I've used the 3M lense kit on my son's VW and it did a fantastic job.
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Old 09-29-2009, 04:59 PM
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The wet sanding thing worked for me. I started with a 600 then moved to a 1000 then a 2000. Then I puffed them with a high speed buffer and plastic polish/scratch remover.
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Old 10-02-2009, 08:14 AM
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Chris,
How bad was the lens? How do you know when to switch grid? I am thinking of doing the wife's Tucson, but if I screw up..........
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Old 10-02-2009, 11:15 AM
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Mine were not that bad. You can see the before and after in this thread. 2003 Silverado facelift

I just did each grit for about 10 mins.
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Old 10-03-2009, 06:08 AM
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We have a guy that comes to our shop "Headlight Doctor" he wetsands them and then uses a clearcoat. I think he gaurantees for life. We used the 3M polish for years with fair results, but was only a temporary solution.
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Old 10-03-2009, 07:18 AM
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Chris - if the lens starts to turn again, which most due, try getting a set off ebay. I replaced the ones in my FIL's old '97 and what a difference. The lights fit ok - stuck out about a 1/2 inch from the grill, but the amount of light, especially with the silver star bulbs was amazing.
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Old 10-03-2009, 08:42 AM
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Quote:
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Chris - if the lens starts to turn again, which most due, try getting a set off ebay. I replaced the ones in my FIL's old '97 and what a difference. The lights fit ok - stuck out about a 1/2 inch from the grill, but the amount of light, especially with the silver star bulbs was amazing.

Thats a good tip as well, there are good replacement housings for most applications. Also, go to the autobody paint store and get a can of spray clear. It will help protect your work so they dont go bad again as quickly.
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Old 10-03-2009, 09:14 AM
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wet sanding is the only way to do it if you want brand new looking headlights. I did them on my previous vw passat and removed them completely off the car and then proceeded with 800 grit, 1500 and 2000 final. i then used a polish and waxed them real good.

it was a day and nite difference.
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Old 10-03-2009, 12:55 PM
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Starting to wonder if this is a part of owning a VW. 97 passat tdi doing the same thing. Looks like we have.. "Another project"
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