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Headlight restoration...with pictures!

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Old Sep 10, 2014 | 05:41 PM
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Default Headlight restoration...with pictures!

So for a while i've been debating getting new headlights but they are quite expensive. I've tried polishing them before but it didnt last long. After watching a few videos online I found that sandpapering them seems to be the best option.

So heres how it went!

This is what they looked like before.


so first off I used 1500 grit wet dry sandpaper and rubbed the headlights hard in circluar motion. They looked very cloudy afterwards...like so.



Then went over with 2000 grit



Then went over with 2500 Grit



then gave them a nice machine polish with some 3M compound...



Was very happy with the results! Only took around 30minutes.







the took a couple of other photos which shows it needs a good wash again!


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Old Sep 10, 2014 | 05:55 PM
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Not tried it myself but heard Toothpaste works ?
Yours have cleaned up nice tho
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Old Sep 10, 2014 | 06:18 PM
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SUPER JOB A massive improvement Matt.SJ.
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Old Sep 10, 2014 | 06:25 PM
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Are you going to put anything on to protect the new finish as they tend to deteriorate back after a while??
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Old Sep 10, 2014 | 06:36 PM
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Originally Posted by nardoblue
Are you going to put anything on to protect the new finish as they tend to deteriorate back after a while??
Yeah I'd like too. Not sure what is recommended though? Or where to get it?
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Old Sep 10, 2014 | 08:40 PM
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Had a quick look on "Detail World"
http://www.motorgeek.co.uk/cgi-bin/e...ct&db_pid=1030
Meguiars PlastX Plastic Polish 296 ml: Amazon.co.uk: Car & Motorbike Meguiars PlastX Plastic Polish 296 ml: Amazon.co.uk: Car & Motorbike
Surface Sealant, Glass Sealant, UV Inhibitor and Coating, Water Repellent 50ml: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools Surface Sealant, Glass Sealant, UV Inhibitor and Coating, Water Repellent 50ml: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools
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Old Sep 10, 2014 | 08:47 PM
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Cracking, cheers chap!!
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Old Sep 10, 2014 | 09:00 PM
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just ordered some of the Surface Sealant, Glass Sealant, UV Inhibitor and Coating, Water Repellent 50ml, just too see if it works ,hope so
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Old Sep 10, 2014 | 11:17 PM
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Nice work!
Get them sealed up with Gtechniq G5 Smart Glass
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Old Sep 10, 2014 | 11:54 PM
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Thank you for posting this, been searching for a thread like this for a while now.

I will now feel brave enough to take on my Forester headlights.
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Old Sep 11, 2014 | 08:18 AM
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Good post, and just the kind of info that SN needs, as it probably affects a majority on here. I , like most, wouldn't have had the nerve to sandpaper my car. It makes a change from tales of woe etc. Thanks
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Old Sep 11, 2014 | 08:46 AM
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No worries, I was a little nervous doing it but watched quite a few videos on YouTube and I felt confident. Lucky turned out really well!
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Old Sep 11, 2014 | 09:10 AM
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Got to be happy with that mate, looks like another thing added to the list!
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Old Sep 11, 2014 | 10:34 AM
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I have scratches on my passenger door window in my P1 from the window guides. I've replaced the guides but I wonder if this would work for the window - just nervous of boogering a hard to replace window if it doesn't work?
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Old Sep 11, 2014 | 10:36 AM
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Very happy, amazed how much of a difference it makes to the front end!
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Old Sep 11, 2014 | 10:38 AM
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Originally Posted by Fat Boy
I have scratches on my passenger door window in my P1 from the window guides. I've replaced the guides but I wonder if this would work for the window - just nervous of boogering a hard to replace window if it doesn't work?
Hmm personally I wouldn't do it on glass, the blobeye headlights are plastic lens.
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Old Sep 11, 2014 | 10:39 AM
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Lights look great.
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Old Sep 11, 2014 | 04:26 PM
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Originally Posted by nardoblue
Are you going to put anything on to protect the new finish as they tend to deteriorate back after a while??
Originally Posted by Matt_STi
Yeah I'd like too. Not sure what is recommended though? Or where to get it?

Jetseal 109
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Old Sep 11, 2014 | 04:31 PM
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A great result; however, I'm more impressed that you were willing to take sandpaper to your car.

Be honest, once you'd started to see the cloudy results of stage one, was there a 'what have I done...' moment?

A buddy of mine brought the paint back on his classic car using a similar technique, with equally great results, but it was a massive job and he was fretting the entire time.
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Old Sep 11, 2014 | 04:36 PM
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Very much so! I was thinking omg I've totally ruined my whole headlights!
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Old Sep 11, 2014 | 05:16 PM
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Originally Posted by SS333
A great result; however, I'm more impressed that you were willing to take sandpaper to your car.

Be honest, once you'd started to see the cloudy results of stage one, was there a 'what have I done...' moment?
For anyone less ballsy, this method works, just remember to buy jetseal 109 after to protect the results.
https://www.scoobynet.com/car-care-3...t+bug+jdm+lamp
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Old Sep 11, 2014 | 11:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Matt_STi
Hmm personally I wouldn't do it on glass, the blobeye headlights are plastic lens.
Thanks
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Old Sep 12, 2014 | 05:58 PM
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That exhaust is pure sex..
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Old Sep 12, 2014 | 06:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Norman Dog
That exhaust is pure sex..
Thanks! I love it!! Loud and totally obnoxious!!
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