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-   -   Headlight restoration (https://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=61885)

scoobydrvr 07-08-2013 02:03 PM
Headlight restoration
 
Okay, I know there's about 239847.5 ways to restore headlights. I'm curious how people are doing it and what, if anything, you're doing to keep them clear and bright.

To start if off, I use a product from Meguiars: Clear Plastic Cleaner and Clear Plastic Polish with a 6" random orbital buffer and LOTS of time. Recently did the work on mine and spent about an hour a piece on each fixture.
Before:
https://photos-6.dropbox.com/t/0/AAD...?size=1024x768

After:
https://photos-3.dropbox.com/t/0/AAC...?size=1280x960

Of course, now I need to seal them in some way, hence the poll. Sound off!

Sean486 07-08-2013 03:12 PM
Re: Headlight restoration
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by scoobydrvr (Post 725812)
Okay, I know there's about 239847.5 ways to restore headlights. I'm curious how people are doing it and what, if anything, you're d,oing to keep them clear and bright.

To start if off, I use a product from Meguiars: Clear Plastic Cleaner and Clear Plastic Polish with a 6" random orbital buffer and LOTS of time. Recently did the work on mine and spent about an hour a piece on each fixture.
Before:
https://photos-6.dropbox.com/t/0/AAD...?size=1280x960

After:
https://photos-3.dropbox.com/t/0/AAC...?size=1280x960

Of course, now I need to seal them in some way, hence the poll. Sound off!
I used a 3M kit to polish them, then immediately put Lamin-x clear film over them. After a year they still look gorgeous. Some of the best money I ever spent on the SVX.

flamestone 07-08-2013 04:22 PM
Re: Headlight restoration
 
I've done some hardcore headlight restorations in the past, so I've even whipped out the sandpaper. Really really fine wet & dry sandpaper. And then finished off with that Meguiars or Mothers plastic polish.

But my SVX headlights are on the bench next to me right now, ready to have all the black stripped off and repainted as well. I'll be in there with a toothbrush. :)

scoobydrvr 07-08-2013 04:34 PM
Re: Headlight restoration
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sean486 (Post 725814)
I used a 3M kit to polish them, then immediately put Lamin-x clear film over them. After a year they still look gorgeous. Some of the best money I ever spent on the SVX.
Do you get the Lamin-x locally or just order it off the interwebs?

Quote:
Originally Posted by flamestone (Post 725818)
I've done some hardcore headlight restorations in the past, so I've even whipped out the sandpaper. Really really fine wet & dry sandpaper. And then finished off with that Meguiars or Mothers plastic polish.

But my SVX headlights are on the bench next to me right now, ready to have all the black stripped off and repainted as well. I'll be in there with a toothbrush. :)
Do you do anything to try and keep them up or is it a periodic process?

dannmarr 07-08-2013 04:46 PM
Re: Headlight restoration
 
I've wet sanded them and sprayed non yellowing clear coat on them. They looked brand new. They lasted about 2 years and yes, they are turning yellow! I'll try the clear film next time.

svxcess 07-08-2013 05:06 PM
Re: Headlight restoration
 
And then you could have them professionally redone inside and out by Prolightz.

See this thread with photos HERE


http://www.prolightz.com


You can also get the Lamin-X film there also, in 12mil and 40 mil thicknesses, colors too.

http://prolightz.com/proshop/index.p...=index&cPath=8


.

Sean486 07-08-2013 07:46 PM
Re: Headlight restoration
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by scoobydrvr (Post 725820)
Do you get the Lamin-x locally or just order it off the interwebs?
Ordered off the internet, the SVX has small narrow headlights so it is not to bad. Was about $45 with shipping. XPEL makes a good product too, it is a bit thicker than Lamin-x.

SURTEESS 07-08-2013 08:56 PM
Re: Headlight restoration
 
Anyone thought about changing the plastic covers for glass covers in the USA, here in NZ / AUST / JP / EUROPE we all get glass so there are lots of "spares".

svxcess 07-08-2013 09:08 PM
Re: Headlight restoration
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by SURTEESS (Post 725838)
Anyone thought about changing the plastic covers for glass covers in the USA, here in NZ / AUST / JP / EUROPE we all get glass so there are lots of "spares".
The German glass headlights are the only one with the correct LHD beam pattern. The JDM units are RHD. They can be used, but not as effective.

.

wdb 07-09-2013 03:48 AM
Re: Headlight restoration
 
Nobody has mentioned sealing them, so I will. I used black silicone caulk all the way around the seam, and since doing it over a year ago the headlights have been totally moisture free.

I also used a 3M kit to polish the clear bits. 1+ years on and they still look fine.

scoobydrvr 07-09-2013 07:04 AM
Re: Headlight restoration
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by svxcess (Post 725839)
The German glass headlights are the only one with the correct LHD beam pattern. The JDM units are RHD. They can be used, but not as effective.

.
Is there a reliable supply of the Deutsche headlights or do you just have to troll Ebay and hope for a set?

Crazy_pilot 07-09-2013 09:25 AM
Re: Headlight restoration
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by svxcess (Post 725823)
And then you could have them professionally redone inside and out by Prolightz.

See this thread with photos HERE


http://www.prolightz.com


You can also get the Lamin-X film there also, in 12mil and 40 mil thicknesses, colors too.

http://prolightz.com/proshop/index.p...=index&cPath=8


.
I came here to post this. My headlights still look brand new after 10 months or so. I polished the waterfall grill when I installed my ProLightz headlights but didn't clear coat it and it's returned to it's funky yellow state while the headlights remain clear.

scoobydrvr 07-11-2013 12:42 PM
Re: Headlight restoration
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by svxcess (Post 725823)
And then you could have them professionally redone inside and out by Prolightz.

See this thread with photos HERE


http://www.prolightz.com
Prolightz looks like a pretty good option. Anyone know the cost of restoration from them?

svxcess 07-11-2013 01:32 PM
Re: Headlight restoration
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by scoobydrvr (Post 725922)
Prolightz looks like a pretty good option. Anyone know the cost of restoration from them?

That answer can be found HERE

Plus shipping both ways.

.

redlightningsvx 07-11-2013 01:57 PM
Re: Headlight restoration
 
You could always sand them down and use 3 coats of 2k urethane car clear. Did mine idk like 4+yrs ago and they still look new as some yearly people from Reading can attest to it.


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