Headlight restoration

[scoobydrvr]

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:


After:


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

[Sean486]

Originally Posted by scoobydrvr

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:


After:


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]

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]

Originally Posted by Sean486

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?

Originally Posted by flamestone

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]

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]

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]

Originally Posted by scoobydrvr

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]

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]

Originally Posted by SURTEESS

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]

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]

Originally Posted by svxcess

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]

Originally Posted by svxcess

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]

Originally Posted by svxcess

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]

Originally Posted by scoobydrvr

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]

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.