Headlight Revival

This was a little late night job.

I was asked if I could sort out these Integra headlights that had gone hazy.

When they go like this, the light projected becomes distorted and can restrict your vision at night. They also look tired and dull.



The lights before...

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g3...psi9exjha6.jpg

Not the worst I've seen but they can always be better.



These lights weren't so bad so I started on 1500 sand paper.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g3...ps3hf2kpm5.jpg

Then 2000.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g3...pswznilcxy.jpg

I then gave them a 2 stage machine polish to remove the sanding marks and refine the finish.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g3...psupumwbfo.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g3...ps8taqbtfq.jpg

Some added protection to help them stay clear.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g3...psxpijlnr7.jpg

The finished article on the left, untreated on the right.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g3...psorlvg5mh.jpg

And a before and after.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g3...psce31m1d5.jpg

:)

Looks much better mate if they used glass like on are 5s we wouldn't get this problem:agree:

Great work mate, really must crack on with doing mine on the Trophy. :agree::ashamed:

I did this last year on my VW. Well worth doing and didn't take long really.

Cheers guys :)
I need to do my Bora again. The lights are pretty bad on it.

It's been a while since I done a set of Clio lights.
These were the last ones.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g3...ps2d9610b3.jpg

My v6 could do with this :agree: might aswell get you to do the whole car while you here ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dre5gtt

My v6 could do with this :agree: might aswell get you to do the whole car while you here ;)

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No worries Dre, just let me know when you'd like it done and we can book you in :)

I will have a nice new 30sq garage up soon so once that's up I will let you know, I will get some good lighting in there to :agree:

I watched a vid on YT recently on this. He finished the job with clear lacquer to make it years between needing doing again.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Trevhib

I watched a vid on YT recently on this. He finished the job with clear lacquer to make it years between needing doing again.

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Got a 3M headlight resto kit dont think it includes anything to seal them with so had a good recommendation to seal them with GTechniq C4 ;) Scratcher.

Looks like good stuff. :agree:

Just for completeness, here is the vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa3GpmKax1I
He explains why you need to seal it afterwards (because you're taking off the UV protector from the polycarbonate headlight cover, which once bare is porous and will mist up again within weeks). Anything you seal it with (wax, clear coat etc), needs to have UV protector in it. :agree:

Actually, I can't see if the C4 has UV protection. :scratch: Scratcher, do you know?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dre5gtt

I will have a nice new 30sq garage up soon so once that's up I will let you know, I will get some good lighting in there to :agree:

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Oooo, that sounds good :) your lucky cars!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr Raider

Got a 3M headlight resto kit dont think it includes anything to seal them with so had a good recommendation to seal them with GTechniq C4 ;) Scratcher.

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Those kits look quite handy. Saves buying loads of bits just to do your lights.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Trevhib

Looks like good stuff. :agree:

Actually, I can't see if the C4 has UV protection. :scratch: Scratcher, do you know?

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I've seen a few lights that have had the sand and lacquer trick. It is pretty good and it works, but they tend to stone chip easily and start looking patchy.

C4 has good UV protection. I can't remember the SPF number now.
Here's a bit of G|techniqs blurb on it..

"3S nano composite coating. Restores trim to “as new” condition without altering gloss level. Strong UV absorption filter and chemical bond ensures maximum durability with a single application typically maintaining a flawless finish for up to two years."

:)

:worship:

Bought some C4 from ebay today, £21.92 delivered if it keeps light fresh and clear be well worth that. :)

Take some pics! :)