Headlight Refurbishment

[Dragonheart]

Got around to finally taking off my front bumper to check out my HID problem which I've had for a long time now, putting the update on that onto another thread, OEM HIDs so before anyone says I didnt need to take the bumper off to get at the lights these are factory HIDs and totally different in all ways to an aftermarket setup. Anyways, while at it, decided to tackle the peeling problem I had on one of the headlight lenses, easier to do when the headlight is out as you dont have to worry about scratching paintwork or anything. Peeling had gotten worse during the 9 months I was away, due to being out in the elements and no heat getting at the lense from the lights I would imagine too.

1 - Headlight before, especially bad around the centre and at the right hand side of the unit.


2 - Close up of the right hand side


3 - Products used: 1500 grit wet and dry sandpaper, 'Carplan' rubbing compound, Megs 'Plast-RX'.


4 - After application of wet and dry, and left hand side has been compounded.


5 - Unit after compounding.


6 - Completed unit after polishing.


7 - Close up of right hand side of unit, where the really bad bit was.


8 - Comparision of before and after with pre-treatment image in upper right corner.


9 - Comparision of before and after of close up of right hand side with pre-treatment image in upper right hand corner.


All in all, I'm happy with the outcome, nice to finally be getting stuff sorted for the FTO again, and can't wait to get stuck in and get her back to scratch again. The whole process didn't take as long as other people have been at it, but I think thats cause I had the unit out of the car, so I didnt have to worry about being careful around the edges, it took about 45 minutes for the whole treatment altogether. Not a bad way to spend an evening.

[TopCat]

Nicely done MJ. I'd imagine the fact that the unit was out made a big difference alright. Looks good.

[Dragonheart]

Cheers Tom, well the fact the unit was out meant I could really scrub hard all over the lense, instead of scrubbing hard in the centre and taking it easy around the edges for fear of hitting the paintwork, so you get a nice even finish all round.

[Sebastian]

nice job and presentation . how happy are you with the result on a scale from 1/ 10

[Dragonheart]

Well at the moment considering the time it took, the overall cost of it, and the final result, it would be 8 out of 10.
What lets it down is that the front bumper has to come off to do it the way I did it, and there is still a very slight little dimple in it but thats nothing to do with the refurbishment, thats a stone chip I think. Other than that, everything else went smoothly, and I was pleased with the outcome, it does wonders for the look of the car, and thats the main thing I'm after.

[Dilogoat86]

I thought I read somewhere that the peeling refurb can be achieved with some t-cut on the lights? I did it to mine and they cleaned right up. Granted, it doesn't last for a VERY long time but I did it to the car back in November and they've only started to dull again recently.

[CJ]

I thought I read somewhere that the peeling refurb can be achieved with some t-cut on the lights?

It will work but not as effectively as the wet and dry paper approach, I'd go with the process MJ has outlined (good job by the way!).

CJ

[Dragonheart]

Cheers CJ.
Cant believe the difference out of the headlights after this has been done, got to drive it tonight as it was laid up in Bernard's garage last night, and the beam from that side of the car is so much more effective after doing this. Amazing the amount of light that stops getting through when the headlights are in the 'peeled' way. I would imagine it would have an affect on an NCT result also if really bad. Definitely a job well worth doing for anyone in 2 minds about doing theirs.

[mcgon1979]

T-cut is maybe a little light for bad peeling. but a good heavy (like peanut butter consistency, not liquid) rubbing compound is almost as good as wet and dry but it takes a bit more elbow grease

[JohnM]

Amazing job there. Mine are a bit dirty n the inside so now at least i know how to go about getting a great finish like that.

[StewyD32]

good job. Look very nice