Olskool53

Here are a couple of helpful Youtube videos I have put together demonstrating the proper technique to headlight restoration on a Porsche Carrera and a V.W. Jetta

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ab8aRZ9mAA


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=260TxpkxgOk

dunnojack

that's nice. but it's just gonna get yellow again in a couple months.

Have you found a hard clear coat that can preserve the clarity?

there are some headlight restoration kits that include a hardcoat at the end.

i have yet to find a product i can paint on.

varcity64

iTrader: (2)

i have never tried this, but i have heard you can use a paint sealant on the headlights to help prevent them from getting yellow again. obviously you have to apply every few months or so, but that should help maintain your headlights.

dunnojack

ok. i got a problem. my headlights are smooth and shiny, and the yellow oxidation is gone. but it's not factory clear. i don't know if i should keep sanding deeper, or just give up.

there's this micro blotchy haze that i can't get out. it looks like it's deep inside the plastic. the blotches are very small, and it's like a carpet full of blotches. You can only see it when you look almost parallel to the plastic, as if you're looking at it sideways at eye level. But it gives the chrome some slight milky appearance.

I don't know if the blotchiness is inside the plastic. I've sanded one spot for 1 hour with 2000grit sandpaper, and it still has the tiny blotches.

blotches look something like this:

Debonair

/\That looks like condesation on the inside of the lamp. You would have to bake them, then open them to clean the inside.

dunnojack

you may be right. I was thinking the same thing.

there was condensation on the inside of the headlamps on a number of occasions.

so condensation stains huh?...

Debonair

Essentially they are just water spots. I don't think it would etch the plastic or anything harsh like that but I am not sure.

Olskool53

No I havent and with this process it is not necessary to top coat, with this system the lenses are left crystal clear. I have customers with GS300 lenses that were restored over 2 years ago, 01 BMW X5 lenses polished over 1 1/2 years ago and still clear.

What you are seeing inside the lenses are the footprints of the condensation that sometimes occurs........Check seals or gaskets around lens and body for air leaks.........

dunnojack

interesting.

many people have said that their lights turn yellow within a few months after sanding and polishing.


I will leave my newly polished headlamp bare to the elements for a few months and see how it turns out.

aflygurl

Wow, I am impressed. I am going to try on my 1999 lexus GS 300. When sanding did you use just water, or was it the polish and water?

sleeper408

iTrader: (6)

I am applying MotoSkin's clear bra over the headlights immediately after I wetsand and polish my headlights.

SC_coupe

I'm in the same boat. A few of the LS and GS guys have told me to spend lots of time on a good final polish, and then get a clear-bra applied to the area to provide protection. I'll be giving this a try next spring.

DvSiR

iTrader: (3)

i cant believe how nice that looks! good work!

SilvaIS350

iTrader: (3)

Wow looks brand new. I want to try that on my other car where can i get the grit sandpaper?

Badmittn

You may want to think that over.
Sandpaper is a quick fix but it does more harm than good in the long run.
Without a doubt the lens will yellow.
Only this time it will not only be clouding from oxidation but yellowing from UV damage which you cannot repair with any amount of sanding.