BG182 - headlight restoration

[martynzs]

Restored my headlights over the weekend using the 3M kit. Really chuffed with the results - 99% of the scratches/tarnished plastic has been sorted and its crazy how such a small change can make the whole car look better.

Little step by step:


Before, looking crap

First step is to mask them up to avoid damaging the bodywork:

Then its onto the first sanding stages - 500 grit wheel on a slow speed (in drill) followed by 800 grit.

It was at this point I had doubts...


Next up is the wet sanding stage, 300 grit. 5/6 passes using water+soap to lubricate. This removes 90% of the marks left from sanding and the surface is smooth to touch.

Final stage is to polish using a buffing pad+compound (no pics of process) resulting in nearly new lenses!

Lastly a crap snap of the car looking clean - desperately need to sort the colour of the wheels!

 

[Richyy182]

I'm attempting mine this weekend. I'll post pics and see how it goes, I'd imagine badly

 

[Chi]

Nice job, are theose grades correct 300? sounds a bit coarse but what do I know!!

 

[jaysmith]

Nice job, are theose grades correct 300? sounds a bit coarse but what do I know!!

it doesnt sound right mate lol
i did mine with 800 and thought o s**t maybe should of started with 1200 haha

 

[Leeshez]

I have the 3M kit. I just need to do it. Looking good

 

[Chi]

Results are good though

 

[jaysmith]

Results are good though

agree

 

[Maccy]

Just ordered one, been meaning to for a while now - your results look great so fingers crossed I can achieve the same!

 

[VR46-G@Z]

Think it's 3000 grit not 300..... Results are superb fair play!

 

[martynzs]

Thanks chaps - yep, meant to say 3000, its barely abrasive....300 grit would tear chunks out!

 

[Nathanwilliams772]

I'm doing mine next weekend with 1200 wet and dry and 1500 wet and dry. Bit scared on wether ill balls it up.

 

[blburied]

I had the 3M kit turn up this week. Cant wait to get cracking! They look absolutely awful atm

 

[UKBraderz]

You really can't go wrong with the 3M kit it's so easy to achieve great results, I did mine a while back & they still look great.

 

[scotty10]

A drill and me don't go well but good results on that effort mate

 

[Kipp]

Did mine with the 3M a few days back - results were fantastic! I can see I've missed a few points around the rim of the lights though, so might have to buy another Kit! Only took me about an hour, an hour 15 maybe - and aside from the rims, they look brand new! Would definitely recommend!

 

[Richyy182]

Had a go today :

 

[Baylis]

Wow good job mate

 

[Alan]

Good job.. Tho those wheels make the baby Jesus cry..