Headlight Restoration

[GTI8v]

Is this possible without removing the lights from the car?
Obviously the bumper and wing will need masking / protecting, so I was thinking either cardboard or some thin flexible rubber to slide between them.
Also, what shape is the 'polisher' on the 3M kit? if it's conical then the edges of the light are going to be easier to get into, if it's just a flat disc then not so easy.

Cheers

[andy7ven]

The 3M kit comes with masking tape you don't really need to remove the headlight from the car and the pad is flat not conical...

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/Product.do?method=view&n=1595&p=454049&c=215&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Base&utm_campaign=Accessories&gclid=CNC78bHf4cQCFa_LtAod8g0Ahg

[GTI8v]

Thanks, will get one ordered then 

[Golf_GT_TDI]

I've ordered the 3M kit from Amazon to do the Mk5's, it is an excellent kit, loads of reviews online and no need to remove headlamps 

[GTI8v]

I've ordered it from ebay, £16 so not going to break the bank.
I still want to protect the paintwork, and don't really trust the tape so got some thin strips of rubber from work, trial fitted tonight and they fit lovely, so will create a nice physical barrier from the paint.

[Mark_DF05]

I used the 3m kit earlier today and tbh I'm pretty disappointed. Followed the steps and if anything it's made the lights cloudier. They don't look so bad when the lights are off but it's really noticeable when the headlights are on.

During:



After:



Unfortunately I don't have a pic of what they were like before.

[GTI8v]

I used the 3m kit earlier today and tbh I'm pretty disappointed. Followed the steps and if anything it's made the lights cloudier. They don't look so bad when the lights are off but it's really noticeable when the headlights are on
Unfortunately I don't have a pic of what they were like before.

Oh dear, that's the first bad review I've seen of this.
Can I ask how long you spent on each of the individual stages? I think there's 3, might be that you'll need to do them again, certainly said something like that on the video I watched from their website.

[Mark_DF05]

Yeah, I know - I was surprised after reading plenty of positive reviews and watching numerous YouTube clips which all showed impressive results.

I did about 6 passes on each step, so probably around 10-15 mins. I repeated the whole process a second time as I wasn't happy with the result but it didn't improve much.

I'll try post a pic with the headlights on tomorrow but it's left them looking really misty.

[Golf_GT_TDI]

What drill are you using?

Maybe also try the final stage with some Meguiars PlastX?

[Mark_DF05]

What drill are you using?

Maybe also try the final stage with some Meguiars PlastX?

Just using a standard household drill, it's only 10.8v but thought it would be powerful enough for this kit?

This is what they look like with the lights on


Never used PlastX, would you recommend it?

[Golf_GT_TDI]

That's mostly likely the problem, I have a 18v Makita but ideally a mains drill should be used, can you borrow a better drill?

[muff1991]

What drill are you using?

Maybe also try the final stage with some Meguiars PlastX?

Just using a standard household drill, it's only 10.8v but thought it would be powerful enough for this kit?

This is what they look like with the lights on


Never used PlastX, would you recommend it?

hi Mark... me and my mate done his with the Maguire's kit (plastx included) and it still doesn't take much of the sparkling scratches out but defo better than not doing them at all, just dont expect them to be perfectly NEW looking again.

[Mark_DF05]

That's mostly likely the problem, I have a 18v Makita but ideally a mains drill should be used, can you borrow a better drill?

Well, I borrowed a drill today and gave it a go and you were right. The one I was using wasn't powerful enough. Only problem now is that I've used all the sanding discs on one headlight haha! Thanks very much for your help.

 

hi Mark... me and my mate done his with the Maguire's kit (plastx included) and it still doesn't take much of the sparkling scratches out but defo better than not doing them at all, just dont expect them to be perfectly NEW looking again.

Thanks for the reply, I've managed to get them looking good now, not brand new like you say but for £20 they look good enough and its cheaper than buying new headlights!

[Golf_GT_TDI]

Nice one, it is a good kit, like I say I've just bought another one so I can do the Mk5's they've taken a battering over the winter

[muff1991]

Exactly, like you said it's way better than  buying new headlights, nice one though I'm yet to do this on mine