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      07-15-2018, 07:16 PM   #1
NitroBiz
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Best advice for headlight restoration/repair?

I've heard a few people say just use 3000 grid sandpaper and a few others say that Meguiar's makes a good kit that includes sandpaper

What experience good or bad and can anyone give me?

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      07-15-2018, 10:09 PM   #2
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I used the Sylvania Headlight Restoration kit via Amazon. Worked great. Included everything including sandpaper(s), polish, and magic potion. Plus, it's guaranteed. Find it here:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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      07-15-2018, 10:16 PM   #3
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Lots of info and reviews of products/methods on the WWW. 3m even sells a kit at your local autozone.

Two options, either sand and buff it out or replace the lens.
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      07-16-2018, 02:43 AM   #4
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Trickier part is the dust on the inside of the plastic, anyone worked that one?
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      07-16-2018, 10:31 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shimmy23 View Post
Lots of info and reviews of products/methods on the WWW. 3m even sells a kit at your local autozone.

Two options, either sand and buff it out or replace the lens.
This one?

3M 39008 Headlight Lens Restoration System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AIZ5HY..._bPltBbNAATV6Z
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      07-16-2018, 12:24 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NitroBiz View Post
This one?

3M 39008 Headlight Lens Restoration System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AIZ5HY..._bPltBbNAATV6Z
I had good luck with this kit + corded drill on my e36. I have not cleaned inside a lens, however.
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      07-16-2018, 05:25 PM   #7
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Use whatever sanding/polishing combination you're comfortable with and then use Wipe New for the final step.

I used this guide on my 328i's 120k old headlights and now they're basically new, even two years after the correction. https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1175850

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showp...1&postcount=24
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      07-16-2018, 06:06 PM   #8
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One of the bigger annoyances with the E9x versus the E46, which had $50 new OE lens replacements which could be installed in minutes.
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      07-17-2018, 11:04 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 6ixSpd View Post
Use whatever sanding/polishing combination you're comfortable with and then use Wipe New for the final step.

I used this guide on my 328i's 120k old headlights and now they're basically new, even two years after the correction. https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1175850

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showp...1&postcount=24
I am leaning towards using 3M's kit because of the sanding discs and polishing pad, so you are suggesting to use the Wipe New for the final step?
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      07-17-2018, 11:06 AM   #10
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Get Xpel Ultimate on those things IMMEDIATELY after you clean them up.
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      07-17-2018, 01:21 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NitroBiz View Post

I am leaning towards using 3M's kit because of the sanding discs and polishing pad, so you are suggesting to use the Wipe New for the final step?
Correct. I used that same kit. Be sure to use a well ventilated area for Wipe New application, and do not touch the headlights after you've wiped them.
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Get Xpel Ultimate on those things IMMEDIATELY after you clean them up.
Yup, I sealed them off with XPEL Ultimate film about 48 hours after letting the wipe-new fully cure.
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      07-17-2018, 05:26 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pcohen15 View Post
I used the Sylvania Headlight Restoration kit via Amazon. Worked great. Included everything including sandpaper(s), polish, and magic potion. Plus, it's guaranteed. Find it here:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I used the same for my girl's car. Her lights looked terrible and was absolutely blown away. Just about looked brand new when I was done with it.
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      07-17-2018, 05:45 PM   #13
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Turtle wax OTS headlight restoration kit works well! Just make sure you regularly wax with Meguair's Ultimate Quick wax every wash and your headlights should never fog up again!
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