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      07-30-2013, 11:14 AM   #1
alpwhite46
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Headlight restoration

Just picked up my new ride... going to be posting pictures of it soon.


So i really did not like how the headlights looked and decided to take my time on them.
Took about 1.5 hours on each headlight.

I did sanding to start, starting with 800 grit, proceeding to do that about 15 minutes, then 1000, 1500, 2500 grits...
After that was done, i washed the headlights and felt if everything felt smooth.


I then proceeded to use the turtle kit from canadian tire which is great.
It comes with the headlight plastic polishing kit, and used a microfiber cloth.
This part takes a lot of patience, and time and hard scrubbing with your hand if you do not have the tool...

Anyways after that was done, there is also a cleaner bottle that you apply after... and after that the sealer cloth which makes your headlight not turn back to crap after a few months!

Here is a before of front left headlight... notice the buildup at the top, and the whole left part of the light
(dont mind my dirty bumper)



the other light


progress... left part completed, right side of the light not touched (although the right part is after sanding...)




and the finish





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      07-30-2013, 12:20 PM   #2
yousefnjr
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Nicely done Just did this on my car a couple weeks ago using only the turtle wax kit, it came with a few sanding pads and chemicals. I spent maybe 30-45 min doing both by hand and most of the oxidation came off, however a few small stains remain. I suppose using a power tool would be best, my fingers were killing me when I was done
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      07-30-2013, 12:22 PM   #3
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Wow! Good job!
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      07-30-2013, 03:58 PM   #4
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you should replace that bumper
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      07-30-2013, 08:18 PM   #5
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Nice job!
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      07-30-2013, 08:50 PM   #6
alpwhite46
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Thanks guys!
Yeah the bumper was dirty from the sanding, need to clean it... but yes it also has a lot of rock chips and that crack!

What can i get as a replacement instead of this bumper? would an M-bumper be a direct fit?
if not i'm thinking of just getting a regular bumper or fixing and painting this one
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      07-31-2013, 12:55 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alpwhite46 View Post
if not i'm thinking of just getting a regular bumper or fixing and painting this one
we're different than the M guys, so we can't put M bumpers on. The good stuff is only meant for them

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      07-31-2013, 06:12 AM   #8
alpwhite46
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haha , i wish there was a lip that is easy to find for the car !
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      07-31-2013, 08:24 AM   #9
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Yeah me too this weekend
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      07-31-2013, 11:21 AM   #10
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Not trying to hijack. I did this earlier this spring using the Mequire's headlight restoration kit. It took about an hour and a half. The headlights look brand new.
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      07-31-2013, 01:06 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by yousefnjr View Post
Nicely done Just did this on my car a couple weeks ago using only the turtle wax kit, it came with a few sanding pads and chemicals. I spent maybe 30-45 min doing both by hand and most of the oxidation came off, however a few small stains remain. I suppose using a power tool would be best, my fingers were killing me when I was done
Nice job guys! Get the Restoration Kit (with attachment for a drill) and your hands will thank you.
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      07-31-2013, 01:39 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by papitosabe View Post
we're different than the M guys, so we can't put M bumpers on. The good stuff is only meant for them
....
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      07-31-2013, 03:14 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alpwhite46 View Post
Thanks guys!
Yeah the bumper was dirty from the sanding, need to clean it... but yes it also has a lot of rock chips and that crack!

What can i get as a replacement instead of this bumper? would an M-bumper be a direct fit?
if not i'm thinking of just getting a regular bumper or fixing and painting this one
The Aero front looks almost better (lower) in my opinion and is a direct fit.

Another benefit when you want to sell your car, OEM front and not a M mess up
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      07-31-2013, 04:24 PM   #14
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hmm wonder where i can get the Aero one?
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      08-01-2013, 04:20 AM   #15
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I'm going to do mine this weekend, wife said she would help
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      08-01-2013, 05:11 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by papitosabe View Post
we're different than the M guys, so we can't put M bumpers on. The good stuff is only meant for them

I think you need to do a little forum searching. Putting ///M bumpers on non-M's is a direct fit.....and has been accomplished numerous times.
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      08-01-2013, 10:59 AM   #17
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Is there a way to restore very lightly fogged headlights without the use of tools-using just some products?
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      08-01-2013, 05:06 PM   #18
alpwhite46
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Hey Tom,

If they aren't pitted like mine were, there is no need for the sandpaper.

The best way to do it then is turn your HID's on... let them sit for about 5 minutes so that your lights warm up..

Then use a microfiber cloth and proceed with the plastic polishing compound.
You will need to put some pressure and scrub for a good 15-20 minutes. See if that helps.
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      08-02-2013, 12:59 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alpwhite46 View Post
Hey Tom,

If they aren't pitted like mine were, there is no need for the sandpaper.

The best way to do it then is turn your HID's on... let them sit for about 5 minutes so that your lights warm up..

Then use a microfiber cloth and proceed with the plastic polishing compound.
You will need to put some pressure and scrub for a good 15-20 minutes. See if that helps.
Thank you, I will try that and see the results!
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      08-02-2013, 05:38 PM   #20
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You will always need sandpaper for a lasting finish. Otherwise the good look is only temporary until the plastic polish washes away in the rain.

Its really very easy... wetsand from low grits (coarse) to higher grits until 3000 grit or so. You dont need the "kit" with the drill attachment and many people recommend against using it.

Because the headlight's UV finish is being sanded off, its important to apply a UV clearcoat to the headlight when done. This is generally done instead of plastic filler since they do the same things. Some people use mineral spirits on thicker clearcoats to help it smooth out and lay flat.

Also OP, it will cost way less to fix the current bumper than it will to buy a new one, unless you get a good deal on one that comes painted the correct color

Last edited by Z4inAZ; 08-02-2013 at 05:48 PM..
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      08-02-2013, 05:53 PM   #21
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If you use the sealer, it won't come back..

Sand paper is not what makes it have a "lasting finish".. it will just make it more smooth and looking new.
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      10-12-2013, 11:05 AM   #22
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3M headlight restoration on my e86

Just thought I would give some feedback with regards to the 3M headlight restoration kit I used on my E86 this morning. It was easy to use and the instructions were simple to follow. For a first attempt I think it was a success. I could have given it another once over with the polisher but the rain was coming. (There is some fluff from the cloth visible on the headlight, not scratches )
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