How to: Easy 3M Headlight Restoration Kit

Saint

Active Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2012
Messages
949
Reaction score
30
So I was at Advance Auto Part looking for detailing supplies. When I changed my mind about waxing the car with Meguiar's White Wax.

Since my headlights were yellow and I'd rather purchase lower springs the day prior instead of new headlights.

I decided to try a 3M's Headlight Restoration Kit- $13.48 (no power tools needed).

20130622_184104_zpsb56a3838.jpg



Things needed:

-3M Headlight restoration kit (optional)
-Blue Painters Masking Tape
-Microfiber cloths
-Spay bottle of water or Meguiar's Quick Detailer
-Waxing compound of choice (Used Meguiar's Quick Wax)

*Restoration kit alternative*

-500grit sand paper
-800grit sand paper
-1000grit sand paper
-3000grit sand paper

Time required: 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

Step 1)

-Mask off lights

-Clean lens and dry

-Dry sand with 500 grit.

-Wipe lens with water and dry.

-Spray and paper with water and pat dry

-Dry sand with 500 grit.

-Wipe lens with water and dry.

-Wet sand with 500 grit twice.

-Wipe lens clean.

(see where this is going?) :)

20130622_184016_zps61080082.jpg



Step 2)

-Dry sand with 800 grit twice

-Spray sand paper with water along with lens

-Wet sand with 800 grit twice

-Wipe lens clean

20130622_184010_zps3187ee20.jpg


Step 3)

-Wet sand with 1000grit 4 times
(wipe and spray clean between each iteration)


Step 4)

-Wet sand with 3000grit 4 times
(wipe and spray clean between each iteration)

20130622_190137_zpsac868fca.jpg


Step 5)

-Buff lens with 3M Rubbing compound or liquid rubbing compound of choice
-Wax lens with preferred wax


Optional Step 5)

-Spray lens with Non-Yellowing Clear Coat
-Wax lens with preferred wax

20130622_193650_zps016195a4.jpg



More pics:
20130622_190558_zps4505e9d9.jpg


20130622_191700_zpsce6b31eb.jpg


20130622_191726_zps9b644cad.jpg



20130622_193703_zps004294e0.jpg




-Saint
 

slow90coupe

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 3, 2012
Messages
1,969
Reaction score
105
Location
Advance, NC
One of the easiest and cheapest things to do that really makes a big difference in the look of your car. Good job!
 

the5.ohh

Legend
Joined
Oct 15, 2012
Messages
9,561
Reaction score
129
Location
Shaolin, NY
Nice job man. Looks brand new lol. I used to always try that headlight resto stuff and never really worked for me too much, but if I ever need to do it I'll come back to this thread and buy that kit lol. Arghh and you have no pony on your car, makes me want to take mine off again lol, so glad it's only 2 screws.
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
77,440
Messages
1,502,174
Members
14,920
Latest member
marktuck99

Members online

Top