3M Headlight Restoration Kit +

[Russ68]

Hi all,

 

A quick update, we tried various things to restore the cloudy polycarbonate headlights on the S-Type, and all to no avail / lasting result. So I bit the bullet and bought the electric drill 3M kit, and spent a couple of hours on it at the weekend, and what a difference to appearance and light output!

 

Combined with Osram Nightbreaker bulbs and a height adjustment (as they were pointing about 6ft in front the car!), they have gone from being downright dangerous and ineffectual, especially on dipped beam, to excellent.

 

I was considering an HID conversion, but I don't think that will be necessary now, all for c£33 (£19 3M, £14 Osram) and a bit of effort. I used the electric drill version from eBay and can strongly recommend it :)

 

Cheers, Russ

 

PS. I'll post a picture at some point so you can see what I mean...

[PD Miller]

Nice to know that the kit works. I've seen them advertised and wondered if they are any good.

Thanks

[JOE-DOT-COM]

hi

this link shows how you do it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PEjJTuqJfw

if your brave enough

cheers

[Raistlin]

I've used the 3M kit before, albeit not on the Jaguar, and it really does an excellent job. The only problem is that you remove the outer coating of the headlight lens which means that they are unprotected once the cleanup is completed and very quickly go back to their earlier poor state.

 

I believe that there is some sort of UV sealant which can be applied but never found any.

[Russ68]

Yup, it is a mission, mask up then 800/500/3000/cutting compound on a drill. I was recommended car wax as an initial sealant, and knowing a little about plastics, I'd be surprised if they were coated when new, or if there is a cost effective permanent sealant, but I could be wrong here. I think they were just neglected and regular cleaning should keep them in good nick, if not I can go to the cutting compound stage, but it's unlikely I'll let them get bad enough to require sanding again ;)

[TDog]

Hi. Would any one have a link to the 3m kit please.  Or any other ideas to clear the lenses 

Thanks for any ideas in advance 

[JOE-DOT-COM]

Hi

there's loads on eBay, used one of these myself on my S-type R and they did the trick, like new

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3M-Headlight-Headlamp-Lens-Restoration-Polish-Kit-U-just-need-a-drill-VideoBelow-/390857513237?hash=item5b00ec5915:g:StoAAOxyR7tTkCiz

also there's loads of video's on youtube showing how to do it

cheers

Joe

[BigM]

In my experience polycarbonate headlight lenses are coated with an UV protective coating. Overtime this coating breaks down exposing the lens to damage from UV. The polishing kits remove the remnants of the coating and a layer of the damaged lens material, leaving it smooth, clean, clear and unprotected. If you do not protect the polished lens it will turn yellow/cloudy again. Some waxes do contain UV-protection agents, but the amount of protection that a microscopically thin layer of wax can provide is limited. UV clear coat application will last far longer. I use U-POL Clear #1 High Gloss Clear Coat Lacquer. However, the polishing process leaves nothing for the clear coat to grip onto. I would not recommend polishing lenses.  I remove or mask them off, then rub them down with 400 grit wet and dry, followed by 600 and then 800 grit. Clean with IPA, Isopropyl Alcohol, and apply 3 coats of clear. This works for me and it's how I restored my light lenses. So far it's lasted 6 months and looking good.

AIMO

(I also wax them as part of my detailing routine) 

 

[Russ68]

Interesting what Mark says re the coatings, I used the 3M kit well over a year ago and they're still looking good. If it was just a matter of lacquering them for a more permanent solution, I'd certainly consider it, but I'm not entirely convinced  

[BigM]

Hi Russ,

Didn't realise you had replied, apologies for not responding sooner.

All I can say is from my experience unprotected lens will deteriorate within months. I guess it may depend on wether the car is garaged, left out in a shady spot or exposed to direct sunlight and left out all year.

Cheers

Mark

[Andy X400 3.0]

I had someone come to my house and do mine including a uv protection coat all for £25 for the pair , so wasn't worth the time and effort in buying a kit and trying to do them myself . The guy did a fantastic job . My neighbour had a replacement headlight put in his skoda and the other one looked absolutely knackered , very glazed and cloudy and he sorted that for a extra tenner . They all still look like brand new .

[Russ68]

Hi Mark / everybody,

My car is kept outside, all weathers and does a few miles as well, and I've not noted an appreciable deterioration in condition in the year or so since I did them. But as mentioned, if I just need some clear coat lacquer for a permanent solution, I'd be happy to go for that. I'm planning on doing a bit on the body work in the spring, including the front bumper lower piece. Perhaps I'll combine this with lacquering the lenses as well.

Mark, do I understand you lacquered yours on top of an 800 grit finish, not the 3000 with cutting compound you get with get with the kits? 

Cheers, Russ 

[BigM]

Hi Russ,

Well I guess there's always an exception to the rule 😛ha.

 

Or

 Yes I spray the clear coat over 800 grit wet and dry, although 1000 grit will be OK as per the data sheet for U Pol #1 clear coat below.

5809dbbaf11ed367544817.pdf

The polished surface won't grip the clear coat as well as a slightly rougher one.

Cheers

Mark 

[Russ68]

Thanks for that Mark, I had a closer look and there is some degradation on one of the inner lights, nothing that couldn't be taken out with a cutting compound, and not bad for over a year since they were restored. But I think I may take your advice and top coat them with a clear lacquer. I use this at work, so next time I have a job with it, I'll prep the lights and let the forum know how I got on