Matt_STi

So for a while i've been debating getting new headlights but they are quite expensive. I've tried polishing them before but it didnt last long. After watching a few videos online I found that sandpapering them seems to be the best option.

So heres how it went!

This is what they looked like before.


so first off I used 1500 grit wet dry sandpaper and rubbed the headlights hard in circluar motion. They looked very cloudy afterwards...like so.



Then went over with 2000 grit



Then went over with 2500 Grit



then gave them a nice machine polish with some 3M compound...



Was very happy with the results! Only took around 30minutes.







the took a couple of other photos which shows it needs a good wash again!

jazzyjembreaze

iTrader: (11)

Not tried it myself but heard Toothpaste works ?
Yours have cleaned up nice tho

stonejedi

iTrader: (51)

SUPER JOB A massive improvement Matt.SJ.

nardoblue

iTrader: (1)

Are you going to put anything on to protect the new finish as they tend to deteriorate back after a while??

Matt_STi

Yeah I'd like too. Not sure what is recommended though? Or where to get it?

nardoblue

iTrader: (1)

Had a quick look on "Detail World"
http://www.motorgeek.co.uk/cgi-bin/e...ct&db_pid=1030

Matt_STi

Cracking, cheers chap!!

nardoblue

iTrader: (1)

just ordered some of the Surface Sealant, Glass Sealant, UV Inhibitor and Coating, Water Repellent 50ml, just too see if it works ,hope so

EssexJamie

iTrader: (5)

Nice work!
Get them sealed up with Gtechniq G5 Smart Glass

Bushy-N/A

iTrader: (1)

Thank you for posting this, been searching for a thread like this for a while now.

I will now feel brave enough to take on my Forester headlights.

hedgecutter

iTrader: (5)

Good post, and just the kind of info that SN needs, as it probably affects a majority on here. I , like most, wouldn't have had the nerve to sandpaper my car. It makes a change from tales of woe etc. Thanks

Matt_STi

No worries, I was a little nervous doing it but watched quite a few videos on YouTube and I felt confident. Lucky turned out really well!

Scottie9

Got to be happy with that mate, looks like another thing added to the list!

Fat Boy

I have scratches on my passenger door window in my P1 from the window guides. I've replaced the guides but I wonder if this would work for the window - just nervous of boogering a hard to replace window if it doesn't work?

Matt_STi

Very happy, amazed how much of a difference it makes to the front end!

Matt_STi

Hmm personally I wouldn't do it on glass, the blobeye headlights are plastic lens.

imprezaworks

iTrader: (9)

Lights look great.

riiidaa

iTrader: (2)

Jetseal 109

SS333

A great result; however, I'm more impressed that you were willing to take sandpaper to your car.

Be honest, once you'd started to see the cloudy results of stage one, was there a 'what have I done...' moment?

A buddy of mine brought the paint back on his classic car using a similar technique, with equally great results, but it was a massive job and he was fretting the entire time.

Matt_STi

Very much so! I was thinking omg I've totally ruined my whole headlights!

riiidaa

iTrader: (2)

For anyone less ballsy, this method works, just remember to buy jetseal 109 after to protect the results.
https://www.scoobynet.com/car-care-3...t+bug+jdm+lamp

Fat Boy

Thanks

Norman Dog

iTrader: (1)

That exhaust is pure sex..

Matt_STi

Thanks! I love it!! Loud and totally obnoxious!!