Clouding/ yellowing 986/996 headlight restoration

[craig johnson]

Thought I'd post this on the Boxster and 996 forums but a couple of us were talking at the E Mids Club night in May about restoring faded and yellowing headlights on 996s which one of our members had sorted on his car. There's a (1 page) article in the June issue (no 255) of 911 Porsche World on the subject which may be of use to people. Thought I'd share []

Cheers Craig

 

[johndonnelly]

Hi All,

New member First Post, This was on my Project list for this year so i thought i would dive in with how i did mine on the 986.

The old girls headlights were showing their age, i bought a Meguiers headlight restoration kit last yearwhich helped but i still wasnt happy with the results. It didnt do enough to remove the tradmark 986 yellow ridge.

So i decided to go full hit and attack them with wet and dry (600,800,1200,2000),AG correction compounds, Rotary 1500 rpm and AG super resin polish @ 2000 rpm.

In the end i am really pleased with the results and worth the effort. Thanks must go out to the 986 designers as removing the lights is of course super easy and makes the process a lot easyer.

Also thanks to to Mrs JD for not going bonkers when finding the lights wet and dry, a mixing bowl full of water and a perfectly good towel on the dining table.

Let me know our thoughts

 

[johndonnelly]

After the 600, 800 was used to repair the Damage done by the 600. I would not recommend using the 600 unless your lights are as pitted and scratched as mine were.

 

[johndonnelly]

Then 1200, at this point it is important to get an even coverage.

 

[johndonnelly]

Final wet and dry 2000 Not as scarey as the 600, starting to belive i made the right call.

 

[johndonnelly]

Final Pass with Rotary as detailed above. Realy pleased with the results. While i was messing about took the rubber of and cleaned with AG rubber and vinyl care.