Replacement headlight lenses
- Thread starter rg_bucks
- Start date
Yes, it's quite possible to refurbish the lenses. There are a number of DIY kits on the market which contain various grades of abrasive sanding discs to remove the fogging and polish the lenses using a drill, together with a UV solution to protect them after treatment.
If you don't fancy that then there will probably a few local detailing companies who can do the job.
Here's a recent forum link:
https://www.porscheclubgb.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=1053142
Jeff
If you don't fancy that then there will probably a few local detailing companies who can do the job.
Here's a recent forum link:
https://www.porscheclubgb.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=1053142
Jeff
Two of my wife's Fiat 500 front lights were covered with sanding marks from where the dealer's had recovered the top coat and run the sander across them. Ten mins with a small machine polisher and some compound and they gleam. I was so pressed, I did the same to my daily driver too.
My 981 lenses have a lacquer coating, so not sure if I could do the same with them. Best to check your gen 2.
My 981 lenses have a lacquer coating, so not sure if I could do the same with them. Best to check your gen 2.
Scary but it works! Quite enough elbow grease involved with these kits, thanks Jeff.
Unfortunately, Flikr refuses to play nicely so I can't get photos included.
Basically, this was a £5.99 kit from Aldi. It includes micro sheets of 'wet and dry' and suitable sanding block, polishing paste and cloths and a finishing coat.
It seems totally wrong to think of sanding Perspex and seems even more so once you have sanded it! Scratches look horrible (but similar to the toothpaste version). Wet and dry is used progressively, moving from 2000 to 3000 and finishing with 5000 grit. Each one is done in an alternate direction, i.e. horizontal, vertical, horizontal again. Finally, the polish (applied vertically) restores everything to a gleaming finish with no cloudiness. I actually forgot about the finishing coat and just put some car polish on; looks great.
This was the offside light and I previously did half the nearside one with the toothpaste version. I'm going to go back and finish it using toothpaste to prove (or disprove!) a point.
If you want to pm me rg_bucks, I may be able to send you photos that way if that would help.
Gordon.
Unfortunately, Flikr refuses to play nicely so I can't get photos included.
Basically, this was a £5.99 kit from Aldi. It includes micro sheets of 'wet and dry' and suitable sanding block, polishing paste and cloths and a finishing coat.
It seems totally wrong to think of sanding Perspex and seems even more so once you have sanded it! Scratches look horrible (but similar to the toothpaste version). Wet and dry is used progressively, moving from 2000 to 3000 and finishing with 5000 grit. Each one is done in an alternate direction, i.e. horizontal, vertical, horizontal again. Finally, the polish (applied vertically) restores everything to a gleaming finish with no cloudiness. I actually forgot about the finishing coat and just put some car polish on; looks great.
This was the offside light and I previously did half the nearside one with the toothpaste version. I'm going to go back and finish it using toothpaste to prove (or disprove!) a point.
If you want to pm me rg_bucks, I may be able to send you photos that way if that would help.
Gordon.
Fortunately my Cayman lenses don't need any attention Gordon, but those on my ancient Mk5 Golf GTi are looking the worse for wear after nearly 100,000 miles. Surprised I haven't yet received an MOT advisory, so I'll have to keep a look-out for the Aldi kit. Incidentally, I'd apply the finishing coat if I were you because I presume it provides UV protection whereas car polish or wax won't.
Jeff
Jeff
I like it, Jeff! [
]
For the record, toothpaste actually works fine. It is less work than sanding but needs a bit more polishing. I used it wet with a toothbrush the first time but dry on a cloth seems better - and in one direction, then polish at right angles. I would also recommend only treating the affected area if you can get away with that. It was the top and sides of mine and the main area was fine; I could have left the main area and just polished it to reduce the risk of any residual scratches.
]For the record, toothpaste actually works fine. It is less work than sanding but needs a bit more polishing. I used it wet with a toothbrush the first time but dry on a cloth seems better - and in one direction, then polish at right angles. I would also recommend only treating the affected area if you can get away with that. It was the top and sides of mine and the main area was fine; I could have left the main area and just polished it to reduce the risk of any residual scratches.
Good call Gordon. Only the top third of the Golf's lenses seem to be affected, just below the bonnet closure. I guess that airflow abrasion is the main cause.
This AutoExpress review of various restorers makes interesting reading. Although the toothpaste approach seems to work, the Armor All wipes might be worthy a punt at £8 in Helfrauds.
https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/108259/best-headlamp-restorers-2019
Jeff
This AutoExpress review of various restorers makes interesting reading. Although the toothpaste approach seems to work, the Armor All wipes might be worthy a punt at £8 in Helfrauds.
https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/108259/best-headlamp-restorers-2019
Jeff
Interesting article, Jeff. Just shows we (I) should remember to research things the easy way rather than re-inventing the wheel.
In defence of toothpaste (!), while Colgate failed to impress, my free sample “Oral B Pro-Expert” was alright!
So anyone seeking guidance from this thread would be well advised to read the Auto Express article as a starting point (Jeff’s link above) and probably ignore my ramblings!
Best of luck.
In defence of toothpaste (!), while Colgate failed to impress, my free sample “Oral B Pro-Expert” was alright!
So anyone seeking guidance from this thread would be well advised to read the Auto Express article as a starting point (Jeff’s link above) and probably ignore my ramblings!
Best of luck.
Good point re Oral-B Gordon. I've got a choice of four toothpastes - Oral-B, Euthymol and two Colgate freebies (Sensitive and Total) - so could experiment. []
From what I can gather, whatever method is used it's very important to protect the lens from UV degradation afterwards otherwise all the hard work will be wasted.
Jeff
]From what I can gather, whatever method is used it's very important to protect the lens from UV degradation afterwards otherwise all the hard work will be wasted.
Jeff
I bet it would work well on false teeth though, Kevan!
I’ve been reading about Meguiares (?) products. They sound pretty good. There are quite a few ‘guides’ on Washos’ website, including this one regarding headlights: https://www.washos.com/blog/clean-headlights-guide/ (Including a bit about toothpaste!).
I’ve been reading about Meguiares (?) products. They sound pretty good. There are quite a few ‘guides’ on Washos’ website, including this one regarding headlights: https://www.washos.com/blog/clean-headlights-guide/ (Including a bit about toothpaste!).
and here is a feature video from PCA
[tube]https://youtu.be/A4w7R_vdM8o[/tube]
[tube]https://youtu.be/A4w7R_vdM8o[/tube]
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