Advice re headlight restoration

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andrew75

150 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 80

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#310456 20-Oct-2023 21:43

Anyone with experience in removing the UV damaged surface of headlights (failed warrant..). I've successfully gotten it pretty good with wet and dry 1500 then 2000 grit, then polishing with CRC Headlight doctor. I'm wanting to now protect the surface. Lots of US Youtube vids suggesting 2K ClearCoat but I'm having trouble finding even a 1K one with decent reviews in NZ. Considering CRC Clear Zinc but am not sure if this is totally clear or suitable. Other option is just to leave the finish from Headlight Doctor, but suspect that wont last long.

Froglotion

208 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 78

#3150674 20-Oct-2023 22:41

Yeah it probably won't last long. I've polished mine up in the past and it never lasts, really need to clear coat it as you say. You could take the headlights out and to a panel beater perhaps? They will be spraying 2k clear quite a bit I imagine so they might be able to spray them with the next job for not stupid money. Alternatively you could just buy a spray can of clear coat from an automotive paint shop, prepsol clean the lights to get rid of any polish and other gunk, then give them a few coats. 2k from a painter will be much more hard wearing though.

dpf81nz

71 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 34

#3150675 20-Oct-2023 22:46

tbh i just spray mine with silicon spray before i take the car for a warrant and it's always passed

mattwnz

20515 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 4795

#3150683 20-Oct-2023 23:55

Guessing it is because it is left outside? Maybe a cover when not being used?

Goosey

3016 posts

Uber Geek
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#3150696 21-Oct-2023 07:56

Try this..(google “plexus” and it will show this probally will work if used properly).

https://www.ingear.co.nz/P16001/Plexus-Plastic-Cleaner-_dash_-368g/pd.php

or talk to these guys…. they supply automotive industry with about every type of cleaning product…

(I can’t remember the name of the product, but they sell what you need).

https://jaw.nz/pages/contact-us

Username1

76 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 7

#3150703 21-Oct-2023 09:10

I have used 3M Scotchgard Pro to protect my headlights after sanding and polishing. Been on for around 5 years I think and it looks just as good as the first day I applied it.

I got mine from this website, I think this is similar:
https://paintprotectionservices.co.nz/collections/clear-paint-protection-film/products/m-pro