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DIY: Restoring Headlights with New UV coating

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Old Apr 7, 2012 | 08:10 AM
  #41  
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i going to service the car either sunday or monday so i will take some update pics then.
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Old May 8, 2012 | 09:37 AM
  #42  
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Anyone have any longevity reports? I don't want to go through the trouble if they are going to fade in 6 months.
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Old May 8, 2012 | 03:59 PM
  #43  
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Default Longevity Not An Issue, So Simple

Originally Posted by AdvanZ33
Anyone have any longevity reports? I don't want to go through the trouble if they are going to fade in 6 months.
Just did mine 2 weeks ago, but still looks great...so simple, approx. 30 mins per light.
Well worth the time, no regrets, not that big of a deal. Try this site:

https://my350z.com/forum/body-interi...dlights-2.html

1000 wet sand by hand (used spray bottle with couple drops of Joy dish soap)
2000 wet sand by hand
3000 wet sand by hand... and dry of course.
Apply PlasticX by fingers, buff out by cord or cordless drill, wax and wax again...turned out like new! Sorry no before pics.






Last edited by T'S 350Z; May 10, 2012 at 06:11 PM.
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Old May 8, 2012 | 04:18 PM
  #44  
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alright, this is crazy..i'm buying everything and giving this a shot lol
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Old May 12, 2012 | 09:43 PM
  #45  
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still holding up well, i use this same method to remove VHT night shades from tinted lights, makes them look like new
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Old May 14, 2012 | 11:41 AM
  #46  
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Just tried it... Took me a little less than 30 minutes to do both headlights, and WOW they look amazing!!!

Honestly the headlights look much better now than when they were new! I'm too lazy to take pics, but there are plenty of pictures already on previous pages. The results are the same! I am very impressed and very happy for this useful DIY.

Thanks alot OP!
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Old May 23, 2012 | 07:18 AM
  #47  
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Did mine on Jan. 30th and it still looks great.
Use to have to polish about every three weeks so I couldn't be happier that I haven't had to touch them since.
Car was dirty at time of these pics

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Old May 23, 2012 | 09:05 AM
  #48  
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I ended up ordering the turtle wax headlight restoration kit. Anyone used it before? Results?
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Old May 23, 2012 | 11:55 AM
  #49  
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just picked up the materials for this...just need to grab some wet-sand paper and i'm all set. Anyone think it'll be bad to do this indoors? I wonder how strong the smell is.
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Old May 23, 2012 | 03:03 PM
  #50  
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^^ Indoor, outdoor non issue...only smell comes from what ever you mix in ur water bottle ( Joy, Dawn, etc...)! PlastX may have a little smell but thats it


Last edited by T'S 350Z; May 23, 2012 at 03:05 PM.
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Old May 23, 2012 | 03:26 PM
  #51  
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wow.. fantastic results.. wish i had known about this before i went and bought new lights to lens jack. i searched all over for a UV sealant.
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Old May 23, 2012 | 06:39 PM
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Originally Posted by acerpcguy
I ended up ordering the turtle wax headlight restoration kit. Anyone used it before? Results?
where is davidv when you need him.

but seriously why would you even consider that after reading this thread, spend the money get the supplies you wont be sorry
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Old May 23, 2012 | 07:17 PM
  #53  
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Originally Posted by acerpcguy
I ended up ordering the turtle wax headlight restoration kit. Anyone used it before? Results?
used that along with several other restoration kits and the results are nice clear but the yellowing always came back.
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Old May 24, 2012 | 06:27 AM
  #54  
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Well I actually bought that well over 3 weeks ago and I JUST read this thread yesterday :/ My fault
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Old May 26, 2012 | 08:04 AM
  #55  
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Alright guys, this thread deserves a sticky..this **** is amazing. Lenses look brand spanking new. I went 300-400-800-1000 grit...buff with plastic-x. Clean with alcahol. Mixed a small cup up of the varnish and euthrane and wow. And no you shouldn't do it indoors, stinks like hell lol
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Old May 26, 2012 | 02:59 PM
  #56  
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Sorry for poor pic..had some sun glare but it looks brand new restored on left
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Old May 30, 2012 | 10:32 AM
  #57  
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I used meguires heavy duty headlight restoration kit a couple months ago and they still look amazing. I strongly recommend it.
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Old Jun 3, 2012 | 01:57 PM
  #58  
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Originally Posted by RATED_Z
I used meguires heavy duty headlight restoration kit a couple months ago and they still look amazing. I strongly recommend it.

follow steps listed by OP many have done this with great results, did you at least use the UV sealer

PS. pics or it didn't happen
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Old Jun 15, 2012 | 12:35 AM
  #59  
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I have actually done this method described on my 03 headlights. I had a little oxidation and a little peeling it looked like.

I grabbed a kit from auto zone/ advance auto which came with a 500, 800, 3000 grit and then buff pad with rub.compound..
yes i know the grit numbers are crazy..but it worked very well.

Now i was actually surprised because i did the kit, and then i was like if i didnt know about the two chemicals. id be pissed..because the kit alone doesnt do a great job. but it does a good job. mixing the two chemicals and applying them was NIGHT AND DAY difference. It is the UV coating your needing, and it was like wiping on the new film.


This is an easy job, even for a noob. All you need is a cordless drill. the kit. the chemicals. a bowl. and a 1 inch paint brush. (the sponge kind, NOT the ones with the bristles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

ALSO. when you mix the chemicals. its a 1:1 mix and make sure you add good layers. wipe from top to bottom. watch for runs and such.

MY ADVICE NOW THAT IVE DONE THIS:

wait for that first layer to dry. Go over the lights again a 2nd time.

I did it the first time (yes ive done it twice now because of this reason) only one layer..and with it being summer time i think the heat got to it cuz it started peeling the coating back off. so i sanded it all back down and did a couple good thick layers.

I like this method. Even when im up close looking at the lights. It looks about 99% perfectly clear. You will barely barely be able to see something left in the lense....and thats looking up close at it...from 5-10 ft back..they look perfectly new!

Enjoy
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Old Jun 15, 2012 | 05:11 AM
  #60  
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I tested my skills on my mothers headlights.

All I used was 1000, 1500, 2000, 3000. But she also had tried one of those kits and that is the before picture. I have heard opticoat will last much longer then this method but unless you plan on doing a bunch and charging for it I don't see it being worth it.

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