Review: 3M Headlight Restoration Kit
 

So as many of you know I was sold a really crappy headlight. Instead of throwing this light away and starting the search for another one, I decided to make it work. I figured that any headlight that I purchased would have to be cleared(orange pieces removed) to match my other headlight so I might as well just split this headlight and use the lens on my existing headlight body.

Here is what I had to start with. :eek:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y62...ration/HL1.jpg

I have used this kit before but the starting point was not nearly as bad as this headlight. I really didn't know how it would turn out.

I used the kit on both headlights and it probably took me 2hrs from start to finish.

Step 1: 500 Grit Sandpaper
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y62...ration/HL2.jpg

Step 2: 800 Grit Sandpaper
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y62...ration/HL3.jpg

Step 3: 3000 Grit Pad
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y62...ration/HL4.jpg

Step 4: Foam buffing pad with rubbing compound
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y62...ration/HL5.jpg

The result is AMAZING!:D


Comparison
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y62...sidebyside.jpg

Holy crap that was a busted-ass headlight. :eek: I would have returned that pile to the seller and let him have it on the boards.

Why do all that work with the light on the car? Wouldn't it have been easier on a workbench? Either way, it looks much, much better. Nice job, now get some clear-bra on it!

wow, great work!

I tried to do it off the car but the headlight is a weird shape and didn't have anyway to hold it down other than hold it between my legs.:lol: Since you are using a high speed drill, its pretty important to have it mounded solid to something so my only option was the car. Really wasn't too bad at all.

Just talked to Dexter at Sierra Invisible Shield. Going in tomorrow.:cool:

That reminds me that I should make an appointment to get my wagon done. The only problem, the paint is already less than perfect... I wonder if they do paint touch-up and buffing before clear bra install, or am I going to have to do that myself.

Nice. I was just thinking about picking one of these up. Looks good!

Looks nice! But how did the seller mess up a headlight like that? Weird.....

WOW!! I'll be picking one of those up next time I'm at the store.

Just remember that the results you get are almost totally based on how much time you send on the first step. I made sure to use all the pads and even went over spots by hand since the blob eye headlights are shaped a little different than most. I'm sure you could bang out a pair of bugeye headlights in 30 minutes.