Review: 3M Headlight Restoration Kit - Subaru Enthusiasts Car Club of the Sierras

100_Percent_Juice · 2011-08-10, 02:00 PM

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.

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

Step 2: 800 Grit Sandpaper

Step 3: 3000 Grit Pad

Step 4: Foam buffing pad with rubbing compound

The result is AMAZING!

Comparison

sperry · 2011-08-10, 02:18 PM

Holy crap that was a busted-ass headlight.

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!

A1337STI · 2011-08-10, 02:20 PM

wow, great work!

100_Percent_Juice · 2011-08-10, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sperry

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!

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.

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.

100_Percent_Juice · 2011-08-10, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sperry

now get some clear-bra on it!

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

sperry · 2011-08-10, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 100_Percent_Juice

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

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.

k-dogg39 · 2011-08-10, 03:52 PM

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

silversuby · 2011-08-10, 08:54 PM

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

WRXlerate · 2011-08-14, 03:52 PM

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

100_Percent_Juice · 2011-08-15, 05:31 PM

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.

2011-08-10, 02:00 PM	#1
100_Percent_Juice (40 percent vodka) Real Name: Joel Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 4,446 Car: 2004WRX Class: Baby-Hauler/GroceryGetter	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. 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 Step 2: 800 Grit Sandpaper Step 3: 3000 Grit Pad Step 4: Foam buffing pad with rubbing compound The result is AMAZING! Comparison __________________ "A power nap is when you sleep on someone who is weaker than you." - Dimitri Martin Last edited by 100_Percent_Juice; 2011-08-10 at 02:05 PM.

2011-08-10, 02:18 PM	#2
sperry The Doink Real Name: Scott Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 20,335 Car: '09 OBXT, '02 WRX, '96 Miata Class: PDX/TT-6 The way out is through	Holy crap that was a busted-ass headlight. 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! __________________ Is you is, or is you ain't, my con-stit-u-ints?

2011-08-10, 02:20 PM	#3
A1337STI EJ205 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 1,840 Car: Impreza and an Impreza Class: AS / CRS PerfStock "pedal on the right"	wow, great work! __________________ Fighting uphill battles, one bullet at a time!

2011-08-14, 03:52 PM	#9
WRXlerate EJ22 Real Name: John B. Join Date: May 2005 Location: Behind a brick wall. Posts: 471 Car: 02 Soccermom Wagon Class: "sleeper" Destroying V8 Egos 4 cylinders at a time	WOW!! I'll be picking one of those up next time I'm at the store. __________________ Stuff sold by the gram is always more exciting than stuff sold by the pound. JC

2011-08-15, 05:31 PM	#10
100_Percent_Juice (40 percent vodka) Real Name: Joel Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 4,446 Car: 2004WRX Class: Baby-Hauler/GroceryGetter	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. __________________ "A power nap is when you sleep on someone who is weaker than you." - Dimitri Martin

2011-08-10, 03:52 PM	#7
k-dogg39 Little Slugger Real Name: Kevin Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: North Lake Tahoe, NV Posts: 777 Car: 05 WRB STI Wagon/00 BRP GC Sedan Class: 39 TSM I'm not crazy, I'm just passionate!	Nice. I was just thinking about picking one of these up. Looks good!

2011-08-10, 08:54 PM	#8
silversuby EJ18 Real Name: Charlie Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Truckee Posts: 53 Car: 02 wrx	Looks nice! But how did the seller mess up a headlight like that? Weird.....

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