Headlight restoration?

[ake53]

hi everyone.
My e53 is from 2002 and from the years of driving in new england usa the headlights look very sandblasted. So i wanted to clear them up a bit, just for better looks.

Now does anyone have any recommendations on products to use or avoid?

I mean i was going to give some, as seen on tv brand a try. that they sell near me. its like 10 bucks. maybe it will work?

Thanks ahead of time.

[motordavid]

Here is a page of threads...some are exactly on your topic; skim down and read.
Search Tab is your friend.
Xoutpost.com - Search Results

[Ricky Bobby]

a good old light compound/polish session with a dual action polisher should do the trick, then a nice layer of sealant and they should be looking pretty good!

the key is to use a nice random orbital and a cutting pad to get rid of that oxidiation!

[tmv]

Sandpapers from coarse (400) to fine (3000) and then polish compound at the end.
I used 3M kit for my E39 since it has a drill attachment.

[civdiv99]

Pics avail as i did mine the other day if interested

[ake53]

Put them up! I debating on tinting them instead now

[civdiv99]

This is the Mother's headlight restoration kit. I liked the little sanding pads (see pics) since they kinda hold water like a sponge while you are working. In my case, rain moved in during the process.

I dunno why the photo names don't show up.

1st is generic picture of headlight.
2nd is taped off to begin
3rd is wet sanding
4th is "sanded"
5th is polished 'cept as you see from the fender it was raining so I stopped there. The triangle shaped reflection over the HID is just light playing on the surface.

Originally Posted by alex77ae

Put them up! I debating on tinting them instead now

[Dark5yde]

if they are very bad and pitted or anything use those kits mentioned above. If its just hazy and getting cloudy, regular toothpaste will work as a headlight polish. Works fantastic. Polish with it then clear it. I know it sounds funny but a tube from the dollar store is all you need.

[chrissoto312]

Originally Posted by tmv

Sandpapers from coarse (400) to fine (3000) and then polish compound at the end.
I used 3M kit for my E39 since it has a drill attachment.

I've used the 3M kit with the drill attachment also. Great buy!! Brought my headlights back to looking new!

[civdiv99]

Over on Autogeek.net is a multi-year durability testing thread on various coatings, with plain old spar urethane from home depot leading the way over the fancy stuff. That seems to be a pretty popular choice by detailers on there. YMMV, I'm probably not gonna head down that road.