http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...cts/Headlight/

I figured I would throw my 2 cents in about this product. I picked it up at Harbor Freight for $20. I have a 2003 S-Type which the headlights (all 4) had this strange wavy line in them and were starting to cloud over. I followed the directions, but at the end I used Meguiars Plastic X to take it a step farther. It is a night and day difference now, and my lights look crystal clear. I did not take any before pics, and I am waiting till I can get some bright sun light to take the after pics. For about an hour of work, I am happy with the results.

 

Well, I've taken "before" pictures of my 2003 S-type. Unfortunately, the reason I don't have "after" pics is because there is no "after" yet..

What you described doesn't really sound like what I've got, but thought I'd throw 'em up here and see if it is at all similar? I'm awaiting the arrival of Meguiar's G1900K Headlight and Clear Plastic Restoration Kit to give it a go.

 

Yup, mine was at the bottom, but looked just like that. Not sure why it does it, but some time and elbow grease will get rid of it.

 

Thanks Michael. Product should arrive in the next couple of days and if I can get to it before my daughter has to go back to school this weekend, I'll post the "after."
If not, I guess maybe March or this summer.....

BTW...notice your location is Bowling Green....past weekend was cruddy for the BigBLUENation, eh?

 

Heh

Make sure you either have a corded drill, or an air drill. I don't think a battery powered one will last long enough. Also, I looked over what you are getting, and I don't think you will be able to get out the wavy lines that well with it. I used the Plastic X as a final polish after the kit. The kit starts you out with a 500 grit, 800, 1000(?), then rubbing compound. You have to use the rough stuff to take off the top layer of plastic.

 

I have seen this many times before, either fail from top to bottom or the other way....

Depending on how hard the OEM sacrificial coating is, I recommend the following discs in this order for the best results....

320
500
800
1000 - Wet
3000 - Wet

After this all signs of pigtail scratches or any prep marks should be gone. No need to polish, just reapply a UV coating.

FAILURE to do so will ultimately result in your lenses crazing and or micro checking and cracking occurring due to the fact that their is no coating on the lenses. Waxes or sealants will not last and after 6-8 months the lenses will yellow and haze again.....Guaranteed!

Do it right the first time, no sense in having to replace the lenses the next time around for not coating them.

Up until now, my coating of choice has been an aerosol UV coating, but at this years SEMA show I received samples of a new 2 part coating that is wiped on using a lintless towel after the resurfacing is done. No UV lamp necessary, this 2 part coating dries to the touch in 1hr and totally cured in 24hrs....guaranteed for 1 year!

 

Thanks David,
Got a link or source for that wipe-on coating?
Enjoy your detailing posts, btw

 

I too am interested in the coating

 

Didn't expect the Meguiar's kit to strip the remaining UV coating. Not bad for about 15 mins total, spread over 4 lights, though. I may try a more aggressive approach when she returns for the summer, mercury climbs above 90, and Texas is fit for habitation by man and beast again.

 

David,
Any further information on this coating? Source? Name?



My daughter is in for Mardi Gras break and after I checked over all the mechanicals, I ran over her lenses again with the Meguiars' plastic polish. No UV coating on the tops all the way across, and I know I'll have to strip it entirely this summer...just hesitate to do it with no plan at present for a replacement coating.

 

I should have some of the product in stock next week available for sale, as I plan on distributing the product for the manufacturer. I will also post a video hopefully this weekend showing the whole process, from resurfacing to reapplying this wipe on coating......stay tuned and I will give you an update on the product

 

I read that after doing all the steps with the 3M kit, you can spray some clear coat on the lights to keep it protected. Has anyone tried that out?

 

If you choose to use a clear coat after polishing, you must use a coating that has UV inhibitors otherwise the lights will degrade and turn yellow or cloudy again. I suggest that you do not use a OTC clear coat, the correct UV sacrificial coating must also be cured with a UV curing lamp for the best results.

 

Awesome info, I too am interested and will be waiting for that video keenly. IF the price is right I may even purchase it

 

Looks like TechLine's TL 3000 fits the bill.

 

LOLz.....that bottle is worth $204.95 plus , we should get a bunch of ppl and chip in and share the bottle lets say emm....25ppl since it does 25sets; so basically $8.20 approx per person

 

Ok I finally pieced together this youtube video showing this new 2 part clear coating that I have been testing since the SEMA show of 2010.

As you will see in this video, the failed lenses must be resurfaced to eliminate the decayed sacrificial coating. This process involves multiple steps and grades of refinishing discs. Once the failed coating has been removed the lens gets a final wipe with IPA and the 2 part coating is applied. In this video I applied it using a new wax applicator sponge cut in half. I did not get the 100% desired results that I was looking for due to the sponge. The application should be performed using a Kimberly Clark lintless blue paper towel for perfect results. Once the product is applied it may be dried with either a blow dryer or heat gun to help fascilitate the drying step. They will be dry to the touch by using the dryer but will require additional time for total cure. No UV curing lamp required for this process...

PROS - Lays completely flat once applied, no overspray, no extensive masking, coating time is cut in fourths

CONS - None at this time....

The products sells for $124.95 for 2 8oz bottles which will restore approx 30 complete vehicles or 60 units.

Enjoy the video.....

Headlight Lens Restoral using a 2 part wipe on coating

 

I just did my headlights with the 3M kit and was planning on using Lamin-X films over the newly restored lenses. They even sell a ever so subtle 6% tint option that I think would look really good, or just clear.