Well decided today to finally do something about my passenger side headlight. It has some weird pitting in it and was at the tops working its way down. Its obviously sun damage. I also wax and seal my headlights so luckily it has not spread but I corrected it today. Instead of buying a kit, after looking at a few, I decided to just get some wet/dry sandpaper. I already have compound and polish. I also have a buffer so I didnt need those drill things. If you look at my before pics it doesnt look to bad so I just picked up some 2000 grit paper. Well after starting I probably should of got 1000 or 1500 to start then end with the 2000. The 2000 got the job done but just took a little longer and a little more elbow grease. So you guys that have a stock pile of compounds and polishes dont neccesarily have to get one of the kits can get away with a 4 dollar package of sandpaper. So on to the results. Anybody else get pitting like this on their S types??

Before High beam:


Before Headlight Low beam:


After High Beam:


After Headlight Low Beam:

 

Wow that looks great, good job!

 

Nice job, it's like new

 

Vance850 thats interesting that only the pass. headlamp needed to be corrected. I would think that the pass. highbeam lens would have pitting as well.

What do you use to seal them?

Ours were not pitted, they were more like heavily "oversprayed look" from the top to about half lens.

Believe it or not, I think my headlamp lens are the only thing I did not take before pics. I was just to ashamed I had let them get as bad as they were!

BTW nice job, SPANKIN' NEW

 

Wow....great job Vance, those suckers look like NEW
thanks for sharing

 

Nice work, Vance!

Psst...bet Rick's were worse than this:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/d...ion-kit-48284/

 

I thought it was odd too but thinking back when I had the drooping headlight problem it was on this headlight. I am thinking that the previous owner might of had it on the other headlight first before getting rid of it and got suckered into replacing the whole headlight cause that side looks brand new. Thats the only thing I can think of.
To seal it for now I just included the headlights into my waxing procedure. So currently its only sealed with Meguiars NXT till I find a suitable UV protector. I did see some stuff at the store when I picked up the sandpaper I may try. Wanted to make sure I could get them clear again first.

 

Looks great Vance! Just as good as those 3M kits

 

Its the exact same thing. They give you the sand paper on disc and the packages of the compound and polish. I looked at them and I was like I already have the compound and polish, I'm just gonna get the sandpaper. I knew I had some at home but didnt have 2000 grit so got that and worked just as good. The only difference is had to sand by hand rather then hook up the drill like the 3M kit but a little patience and elbow grease will get the same results.

 

what the he-double hockey sticks??????????????????????

 

How did you ever guess Zane

more like this:



NOT anymore though!

 

Great result.

Filed away for future reference.

 

LOL!

Didn't...was just picking at you.

She's home this week and they are already starting to frost a bit. I've gotta get some fine grade papers and get after them this summer...then I guess I'll hafta buy a pint of that ZF transmission fluid (WTH...it may as well be...lookit the price!) to smear on 'em for protection....ah well...guess I've got enough cars to use up a fair portion of it...and most all in need, to boot!

your's really down to the red line? Our 05's look pretty good thus far...maybe I should put a film on them..?

 

I have that exact same thing!!! Would the stuff you can use to clear "plastic" lenses work here too?

 

I did the exact same thing as I wrote in one of the other threads on this topic. I had plenty of 3M buffing compound and sand paper around so I didn't have to buy a "kit". Mine turned out clear as new just like yours so I know it works.

The problem you'll have just using wax to seal the headlight is that in 6 months you'll have to do the job over again as it'll be cloudy as before. I've been through this twice now. The good news is that it'll clear up in about 3 minutes with your buffer and a dime size spot of buffing compound.

The bad news is you'll be doing it again every six months for life!! There must be a UV protectant out there that will work. I was speaking to one of the resident detail professionals here about buying a $125 bottle of REAL UV protectant and then pouring it up into smaller bottles to sell to Jaguar forum members because it seems EVERYONE has this problem. There should be enough interest to make this work so everyone doesn't have to buy the $125 bottle that will do 60 headlights........

 

+1 on the 3M kit.

Everything you need to get the job done. Only other tool I needed was a drill and some water.

Before:






After:






Not too shabby!

 

Is there anyway to.get a step by step process and what exactly.to buy? I have an xtype same pitting yellowing issue

 

Here are some helpful hints and tips that I have posted on the Auto Detailing Network Blog where I am an editor on this topic......

Headlight Lens Restoral Tips and Hints

The 3M kit works well for resurfacing, polishing will look good for a short fix, eventually it will yellow again. The Polycarbonate must be recoated, and the 3M kit fails to provide this.

Also to see this in action I have posted a recent video on Youtube showing a new product that is a waterborne 4:1 UV wipe on product. This product is now able to ship world wide with no hassles and dries using air flow.....

This particular vehicle had and shows the same symptoms as the Jag above.....after thoroughly resurfacing, you would then apply your sealant.....



Innovative (HLR) Headlight Lens Restoral Systems & Supplies - YouTube