I was thinking about ordering a 3M headlight restoration kit to clean up the headlights on my 04 XJ8. Anyone out there used this, and if so, how satisfied were you with the results? Also, looking at the car it looks like I might want to remove the front bumper to get better access to the whole headlight area. How involved is removing the bumper? Thanks.

 

The kit you refer to is, I believe, for plastic lenses. The Jag has glass lenses.

 

I must be looking at headlight covers then, because I'm definitely looking at plastic.

 

The kit you mentioned should work fine. I did a similar process that is detailed in the following link......

http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...ing.html?cat=6

 

Thanks 03JagSTR, I was looking for reassurances before I took sandpaper in hand.

 

radiantxj, on your XJ headlights, are you referring to a "glazing" effect on the upper 1/4 or so of each of the headlamps? If so, I've got that condition, as well (see photo). How well did this stuff work?

Thanks, Mitch

 

Mitch, I do have the glazing on the upper part of my headlights like yours, but not quite as thick. I have been told it's mostly oxidation or caused by UV rays-my car was florida owned before I bought it. I just ordered the kit off EBAY, haven't received it yet.

 

hey radiant....check out the hazy headlight remedy FAQ in the x type faq quick link section I think.

Good luck

 

Thanks, looks like I'll be polishing headlights this weekend...

 

Here are a couple of helpful Youtube videos I have put together demonstrating the proper techniques that I employ for headlight restoration on a Porsche Carrera and a V.W. Jetta

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ab8aRZ9mAA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=260TxpkxgOk

Also I attached 2 pics of a 2000 Jag Type S that I did today that required this service......

What a difference before the correction

And after the correction

Dave @ Innovative Detailing

 

I used this kit and it worked like a charm. $24 at autozone.

 

I used the 3M headlight restoration kit on my 2004 XJR, which included step 1 of sanding. It worked perfectly, my lenses look crystal clear. The kit can be bought at Walmart for $18 or Advanced Auto for $21.

 

I have yet to see an X350 with hazed lights. It made me wonder if they were different materials than other Jags. I know my '05 VDP has plastic lenses. I see X-types ans S-types all day long with lenses so hazed that I wonder how they can see at night. Good info here though.

 

Autozone sux. I am not buying there anymore. Their pricing is ridiculous. I bought a 5 gal jug of Castrol Syntec motor oil at Autozone for $33 and fram filter $9.50. I was at walmart shortly after and looked, same oil was $22, filter $8. now $18 for the same headlight kit I paid $24 for. I sent a complaint to corporate about their pricing and they said see the store manager. The store manager DOES NOT control pricing. What a joke. I hope they go bankrupt.

 

+1 on the 3M kit. My 04 XJ8 looks like new after a detail!

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

Before:






After:






Not too shabby!

 

My concern is the UV protection factor, or lack thereof. I have done some great reading on various threads on Jaguarforums that indicate that this process will need repeating every few months, unless a UV inhibitor is applies as a final step. What are your thoughts along these lines?

 

Just wax the lenses with Meguiars high tech wax, then they will need rewaxing whenever you wax the car. Mine have gone a year with no more oxidation with waxing every 4-5 months.

 

When I was buying and selling used cars, I used to restore headlights with 3 progressively fine grit wet/dry sandpaper, then old fashioned polishing compound, then 3M glaze with a wool pad on my Milwaukee HS polisher, and then wax. In fact, I still have everything but the sandpaper. I think I'll go this route on my "R" after all, as I have some light hazing on the upper portions of my HID's.

 

I had mine permanently repaired by a body shop for around $60. Sanded & UV clearcoat. EVerything I know of the sand polish and wax kits over the counter is they do not last very long and require constant maintenance making it more costly over time.