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YOUR RESEARCHCloudy lenses
Leading reported evidence
Use polishing compound
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
@Fernando - I wet sanded both headlights by hand, then used polishing compound with a drill and sponge pad.
Leading evidence: 'Use polishing compound' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Clean ones' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I use a spray on clear coat that you can buy at most auto body stores.
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Suggestion · Original poster
Just looks bad next to the nice clean new ones on the P!g.
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Replace lens only, the replacement cost is high especially
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Suggestion
As to replacing the lenses you would have to replace the whole light unit, you cannot change the lens only, the replacement cost is high especially for the litetronics units.
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Suggestion
As to replacing the lenses you would have to replace the whole light unit, you cannot change the lens only, the replacement cost is high especially for the litetronics units.
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Suggestion
As to replacing the lenses you would have to replace the whole light unit, you cannot change the lens only, the replacement cost is high especially for the litetronics units.
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Unsuccessful attempt
I recently used the Meguiars on the wife's MDX, and it was very good. The only place it didn't work well was where the lens are contoured/bubbled, but that doesn't really exist on our lenses.
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31 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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We have an 01 with HID head lights that I now realize (due to the 13 Cayenne parked next to it) have become horribly clouded.
Anyone have recommendations on how to clean them up again? Failing that, P/Ns for new lenses? (all I seem to be finding are "assemblies" for far more than I think just the housing should cost)
Hi, you can polish your lights, there are kits available from a few manufacturers of car care products check at your local auto supply store. As to replacing the lenses you would have to replace the whole light unit, you cannot change the lens only, the replacement cost is high especially for the litetronics units.
3M and Meguiars both sell a headlight restoration kit. I recently used the Meguiars on the wife's MDX, and it was very good. The only place it didn't work well was where the lens are contoured/bubbled, but that doesn't really exist on our lenses. I think I paid $20 at Target for the Meguiar's kit, and would use it on my 996 if I needed it, but they are still clear.
Others also use that restoration kits with a fine (like 400/600 grit) sandpaper to help finish it up.
Hope that helps,
DS
The 3M headlight kit works very well and includes everything you need except a drill. Available at most auto parts stores.
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...g_a_Headlight/
Simple polishing will not clear the lens. You must sand off the obscured layer. Make sure to adequately mask off the surrounding area or remove the headlight. It is a simple job, just take your time.
One challenge with polishing the lenses is that they lose their resistance to UV and tend to cloud up again rather quickly. I did the lenses on my daughter's Jetta and a year later they were cloudy again. I think there may be a new coating to help prevent this.
There are also services that do headlight restoration, one is Dr. Headlight.
Thanks for the info. I guess for the price of new housings not giving the polishing a try is rather stupid.
Really it doesn't seem to impact the beams at all. Just looks bad next to the nice clean new ones on the P!g.
On the contrary it had a great impact on the light but because the degredation is slow, you don't really notice it. Once they are polished, you'll notice the difference but they will haze over in 6 months.
When I restore headlights for my clients, I wet sand, polish and then seal. The above posters are correct that they will haze over again. Once you remove the factory UV coating they will degredate even faster. Our Porsche lights are somewhat horizontal and are exposed to the sun even more. The kits will supply you with a sealant which is nothing more than wax.
I use a spray on clear coat that you can buy at most auto body stores. It comes in a rattle can. You will need to remove the lights (easy), mask off and spray very thin coats. This is the only solution that I have found that seems to work. I have lights on client's cars that are into three years now and still look brand new.
I use a product called SprayMax. Here is a link to an online retailer if your local auto body supplier doesnt carry it.
http://www.repaintsupply.com/pd_2_part_2k_aerosol.cfm
Interesting question. I don't believe...could be very wrong, that the clear bras are heavily UV resistant. They themselves will yellow over time. It's not the film that yellows, it's the adhesive. But, it may be worth a shot if you can pick up some scrap pieces.
@Fernando - I wet sanded both headlights by hand, then used polishing compound with a drill and sponge pad. Then applied the xpel kit (version with openings for washers). After more than a year they still look new and continue to adhere perfectly. I chose those because they are thick enough to give some chip protection. It took longer than expected for the cloudiness from the application process to completely disappear, but they are truly invisible. Various reviews indicate that they hold up well long term. Hope this helps.
I have polished and then applied the XPEL film to the headlights on four cars now, including my 996. Not only do these overlays permanently seal the headlights, they provide an effective barrier against stone chips, etc.
Order from Eckler's (aka Performance Products) at [phone removed]...for about $50.
Finally, I favor the 3M polishing kit...available from Autozone...be sure you follow the instructions.
relinuca
Thank you both!
What I plan on doing is having someone actually polish them for me then I'll apply the film.
I tried to do it myself months ago but didn't get the results I wanted. Mostly because I probably didn't polish for long enough and was worried I would do something wrong.
I did my A6 lights a few months ago, really easy to do:
1. Wetsand the old UV protection off 600 going down to 1500
2. Rotary polish with some cutting compound
3. Rotary polish with normal polish
4. Wipe any wax/polish residue off with mineral spirit
5. Dilute Helmspar clear UV protector 50/50 with mineral spirit and apply with a lint free towel
They look great now, like new and have UV protection, took about 1 hr each
Is it very easy to take out the headlights? I remember doing it on my boxster but wasn't sure if it was similar on the 02 996.
I second the 3m kit. I have used it on a couple vehicles with good results.
@carcster88: Appearances can be deceptive. I think you will be pleasantly surprised that if you polish out a sample area, you'll see that the damage is actually on the outside. GL!
We offer a kit that includes everything you need. I would also advise that you put some sort of protection over the headlights after your done so it won't happen again. For more information
Click Here
.
I had to replace one of the assemblies recently. It wasn't until the new was installed that I noticed the hazing in the old light. The new headlight had more of a glass appearance vs. plasticky.
It is not included in the headlight restore kit but can be purchased separately. I would recommend Lamin-X. Made from a 20 mil thick transparent film these pre cut covers will protect your vehicles headlights. Strong and impact resistant, yet pliable enough to adhere to any surface.
Click Here
for more information.
The tinted ones would help, but that is not their intended propose. There propose is protect against road debris, I'm sure they would help slow down UV rays but we have not done any testing in that area.
This is a source reference. Confirm exact model applicability in the original material.
