How To: Headlight Restoration
I have tried many different products to restore the plastic headlights. Nothing really worked well. There are many good threads/posts here read over many times. Thanks to everyone for posting and answering my questions. My buddy asked me about restoring the headlights on his 2001 minivan. I ended up using the 3M Headlight Restoration System. I picked it up at AutoZone for $20.
Be sure to check out my other write-ups:
How To: Replace Blend Door Actuator in 3rd Gen Ex
How To: Remove/Replace 3rd Gen Door Panel
How To: Install Signal Mirrors On 3rd Gen Ex
How To: Replace Multifunction Switch in 3rd Gen Ex
How To: Paint Rear Pillar Trim
How To: Replace 3rd Gen Ambient Air Temperature Sensor
How To: Test a Relay
How To: Remove/Replace 3rd Gen Center Console
It comes with the following:
6 - 500 Grit Sanding Pads
4 - 800 Grit Sanding Pads
1 - 3000 Grit Wet Sanding Pad
1 - Foam Buffing Pad
1 - Backing Plate
1 - Pack of Rubbing Compund
In addition to the kit you will need the following:
Painter's Tape - to mask off the area to prevent sanding surrounding areas
Spray Bottle filled with ordinary water
Drill (1200-1600 RPM), I used my Dewalt cordless drill set on 2
The kit has excellent instructions so I won't bore you the details. Basically you sand the "damaged" layer off and buff it to a shine. Now on to the results:
Here is the before shots:
The sanding process:
After using the three 500 grit pads:
After using the two 800 grit pads:
After using the 3000 grit wet pad:
After using the rubbing compound, the finish product:
The headlights look like new. We polished the lights when we were done to help protect against UV rays. I told my buddy to polish the headlights every time he washes the minivan. This kit might be the best $20 I ever spent on detailing!!
I have tried many different products to restore the plastic headlights. Nothing really worked well. There are many good threads/posts here read over many times. Thanks to everyone for posting and answering my questions. My buddy asked me about restoring the headlights on his 2001 minivan. I ended up using the 3M Headlight Restoration System. I picked it up at AutoZone for $20.
Be sure to check out my other write-ups:
How To: Replace Blend Door Actuator in 3rd Gen Ex
How To: Remove/Replace 3rd Gen Door Panel
How To: Install Signal Mirrors On 3rd Gen Ex
How To: Replace Multifunction Switch in 3rd Gen Ex
How To: Paint Rear Pillar Trim
How To: Replace 3rd Gen Ambient Air Temperature Sensor
How To: Test a Relay
How To: Remove/Replace 3rd Gen Center Console
It comes with the following:
6 - 500 Grit Sanding Pads
4 - 800 Grit Sanding Pads
1 - 3000 Grit Wet Sanding Pad
1 - Foam Buffing Pad
1 - Backing Plate
1 - Pack of Rubbing Compund
In addition to the kit you will need the following:
Painter's Tape - to mask off the area to prevent sanding surrounding areas
Spray Bottle filled with ordinary water
Drill (1200-1600 RPM), I used my Dewalt cordless drill set on 2
The kit has excellent instructions so I won't bore you the details. Basically you sand the "damaged" layer off and buff it to a shine. Now on to the results:
Here is the before shots:
The sanding process:
After using the three 500 grit pads:
After using the two 800 grit pads:
After using the 3000 grit wet pad:
After using the rubbing compound, the finish product:
The headlights look like new. We polished the lights when we were done to help protect against UV rays. I told my buddy to polish the headlights every time he washes the minivan. This kit might be the best $20 I ever spent on detailing!!