Headlamp Lenses

[mrsteve]

On my 2005 XC70, which I love incidently, the two headlight lenses are very cloudy. I have tried all sorts of compounds to polish out the imperfections to no avail. Are there any new lenses available without buying the complete Xenon units?
The poor lenses really affect the look of an otherwise brilliant car.

[barrybritcher]

after you did the sanding did you lacquer it?

plastic lenses require lacquer to make them clear again.

you can test this by pouring water on the headlight and see if it looks clear.

(I have yet to lacquer mine but I did the sanding part - add water and they look brand new)

[jack taylor]

Hi Mrsteve, Barry`s advice is the correct and best method. My Wifes Hyundai has plastic lenses and every 9 months or so I rub the lenses with Farecla G3 scratch remover and the lenses come up like new. I don't bother to apply lacquer simply because I cant be bothered to mask off the lights. Don't use something like T-cut as its not coarse enough. Even though you have sanded the lenses a compound will remove the haze and they will shine once more. jack

[JoeNinety]

Just refurbed my plastic lenses (previous owner/s had neglected them)

This is what it took/needed, all done by hand, use plenty of clean water and rinse off lenses regularly
Wet and Dry:
240 (only if crazing is really really bad!)
400
800
1200

Took my time, about 5 minutes each grade, all in one direction - left to right longways

then used my orbital polisher, a 3" pad and Meguairs Ultimate, followed by a coat of Meguairs Crystal Polish

Good as new and transformed the look of the car.

Note: first time, after all the sanding, I used Lacquer, and it crazed (like crazy paving) all over the lenses, so I had to sand all that off and start again! and decided on the cutting / scratch remover.

[jack taylor]

Hi Joe, I see you use Maguairs compound which I have just read came out top in an Auto Express test. I have used Farecla G3 for years but it struggles to minimise scratches. Have you had good results with Maguairs. jack

[dingov70]

Best method is to wet sand the lenses using 1200 /1500 wet & dry , wash off & use polishing machine with a G3 or similar compound to remove marks .

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by dingov70

Best method is to wet sand the lenses using 1200 /1500 wet & dry , wash off & use polishing machine with a G3 or similar compound to remove marks .

Agree - although care is needed on some models to ensure that the sanding doesn't go right into the corners where the machine can't get to it afterwards. Ask me how I know

[JoeNinety]

(Megauirs) - It is just what I happen to have in the garage at the moment ! Sometimes could do with something a bit more aggressive ....

I think the pad I used was a yellow one (couldn't really tell as the last car i used it on was purple!)

This stuff also pretty good:
http://www.autosgleaming.com/shop/cu...t-rejuvenator/

[dingov70]

Originally Posted by Bonefishblues

Agree - although care is needed on some models to ensure that the sanding doesn't go right into the corners where the machine can't get to it afterwards. Ask me how I know

Oh ! I can guess !

[JoeNinety]

Originally Posted by Bonefishblues

Agree - although care is needed on some models to ensure that the sanding doesn't go right into the corners where the machine can't get to it afterwards. Ask me how I know

But if you take the headlamp units out, and remove the "eyelid" you can get to every part of the lens