Headlight Restoration

So Guys,

I am sure this has been probably covered before but here was my experience...

A couple of weeks back I got myself a daily (1.9 TDi SPortline) which I am loving at the moment due to its consumption and power combo.... Its almost a perfect daily for me... Thanks Nikhil for finding me this car!!!

Sadly though, the car over the years, and the harsh sun conditions, had very very very deteriorated headlights and it was actually more an eye sore then anything else... So I set out to try a restoration before opting for replacing the headlights (Im glad i did this)..

Firstly this is the Kit I used which I sourced from Autostyle for R195:



Its basically consists of 1500 and 3000 grit sandpaper. A Scratch remover (The magic!), Glossifier and basically a Liquid Glass sealant.

I did try just buying the sandpaper on my own prior to this, but sanding alone is not enough. The No Scratch compound is where the magic is...

So my initial idea was to laminex the lights or replace them so I decided to strip the bumper out which worked out to my favour anyway as it was easier to work on the headlights while still attached to the car.

Some of the haze can be seen:



This is the initial condition of the left headlight (The right was much worse but forgot to take pics!):









First step was to hand sand (water sand) with the 1500grit paper for 15 to 20 minutes and then repeat with the 3000 grit paper (Up and down, Left to right and Circular motions)

Results after sanding:



Once this is complete the light will be hazy with fine scratches but should be clear of yellow patches or stains.

The next process involves the polishing with No Scratch, Glossfier and then a quick wash with soap. Once dry the Liquid glass is applied to seal it off.

These are the results after 1 hour of work per a headlight...










Saved myself some rands and also the pain of installing new headlights correctly (Those adjustment screws look treacherous to get right).