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e60 headlight haze

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Old 09-15-2014, 09:35 PM
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Default e60 headlight haze

My headlights are hazy. Should I sand it from 1000-2000 wet sand then use rubbing compound? Or should I just get all brand new headlight housings?
Old 09-16-2014, 01:50 AM
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Many people have sanded and polished, but this has to be maintained otherwise, the haze just returns much quicker since this process most likely finishes off what little UV protection is left. If you go to a automotive paint store, or either online, you can get much higher grit paper, something in the range of 3-4000 to finish. You will need a machine to do this as well. It can be done by hand, but it will not come out as nice and take you forever...

I've also heard of, but not actually seen the end result where they are sanded and then an automotive 2K clear is sprayed on them. If you google the polishing there are plenty of DIY out there. I think if I were to do this, I would remove my headlight to ensure that I can access the entire lens for polishing and not waste time protecting the bumper and surrounding panels.
Old 09-16-2014, 05:09 AM
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I've had luck with this Opti-Lens Coating Over a year on my daughters accord which is outside 7x24
Old 09-16-2014, 10:31 AM
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3M do a headlight restore kit which people have had good results with
Old 09-16-2014, 11:53 AM
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I had fantastic results with the 3M kit. I used one kit for one headlight. It took about 2-hours per light but my labor is "free." I'm applying a coat of wax to the headlights to help preserve the new finish.

e60 headlight haze-photo-3.jpg

e60 headlight haze-photo-2.jpg
Old 09-16-2014, 01:21 PM
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Wet sand 800-1200-1500-2000, then buff with an orbital buffer.

apply regular car wax to your lenses periodically to keep them from oxidizing.

Never used the 3M kit, but have heard it works well.
Old 09-16-2014, 03:00 PM
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apparently sanding them gets rid of the UV clear coat which should be reapplied
Old 09-16-2014, 04:44 PM
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Originally Posted by sanjsanj
apparently sanding them gets rid of the UV clear coat which should be reapplied
Hence my wax comment, although whether or not waxes actually block UV is up for debate.

UV is what's damaging the headlight lenses. Given enough time, the sun will oxidize ANYTHING into oblivion. I can't believe I go to the beach almost every weekend. I'm an idiot.
Old 09-16-2014, 10:53 PM
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If 3m doesn't work i'll just buy new headlights.
Old 09-17-2014, 11:54 AM
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Originally Posted by KyleB
Given enough time, the sun will oxidize ANYTHING into oblivion. I can't believe I go to the beach almost every weekend. I'm an idiot.
LOL



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