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Fog Light Restoration Makeover

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Old Aug 29, 2009 | 01:17 PM
  #1  
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After pulling off my stock front bumper in place of the Umnitza M5, my OCD overwhelmed me and I immediately had to seize all efforts once I saw my fogs. Simply put, I couldn't install a freshly painted bumper with old looking fogs. So I decided to give my fogs a makeover and here are the results...

Before OCD:


After OCD:


Side by side:


Sure beats buying a new set!!!
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Old Aug 29, 2009 | 01:22 PM
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I have to google it: Obsessive?compulsive disorder (OCD)
So, how did you fix it?
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Old Aug 29, 2009 | 02:00 PM
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My Ride: 2006 530i Alpine White on Black interior, Sport and Premium Package, Steptronic, Navigation, Xenon Adaptive Headlights, Mtec V2.1 angel eyes,Hoen Fog Lights, Full M-Tech kit, ACS pedals, LED plate lights, CF Steering Wheel badge, CF Titanium trim, OE
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yeah what did you use to clean it?
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Old Aug 29, 2009 | 03:34 PM
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It takes some time but here are the steps:

1) sand with 800 grit
2) sand with 1000 grit
3) sand with 2000 grit
4) polish with compound (menzerna power gloss)
5) polish with fine compound (menzerna intensive polish)
6) seal with wax
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Old Aug 29, 2009 | 03:46 PM
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Originally Posted by socale39' post='992622' date='Aug 29 2009, 06:34 PM
It takes some time but here are the steps:

1) sand with 800 grit
2) sand with 1000 grit
3) sand with 2000 grit
4) polish with compound (menzerna power gloss)
5) polish with fine compound (menzerna intensive polish)
6) seal with wax

going to try the same process on my windshield. be back in 10 days

btw nice work on the fogs they look great.
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Old Aug 29, 2009 | 04:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Alpine White Girl' post='992628' date='Aug 29 2009, 07:46 PM
going to try the same process on my windshield. be back in 10 days

btw nice work on the fogs they look great.
I don't think I'd try to restore / polish the windshield in this manner ... an error on a fog priceless - a mistake on a windshield pricey!
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Old Aug 29, 2009 | 04:54 PM
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My Ride: 2007 530i. Purchased 6/28/07. Titanium Silver Metallic, Black Dakota Leather, Dark Poplar Trim, Steptronic, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Bluetooth, Adaptive Control Xenons. 10/30/07 Added OEM 124s with 245/40/18 & 275/35/18 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires. Installed red Cal Covers� from BavAuto. 11/21/07 Added OEM all-weather floor mats (for winter, carpet in summer) and coat rack. 6/26/08 installed M5-style rear spoiler. 6/30/08 put on red reflectors. 8/22/08 Euro turn signal stickers applied. 3/20/09 Installed Shadowline Trim. 3/27/09 Added Matte Black Kidney Grilles from Trinity. 4/03/09 Installed Bimmian Shadow Matte Black 530i Badges. 4/04/09 Installed LED license plate lights from Trinity. 5/01/09 Installed Brabus Interior LED Kit and White Angel Eyes. 5/02/09 Put in Brabus 6K Fogs. 5/14/09 Removed charcoal filter. 5/15/09 Installed light smoke LED side marker lamps from Trinity. 5/21/09 Sprint Booster. 6/12/09 Painted exhaust tips flat black. 6/13/09 Pulled red Cal Covers and painted calipers low gloss black. 6/27/09 RPI Ram Air Scoop from Trinity. 8/15/09 Installed Brabus's silver invisibulbs front and rear. 9/24/09 Installed R-Dash license plate LEDs from Brabaus (John).
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Very nice result. I'm the same way. Every little mod has required double or triple the time so I could clean, polish, whatever, when I pulled off the original piece . My fog lense could use some work. They have a few pits. Thanks.
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Old Aug 29, 2009 | 08:07 PM
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If you guys do this don't be afraid. When you sand the lens it will look really foggy and you'll wonder how it'll polish out but it will. Also, use wet sand paper for this job and keep the lens wet when sanding.
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Old Aug 29, 2009 | 08:14 PM
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Originally Posted by socale39' post='992622' date='Aug 29 2009, 04:34 PM
It takes some time but here are the steps:

1) sand with 800 grit
2) sand with 1000 grit
3) sand with 2000 grit
4) polish with compound (menzerna power gloss)
5) polish with fine compound (menzerna intensive polish)
6) seal with wax
similar to the same process as the headlight restoration DIY's we have here also correct?...which I believe you also did correct?

great results, nice work
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Old Aug 29, 2009 | 08:34 PM
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Yep, I've done few headlight restorations for detailing clients and friends. Its the same process.
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