430 Scuderia Headlight Restoration

[Slickhillsy]

Question...

The headlamp lens on the Scud is not glass more plastic or Perspex (assuming the same on standard car) and over time (as mine has) they become pitted from stone chips and alike.

Can anyone recommend either a detailer / process by which they can be made good again or if the lenses themselves can be replaced for new (think I'd prefer the latter and then get them clear-bra protected.

Thoughts welcome...

[70proof]

should have got an audi mate...

[Magic919]

Plastic headlights can be sanded and polished. It takes off the UV protective coating, so not as good a solution as replacement.

[70proof]

Magic919 said:

Plastic headlights can be sanded and polished. It takes off the UV protective coating, so not as good a solution as replacement.

Will be bulb get a tan then?


(Sorry, couldn't resist)

[Summit_Detailing]

Magic919 said:

Plastic headlights can be sanded and polished. It takes off the UV protective coating, so not as good a solution as replacement.

This^, ideally need to be sealed with a long term ceramic/quartz coating to prevent further degradation. Gtechniq C1 or Cquartz would be what I would use.

[Slickhillsy]

70proof said:

should have got an audi mate...

What with all that dodgy emissions nonsense no ta!

[Slickhillsy]

Summit_Detailing said:

Magic919 said:

Plastic headlights can be sanded and polished. It takes off the UV protective coating, so not as good a solution as replacement.

This^, ideally need to be sealed with a long term ceramic/quartz coating to prevent further degradation. Gtechniq C1 or Cquartz would be what I would use.

So...

Can the sanding really be considered a lot g term fixand would it bring them up like new? Could the above seal be used under a clear bra? If none of the above is a lense only swap possible?

Questions questions. ...

[RamboLambo]

I've heard toothpaste works on them so maybe worth a try

[Slickhillsy]

RamboLambo said:

I've heard toothpaste works on them so maybe worth a try

Toothpast removing stone chipps from plastic?????

[Juber]

Do you have any pictures? I used my machine polish on my mates headlights. It was dull and pitted as you described. It totally transformed the look of the car after a quick hours graft.

[red_duke]

Slickhillsy said:

Toothpast removing stone chipps from plastic?????

Yeah. It has fine abrasive powder in it.

[V8FGO]

I have done this on the headlights on my 360.

Took a while as I had a couple of deep scratches which were a pain
I had to stop as I was afraid of flat spotting the lens in one area.
Make sure to tape up around the lens.

I could only find 2000+ on ebay.

Wet sand with 3000 grit or down to 2000 if marks are deep.

Then use a Meguiars headlight headlight restoration kit.

http://reviews.halfords.com/4028/342649/reviews.ht...

The wet sanding will remove the UV coating, so a sealant will be needed.
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/sealants/gtechniq-c2...

As an aside can you buy headlight lenses as a separate item
Eurospares only seem to have complete units for a 360 at £1800 a pop.
I'm sure a Scud would be even more.

[Slickhillsy]

V8FGO said:

I have done this on the headlights on my 360.

Took a while as I had a couple of deep scratches which were a pain
I had to stop as I was afraid of flat spotting the lens in one area.
Make sure to tape up around the lens.

I could only find 2000+ on ebay.

Wet sand with 3000 grit or down to 2000 if marks are deep.

Then use a Meguiars headlight headlight restoration kit.

http://reviews.halfords.com/4028/342649/reviews.ht...

The wet sanding will remove the UV coating, so a sealant will be needed.
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/sealants/gtechniq-c2...

As an aside can you buy headlight lenses as a separate item
Eurospares only seem to have complete units for a 360 at £1800 a pop.
I'm sure a Scud would be even more.

Thanks for the advice - a mini project for me!

Whilst we are on the subject of headlights, can anyone recommend replacement bulbs to increase the brightness?