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3m Headlight restoration

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Old 05-07-2016, 10:44 PM
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Jeebus
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3m Headlight restoration

Anyone who used this product and had success can help me out?

I just bought the 3m hr heavy duty kit, and my headlights are still very foggy and scratched up. I followed numerous steps, the drill i'm using isn't that strong either about 750 rpm.. But for those who had success with it should I re-do it and how long should I do for each grit?
Old 05-08-2016, 04:22 AM
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Phenomenon9
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Originally Posted by Jeebus
Anyone who used this product and had success can help me out?

I just bought the 3m hr heavy duty kit, and my headlights are still very foggy and scratched up. I followed numerous steps, the drill i'm using isn't that strong either about 750 rpm.. But for those who had success with it should I re-do it and how long should I do for each grit?
I followed Chris' steps in this video on my G35. You'll be impressed with the result.

Old 05-08-2016, 10:31 AM
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Jeebus
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No success, did the whole process over again.

@phenomenon ^ tried it by hand like chris did, got better but still a little hazy.

Might just fork over the $50 to get them done.
Old 05-08-2016, 11:32 AM
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beachbum718
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I just did my brothers civic.came out looking like new.amazing results.i use the version that goes on a drill.i also apply a good paint sealant or wax when im all done.
Old 05-30-2016, 01:51 PM
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Surfnazi
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Too bad Nissan oem lights aren't built like Bmw where you can replace the lense covers for cheap and easy
Old 05-31-2016, 12:32 PM
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ram18962
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Instead of buying a kit for $20-25 dollars. If you have a Sam's Club membership I would take it there. Both headlights restored for $30 and comes with a 5 year warranty. If anything ever comes back no questions asked they will do it again. I've gotten mine done there and they do a really good job. Just my opinion!
Old 05-31-2016, 12:59 PM
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Black Betty
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Do you have a polisher? If so wet sand them by hand with 1500 grit followed by 3000 grit; then use a cutting compound, a medium polish, and a fine finishing polish and they'll look fantastic. It doesn't take that long or as much skill as you might think.
Old 06-01-2016, 08:14 AM
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joebrez
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The 3M kit is actually pretty good, you just need to be sure to cut it enough. Also, I start with a layer of cheap toothpaste first to remove impurities off the lens. THEN I do the kit. I find that it keeps the sand paper disks cleaner and able to cut longer.


Also, be sure to put on a nice top coat when done. Colinite 845 is a really good insulator...


Here is a pic of a buddies Mazda6 that I did.
Attached Thumbnails 3m Headlight restoration-mazda-6.jpg  
Old 06-02-2016, 02:33 AM
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kennyz424
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Originally Posted by Phenomenon9
I followed Chris' steps in this video on my G35. You'll be impressed with the result.

How to Restore Headlights PERMANENTLY - YouTube
I may give this a shot
Old 06-02-2016, 02:45 AM
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Phenomenon9
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Originally Posted by kennyz424
I may give this a shot
You should; it's really simple. It's better than paying someone else $25-35. Post before and after pictures
Old 06-07-2016, 06:56 AM
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rj8dan
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Saw this from another forum. I think it is worth reading.
The Definitive Guide to Headlight Restoration Kits
Old 07-02-2016, 08:53 PM
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Sig6MT
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Originally Posted by rj8dan
Saw this from another forum. I think it is worth reading.
The Definitive Guide to Headlight Restoration Kits
This may seem odd to some but I have found out that rubbing the lenses with toothpaste works well. If they are a bit rough, I do it a couple of times.
Probably not as fantastic as some specialty products out for really weathered lenses, there but very effective when they begin to weather.
Old 11-01-2016, 08:41 PM
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s13envy
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I've done quite a few. If they are BAD then I start out with 400 grit sandpaper then work my way up to 800, 1500, and wet sand with 3000. Then I use polishes from Chemical Guys and then finish it up with a sealant. They look great. Here is a before and after on some G35 headlights with near 300k miles.



Old 11-01-2016, 08:42 PM
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s13envy
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Here's my "kit" for headlight restoration.

Old 11-03-2016, 01:49 PM
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Overboard
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Turtle Wax makes an inexpensive kit that I used on my Subaru with great results. It's better for flatter lenses, I probably wouldn't use it on my 2011 with the bump in the lens. You can also use a product like this a few times a year to stay on top of it.


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