3M headlight restoration kit, before and after with PICS..

So the headlights on my 98 weren't much help at night anymore. They had the classic haze over them, so I went and got the 3M restoration it from the auto store. Found it at Autozone for about $22. They have a few different kits, this is the one that works with a drill, and comes with the green tape to mask off areas surrounding the lights to protect them. (Others come with no tape, and there is another one that comes with tape and protectant.) Directions were pretty straight forward and easy to follow.

Pics:
Driver side (I tested out the sanding pad for a couple seconds yesterday, thats why this one is a little scratched already.)


Passenger side


All taped off and ready for the kit.


Driver side after last sand, before the polish disc


Passenger side after last sand, before the polish


Driver side all finished


Passenger side all finished


Kit worked well. Pretty easy. I didn't use all the pads, I'm sure it would of got a little more clear. Be careful of those tits that poke up on the headlights, as they will eat up the discs, especially the foam polish one. Mine is shredded.

Link to kit I purchased.
http://3mcollision.com/3m-lens-renewal-kit-39014.html

 

Used the same kit on my 02 and it work great. Save the polishing foam pad and rubbing compound, it'll need touch ups down the road. Or just hit them with a coat of clear to lock in the clean plastic. Good job btw

 

Good work. Now throw in some Silverstar Ultras and you're good to go.

 

did mine using the same method...
cleaned up just fine.

however... near 6 months... they began to yellow (cloud) again.

I recommend using some sort of UV protection
on the surface of those to slow down that future degradation.

Some waxes and the like have UV deterrents in them.

I haven't tried any yet...
because after cleaning mine the 2nd time,
I removed them in favor of running
the cheap ebay clear/black headlight housings.

 

What if you were to add that clear film to the headlights. I believe they call it "clear bra" by 3M? Its the one that is also used on the front end of vehicles to protect it from all of the rock chips. Would this work?

 

I use a little cleaner wax on mine about once a month. It doesn't take but a minute to do and keeps the plastic free from oxidation and build-up. When I sold my '05 they still looked new.

 

Bought some Mcgurie's UV protectant and put it on. So I'll see how they hold up now.

 

Keep in mind you can replace the entire assembly for both left and right side for about $60 on Ebay. That was the easiest way IMO to fix the dingy lights, inside and out.

 

This is my experience.... mine lasted 8 months tops. I restored them a second time and have been semi-frequently spraying it with a clear lens coat (made for restored headlights). So far I'm about 6 months in and they still look brand new.

 

Given your location (Florida), you might have some good qualitative information for the rest of us.

 

Just make sure to buy something with UV protectant and hit the head lights up every now and then. It sure beats buying OEM new lights. Plus if you dont let them get bad it only takes a few mins to do it.

 

Ok sorry for the necro post but here's a before and after of a 98' IS 250






Well worth the cost and effort.

 

Did mine a couple years ago with the 3M kit. They are yellow again and I knew they would be. My 3M kit instructions said to immediately apply the protectant and keep it on there. I decided to ignore that little tip. Meguiar's power ball had no effect a few weeks ago. For the fight and hassle of my own fault I went thru to clear them with the 3M kit, I will purchase new ones now when needed. The kit works just fine, I tried to speed the process a bit. Make sure you have plenty of water flowing across the plastic as you sand. Don't rush. Check your pads often.