light lens polishing

[Squirtydog]

For the Elan actually but that forum is relatively quiet.
Side light and rear lenses could really do with a polish up.
I had a go with T-cut light polishing stuff today but with limited effect.
Any recommendations?

I recall seeing a post on here some time ago - some V70/850 rears polished up really well. Apologies as I can't find the thread.

Cheers.

[stuart@bigpower]

If you can get some, Autosmart Evo 3 worked by hand using a tri-colour pad works extremely well or I think some Halfords stores sell a Meguiar's headlight restoration kit for reasonable money. Either mask up thoroughly beforehand or remove the lights if possible

[M-R-P]

Clear lacquer.

[Squirtydog]

If you can get some, Autosmart Evo 3 worked by hand using a tri-colour pad works extremely well or I think some Halfords stores sell a Meguiar's headlight restoration kit for reasonable money. Either mask up thoroughly beforehand or remove the lights if possible

Clear lacquer.

Thanks guys. I'll give it another go with the cutting compounds and then try a couple of coats of the clear lacquer, think I have some in already. No prpblem with masking as the fronts at least will be off the car.

[merc85]

i found medium grade of G3 works well

[Squirtydog]

i found medium grade of G3 works well

Thanks also. I think i need something a little more abrasive than what comes in the T-cut kit.

[stuart@bigpower]

It's not just the abrasive nature of the compound that you need to consider. Compounding/polishing can also be affected by the pad you are using (firmer pads deliver more of your physical effort onto the intended target area, softer pads spread the pressure), the amount of friction generated (speed of movement incurs heat, heat makes the aluminium oxide in the compound break down and 'work') and then lastly the work time of the compound material itself. Plastics like headlights don't dissipate heat as well as metals do, so it can be easier to overheat the plastics causing distortion if you are using a machine to polish (although in truth, you'd need to be pretty careless to ££££ this up). Most of the time when folks don't get enough cut for their liking, its down to too short a work time of the product or lack of effective applicators rather than the product itself being too tame. T-cut is something I would never use on a car myself, but I understand why people buy it as it's widely stocked. If you want something available from the likes of Halfords or Wilco, there are better options (like G3 that's been mentioned) but make sure you get yourself some relatively firm pads to apply it with or you'll be wasting your time.

I hope that helps

[Tomcat]

Give them a light flat down with some fine wet and try (no courser than 800's) and then a couple of decent coats of clear laquer.

[Squirtydog]

Had a go with a nail buffer block. Works quite well. I recon a bit of elbow grease with the T-cut an then lacquer will sort it.

[volvokid]

My cousin just gave me a kit he had unopened, 3M headlight lens restoration system, its worth a punt on these second hand headlights that are in a awful state on the D5.

[T5RatherAmusin]

the 3m kits about as good as it gets tbh.
you get a drill bit which helps too

[volvokid]

the 3m kits about as good as it gets tbh.
you get a drill bit which helps too

Have you used it before?