Thread: 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System

Results 1 to 20 of 20
  1. #1 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System 
    GT Level Member josemolina2008's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Modesto, Ca.
    Posts
    477
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Who has used this before? I bought it today and tomorrow I'll be applying it to my headlights. Any tips or things to look out for?

    GP is gone...
    Reply With Quote  
     

  2. #2 Re: 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System 
    GrandPrix Junkie The Guz's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Lawndale, CA
    Posts
    3,007
    Thanks (Received)
    3
    Likes (Received)
    9
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    I have used it and had success with it.
    1999 GP GT 18" Boss 353 Concave|SLP CAI|Borla Cat Back|Plog|HV3|HV TB|ER Rockers|Custom Retrofit Projectors|GMPP Lowering|GMPP Handling|MPD F1|Full Diode Dynamic LEDs
    Reply With Quote  
     

  3. #3 Re: 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System 
    GT Level Member josemolina2008's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Modesto, Ca.
    Posts
    477
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    how long does the whole process take?
    GP is gone...
    Reply With Quote  
     

  4. #4 Re: 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System 
    GT Level Member SlowRR's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Brookfield, IL
    Posts
    128
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Show us some before and after pics, I'm intrested to see if it works.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  5. #5 Re: 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System 
    GTX Level Member 03GTPLE's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Tyler, TX
    Posts
    604
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    make sure you have a really good drill. I used it on with a crappy drill, and it didn't do anything.... I later learned my drill wasn't performing all that well...

    So, I used a polishing pad and rubbing compound on an awesome drill, and it worked wonders!
    2003 White Grand Prix GTP Limited Edition
    - 3.4 pulley, tune by Boostd1/CLINT@AIR, Short Ram Intake, PLOG, 3" ZZP Downpipe, AL 104's, 180* t-stat, Impala STB & 12" cross drilled/slotted/zinc washed rotors, DDM HID's, and put in a heads up display for now...
    Reply With Quote  
     

  6. #6 Re: 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System 
    GT Level Member josemolina2008's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Modesto, Ca.
    Posts
    477
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by SlowRR View Post
    Show us some before and after pics, I'm intrested to see if it works.
    Yeah I'll take some before and after pictures.

    Quote Originally Posted by 03GTPLE View Post
    make sure you have a really good drill. I used it on with a crappy drill, and it didn't do anything.... I later learned my drill wasn't performing all that well...

    So, I used a polishing pad and rubbing compound on an awesome drill, and it worked wonders!
    I got a DeWalt drill so that should be good enough for this but thanks for the tip.
    GP is gone...
    Reply With Quote  
     

  7. #7 Re: 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System 
    GTX Level Member 03GTPLE's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Tyler, TX
    Posts
    604
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    This is what your headlight looks like when you take about 1 hour (20-30 minutes each system) use the 3M system (sanding pads) and the Meguier's polishing pad, and rubbing compound/ Meguier's plastic X with a crappy drill:



    This is what 5 minutes, the Meguier's polishing pad (comes in their headlight kit), air die grinder, and rubbing compound/ Meguier's plastic X. I did not go back and use the sanding discs. You can also use toothpaste.....



    Is it perfect... naa, but it's a ton better!


    ...new headlights from Japan, Taiwan, or China (don't remember) can be had from Rock Auto for $35/each.... I shoulda done that in the first place. Pics in another thread from a different member.
    2003 White Grand Prix GTP Limited Edition
    - 3.4 pulley, tune by Boostd1/CLINT@AIR, Short Ram Intake, PLOG, 3" ZZP Downpipe, AL 104's, 180* t-stat, Impala STB & 12" cross drilled/slotted/zinc washed rotors, DDM HID's, and put in a heads up display for now...
    Reply With Quote  
     

  8. #8 Re: 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System 
    let's toast til we die brand121's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    South Carolina
    Posts
    153
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    It works pretty good, but, I had better results from using 2000 grit and 3m's polishing compound. The compound I used is about $35 a bottle, but my neighbor works at a body shop and he had some... some good meguiers compound would work too...


    My couch pulls out, but, I don't...
    Reply With Quote  
     

  9. #9 Re: 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System 
    GT Level Member josemolina2008's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Modesto, Ca.
    Posts
    477
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Well I had a gift card for walmart and saw that so wanted to try it out. Just trying to make it look a little better till' I can buy my new headlights.
    GP is gone...
    Reply With Quote  
     

  10. #10 Re: 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System 
    GT Level Member 7801MonteMan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    S.E Michigan
    Posts
    260
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by brand121 View Post
    It works pretty good, but, I had better results from using 2000 grit and 3m's polishing compound. The compound I used is about $35 a bottle, but my neighbor works at a body shop and he had some... some good meguiers compound would work too...
    I did the same basic thing. No need for these special kits. I used 1500 then stepped up to 2000 and finished sanding with 3000. After the 3000 it was almost clear. Used some polish on it and it looked better than new. Crystal clear.

    Does look like you got good results out of the kit though. How much did that kit cost you?

    ASE Certified and I-Car Auto Refinishing Paint Technician
    -78 Monte Carlo -01 Monte Carlo LSX
    Reply With Quote  
     

  11. #11 Re: 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System 
    I live here. TLSheff's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Durant, Oklahoma, United States
    Posts
    8,033
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by 7801MonteMan View Post
    I did the same basic thing. No need for these special kits. I used 1500 then stepped up to 2000 and finished sanding with 3000. After the 3000 it was almost clear. Used some polish on it and it looked better than new. Crystal clear.

    I've heard some people wet sand them ^^^ that way... did you do it dry or wet? *no dirty comments, best way I could word it*

    Quote Originally Posted by AmericanSoldier View Post
    ...not scanning/monitoring your motor is like bangin a hooker and you just HOPE your not infected.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  12. #12 Re: 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System 
    let's toast til we die brand121's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    South Carolina
    Posts
    153
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Definitely wet sand, yields much better results than dry... The kits are $20 @ Oreilly's...


    My couch pulls out, but, I don't...
    Reply With Quote  
     

  13. #13 Re: 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System 
    GT Level Member aligater's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    london ontario canada
    Posts
    218
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    I have the next step up kit from 3M, comes with air orbital sander and air polisher, 500, 800, 1000 and 3000, polishing compound and machine finish compound. 500 dry, 800-1000-3000 wet, and then polishing. If you work your way up to 3000 and polish you will get good results.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  14. #14 Re: 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System 
    GT Level Member josemolina2008's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Modesto, Ca.
    Posts
    477
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Ok well I didn't have time to do this today, I might go get some 3000 grit sandpaper and ad an extra step to it then do the rubbing compound.
    GP is gone...
    Reply With Quote  
     

  15. #15 Re: 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System 
    let's toast til we die brand121's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    South Carolina
    Posts
    153
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    ^^^that's a good kit too...


    My couch pulls out, but, I don't...
    Reply With Quote  
     

  16. #16 Re: 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System 
    GT Level Member josemolina2008's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Modesto, Ca.
    Posts
    477
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Ok finally had some time to do one headlight today and I didn't get the 3000 grit but regardless it came out great in my opinion. Here's a before and after picture of one, the other is in worse shape and I'll take more pictures of the process.

    Before:



    After:

    GP is gone...
    Reply With Quote  
     

  17. #17 Re: 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System 
    I Give Zero Fvcks DreadMcLaren's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    St. Cloud, MN
    Posts
    1,884
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    ^Wow turned out a lot better than I thought it would.

    Might need to look into doing this myself...
    Reply With Quote  
     

  18. #18 Re: 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System 
    GT Level Member josemolina2008's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Modesto, Ca.
    Posts
    477
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by DreadMcLaren View Post
    ^Wow turned out a lot better than I thought it would.

    Might need to look into doing this myself...
    Yeah it did it almost looks like a new headlight now, the only thing that I didn't like was that the little alignment post of the headlight kept getting in the way and made it harder to do.
    GP is gone...
    Reply With Quote  
     

  19. #19 Re: 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System 
    GrandPrix Junkie SeanGTP's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    Waterloo, Iowa
    Posts
    4,168
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Consider I've already cleaned mine up once...

    Think I just need new ones :P
    Reply With Quote  
     

  20. #20 Re: 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System 
    GTP Level Member SuperSport's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    1,100
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Yeah Saw mine look just like yours now. I cleaned them up last year. Time for some new ones. Maybe black ones....
    2001 Grand Prix GT Coupe
    Comp G Wheels - SS Corners - Infinity Sound - Tint - Digital DIC Swap - 893 Fogs

    Reply With Quote  
     

Similar Threads

  1. headlight lens plastic or glass?
    By Joe m in forum General Tech Discussion
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 01-29-2010, 06:58 PM
  2. headlight restoration
    By BIGTMANE in forum Off Topic Discussion
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 08-19-2009, 09:59 PM
  3. Headlight Restoration [*]
    By webracin in forum How To Write-Ups/Tech Tips
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: 06-02-2009, 07:03 PM
  4. headlight lens
    By david hagaman in forum General Tech Discussion
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 04-13-2009, 02:17 PM
  5. headlight lens and housing
    By TDCRacing in forum Shops and Community Heroes
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 08-30-2008, 01:14 PM
Tags for this Thread

View Tag Cloud

Bookmarks
Bookmarks
Posting Permissions
  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •