Meguire's Headlamp lense restoration kit

[drybeer]

Having recently had the front end of my car repainted including a headlamp replaced (see http://forum.rs246.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=90731) I decided to purchase a "Meguire's Headlamp Restoration Kit" (£29.95 from Ultimate Finish).

The kit consists of their brand "Plastrx" clear lense treatment gel, a polishing head for use with a generic household electric drill, and a Meguire's super fleecy microfibre wipe.

The instructions are to mask off the lamp in question, apply a "Nickle" sized amount (they are an american firm!) of Plastrx onto the polishing head, apply evenly to the lamp surface and polish with the drill attachment as fast as you wish. Wipe away residue with the supplied microfibre cloth. Repeat until you see results you are pleased with.

I used 3M masking tape I already had in the shed.

I left about 30 seconds between treatments incase the lamp lense had heated up, but to be honest I don't think this treatment generated any heat which could have burnt the plastic lense as the polishing head is too soft - not an abrasive one.

I've got some pics below which show the difference before and after. It certainly has made an improvement.

I would certainly recommend this Meguire's kit to anyone who is a little daunted by taking varying degrees of wet and dry paper to their headlamps (like I was).

The Plastrx gel can also be used on other gloss plastics such as our rear licence plate surrounds and our dash instrument binnacle (although crucially it warns NOT to use it on Navigation displays) and seems a good treatment.

New headlamp:



Front - difference between old and new lamp lenses:



New lamp is of course immaculate:



Old lamp, trim already masked off and its scratched and aged appearance:



The Meguire's Kit:



Kit contents:



Polishing head attached to drill:



Applying Plastrx gel to the head - several applications were required:



Applying to the headlamp lense - again several applications were needed as it's a gentle polishing gel - not too abrasive:



Old lamp now shiny and bright looking:

[Shoppinit]

Wow. Impressive results. You must be pleased.

Nothing wrong with your reflectors then :bien:

Arse, now another detailing product I need to buy

[JCviggen]

Arse, now another detailing product I need to buy

+1 also have one hazy and one shiny at the front

[drybeer]

Wow. Impressive results. You must be pleased.

Nothing wrong with your reflectors then :bien:

Arse, now another detailing product I need to buy

To be fair the reflector still looks pants - but I'll just have to live with that - i can't justify buying a new headlamp just for the dull inner parts.

[sonny]

Good result there, does it take small stone chips out?

[drybeer]

Good result there, does it take small stone chips out?

I think to a certain degree - I can still feel some imperfections with my hands however their cosmetic appearance is much improved.

[el_ringo]

I think I will be having one of those kits too!

[Billiemapped]

Good work Drybeer.

Have you considered any form of paint protection film to cover the resprayed front and the lenses ?

[drybeer]

Good work Drybeer.

Have you considered any form of paint protection film to cover the resprayed front and the lenses ?

I haven't yet as to be honest I like to polish the car etc...

I know there is an official Audi kit which comes in several different panels and shapes for the bonnet front edge and below (sometimes I see these on e-bay for sale as new kits)... As I work at a dealer I would likely get this at cost and could ask a local graphic sign and vinyl company to apply it neatly for me...

You got any ideas yourself?

[Billiemapped]

After the respray Ventureshied applied paint film on the parts most likely to get stone chipped/scuff marked, the film covers just the curved part of the bonnet running 3" above the grille, the light lenses, bumper and below. I polish the car once a month polishing over the film as I go.
Had it on over a year and 13000 miles no stonechips or marks I'm very pleased.

If your able to get Audi or anyother paint protect film at the right money may be worth giving it a go you can always remove it

Steve

[drybeer]

After the respray Ventureshied applied paint film on the parts most likely to get stone chipped/scuff marked, the film covers just the curved part of the bonnet running 3" above the grille, the light lenses, bumper and below. I polish the car once a month polishing over the film as I go.
Had it on over a year and 13000 miles no stonechips or marks I'm very pleased.

If your able to get Audi or anyother paint protect film at the right money may be worth giving it a go you can always remove it

Steve

If you don't mind me asking what was the "ball-park" cost of this treatment?

[Billiemapped]

After the respray Ventureshied applied paint film on the parts most likely to get stone chipped/scuff marked, the film covers just the curved part of the bonnet running 3" above the grille, the light lenses, bumper and below. I polish the car once a month polishing over the film as I go.
Had it on over a year and 13000 miles no stonechips or marks I'm very pleased.

If your able to get Audi or anyother paint protect film at the right money may be worth giving it a go you can always remove it

Steve

If you don't mind me asking what was the "ball-park" cost of this treatment?

£750..

Which also included film the lower part of wings,side skirts,mirrors, front and rear wheel arches and a strip along the top of the rear bumper.

Steve

[drybeer]

Cheers!