Headlamp lenses

Tigermoon · 8th February 2020, 11:13

The plastic headlamp lenses on my 2005 ZT are in a shocking state. I have tried a couple of the available kits with no real success. Is there a commercial firm out there that will guarantee to clean the lenses to an as new condition? Many thanks.

another_clean_sheet · 8th February 2020, 11:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tigermoon

The plastic headlamp lenses on my 2005 ZT are in a shocking state. I have tried a couple of the available kits with no real success. Is there a commercial firm out there that will guarantee to clean the lenses to an as new condition? Many thanks.

A number of us members have used the 3Ms kit successfully

planenut · 8th February 2020, 11:29

I have not used the 3M kit but found similar, though toothpaste is also suggested.

suzublu · 8th February 2020, 11:38

https://www.carparts4less.co.uk/p/tu...SABEgLTz_D_BwE

T-Cut · 8th February 2020, 12:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by planenut

I have not used the 3M kit but found similar, though toothpaste is also suggested.

Elbow grease and patience are the main components for success. The outer layer of oxidised film and the subsurface polycarbonate have to be removed abrasively before you can even think about the polishing stage. Toothpaste is a very mild polishing agent and best used for teeth. The lens treament kits contain the best polishes for lenses. It's also vital that all the hard work you put in is preserved. That means you have to apply a coat of a UV absorbing resin. Don't bother with wipe-ons, they won't last. The idea is to reproduce the OEM finish as far as possible and that's not quick nor cheap.

TC

MarkS · 8th February 2020, 12:23

Elbow grease is disheartening. Don't waste your time.

What you need is a 75mm diameter polishing sponge kit (ex eBay for £3 to £9), a battery powered drill, one of the proprietary polishing kits (for a first attempt, avoid the headlamp 'cleaners', they are not sufficiently aggressive), and 5-10 minutes per lense, followed by a UV sealant.

Excellent results.

planenut · 8th February 2020, 13:26

I did find that with the power drill was awkward so I resorted to the elbow grease which each time has produced excellent results.

As suggested, best finished with a protective solution.

macafee2 · 8th February 2020, 17:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by planenut

I did find that with the power drill was awkward so I resorted to the elbow grease which each time has produced excellent results.

As suggested, best finished with a protective solution.

yes a mains drill is heavy, my battery did not last on my cordless and so I used a pneumatic drill. Had to find a use for it!

macafee2

Robti · 8th February 2020, 17:55

so if i was going to use a da polisher what kit is recommended ?

T-Cut · 8th February 2020, 17:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkS

Elbow grease is disheartening. Don't waste your time.

Of course you use a power tool. Mains drill or battery drill needs elbow grease. Your arms will ache before it's all done.

TC

8th February 2020, 11:13	#1
Tigermoon Regular poster MG ZT CDT Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Swanland Posts: 37 Thanks: 46 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Headlamp lenses The plastic headlamp lenses on my 2005 ZT are in a shocking state. I have tried a couple of the available kits with no real success. Is there a commercial firm out there that will guarantee to clean the lenses to an as new condition? Many thanks.

8th February 2020, 12:23	#6
MarkS Gets stuck in Rover 75 Diesel Tourer, called Perseverance Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Bournemouth Posts: 664 Thanks: 189 Thanked 157 Times in 108 Posts	Elbow grease is disheartening. Don't waste your time. What you need is a 75mm diameter polishing sponge kit (ex eBay for £3 to £9), a battery powered drill, one of the proprietary polishing kits (for a first attempt, avoid the headlamp 'cleaners', they are not sufficiently aggressive), and 5-10 minutes per lense, followed by a UV sealant. Excellent results. Last edited by MarkS; 8th February 2020 at 12:39..

8th February 2020, 17:55	#9
Robti Posted a thing or two MG ZT-T 190+,Rover 800 vitesse coupe Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Hamilton Posts: 1,969 Thanks: 616 Thanked 228 Times in 210 Posts	so if i was going to use a da polisher what kit is recommended ? __________________ Robert

8th February 2020, 11:29	#3
planenut Regional Secretary Rover 1.8T Tourer Join Date: May 2007 Location: Heathrow Posts: 6,955 Thanks: 1,551 Thanked 2,036 Times in 1,264 Posts	I have not used the 3M kit but found similar, though toothpaste is also suggested.

8th February 2020, 11:38	#4
suzublu This is my second home rover 75 1.8 vvc club se wedgwood blue Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Seaton Carew Posts: 26,920 Thanks: 65 Thanked 7,142 Times in 4,642 Posts	https://www.carparts4less.co.uk/p/tu...SABEgLTz_D_BwE

8th February 2020, 13:26	#7
planenut Regional Secretary Rover 1.8T Tourer Join Date: May 2007 Location: Heathrow Posts: 6,955 Thanks: 1,551 Thanked 2,036 Times in 1,264 Posts	I did find that with the power drill was awkward so I resorted to the elbow grease which each time has produced excellent results. As suggested, best finished with a protective solution.