Headlights sanding

[zrun]

Hello world,
I'm sorry to bother you, but I own a 1998 Z3 M Roadster 2.8L, and like many I had a problem with my headlights starting to "peel off".
So I followed the recommendations found everywhere, and I sanded them with an increasingly fine grain.
My problem is that I went up to 1200, and my headlights remain opaque! Is this normal? Should I apply the varnish directly so that they become normal again, or use a chemical treatment? Something else?
Thank you in advance...

 

[t-tony]

1200 grit is nowhere fine enough. You need 1500 and then 2000. You don’t apply any “varnish” you apply polish and sealer.

Tony.

 

[petecossie]

I've never had to go to the extent of sanding my headlight lens as they are not that badly discoloured. However I think that you have to do some final polishing after you have got down to the really fine grade of wet/dry sandpaper.
I used Greygate Plastic Polish – Conservation Resources (UK) Ltd
Originally developed for the aircraft industry (even has an MOD requistion number) Greygate Plastic Polish is also suitable for the final polishing of epoxy resin fills used to conserve ceramics. It cleaned up my headlight lens beautifully.

Google Greygate Plastic Polish and it will come up on eBay as available in Telephone section!!! Its £8.50 a 100ml bottle plus postage.

 

[zrun]

Wooow, thank you for such quick and detailed answers !
I will try tomorrow !

 

[t-tony]

I've never had to go to the extent of sanding my headlight lens as they are not that badly discoloured. However I think that you have to do some final polishing after you have got down to the really fine grade of wet/dry sandpaper.
I used Greygate Plastic Polish – Conservation Resources (UK) Ltd
Originally developed for the aircraft industry (even has an MOD requistion number) Greygate Plastic Polish is also suitable for the final polishing of epoxy resin fills used to conserve ceramics. It cleaned up my headlight lens beautifully.

Google Greygate Plastic Polish and it will come up on eBay as available in Telephone section!!! Its £8.50 a 100ml bottle plus postage.

I advocated Greygate polish a long time ago for clearing the soft top rear window on my Z3 Pete, it's a great product. I'm not sure where zrun is located, but, in somewhere like Florida with the heat they have you see cars which will only be restored using wet and dry paper. When using these you do need to keep it wet too.

Tony.

 

[zrun]

Ok I managed to make them transparent using a special sander polish
So, it's perfect, thank you all !

 

[g8jka]

View attachment 223955

Is this stuff any good mate? I have to polish mine quite regularly and they come up great but I could do with something that seals them so they don't need polishing so often. Was looking at it in Halfords the other day, but I've also looked at the 3M wipes which have good reviews.

 

[t-tony]

Hey Dave, I find the Turtle wax product keeps the lights clear for a long time. Very pleased with it. Don't know if you can buy it here, that bottle came from a Super Target up the road from Wishes Villa, more than 3 years ago and still have plenty left.

Tony.

 

[137699]

Tip for you - when you've had them polished, get them covered in PPF - I did that to mine 18 months ago and it seems to stop them hazing again...

 

[t-tony]

Tip for you - when you've had them polished, get them covered in PPF - I did that to mine 18 months ago and it seems to stop them hazing again...

That’s why I usethe Turtlewax product.

Tony.

 

[g8jka]

Hey Dave, I find the Turtle wax product keeps the lights clear for a long time. Very pleased with it. Don't know if you can buy it here, that bottle came from a Super Target up the road from Wishes Villa, more than 3 years ago and still have plenty left.

Tony.

Looks like a very similar product in Halfords. Says 'new' on the bottle so may have just been released over here. I think I'll get some to try, only £6.79 a bottle and cheaper with a trade card. I'm about to fit some new angel eyes into another pair of headlights I've picked up so I've got a couple of sets to try it out on before going down the PPF route.

I did enquire about tinting my headlights when I had the car painted and they wanted just under £100

 

[t-tony]

I'm happy with it Dave.

Tony.

ps. Please pass on my regards to Dad when you see him.

 

[g8jka]

I'm happy with it Dave.

Tony.

ps. Please pass on my regards to Dad when you see him.

Will do, surprised he hasn't been on to post a thread on the Z4's replacement

 

[t-tony]

Will do, surprised he hasn't been on to post a thread on the Z4's replacement

He has, but didn't say if it was Mrs. Gs car or not. Very nice though.

Tony.