Headlamp Lense Repair - involving Mirka sanding discs...

[E300Diesel]

Our Corolla's headlamps again have the common fading and yellowing issue, and I was waiting for a chance to try the Mirka Abralon 3" sanding discs, 1000 & 2000 grit.



Process:

- wetsand each headlamp with a 1000 grit disc via UDM - speeds 3-5/6

- wetsand each headlamp with a 2000 grit disc via UDM - speeds 3-5/6



- compounded each lamp via Makita rotary, a 3.5" PFW pad, and M105 (original formula)

- final polish each lamp via Makita rotary, a 3.5" Uber Green pad, and M205

- as time and daylight were running out, a quick spritz of Aquawax to hold onto the freshness until I have a chance in the near future to try a "custom" sealant.



*NOTES*

- the quality of the Mirka discs is very good. I was able to only use one disc of each grit for both lamps.

- I used one of my Kwazar bottles that I picked up during my recent trip to Poland, it was very handy having the double spray action to help keep sanding smoothly :thumbup:

- Once the job was complete, the lamps did indeed look brand new again. :rockon:



I took a couple quick pictures during the process.

 

[300B]

Looks good bro! Like new!



I got similar results using Meg's Ultimate Compound,yellow 4" pad with a PC.

Surprised me....

 

[E300Diesel]

I took these pictures with my cell phone during the headlamp resto. These photos show a better contrast comparing the before and after.

 

[E300Diesel]

Here are a few pictures of the headlamp refinish I performed a few days ago on a '00 Ford Taurus that I detailed earlier this year. The owner had previously secured a pair of "Centennial" headlamps that came on certain 2003 model year Taurus's. The owner had previously attempted to refresh the lights, but they still looked tired and had some minor yellowing and loss of clarity.



*Same process of stated on the prior headlamp refinish, although worth noting, the plastic on these lenses was harder and they expired the sanding discs at a faster rate than on the Corolla resto.



Enjoy!