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2nd June 2021, 21:15 | #1 |
Loves to post
2004 Rover 75 Tourer CDTi Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Fulbourn, Cambridge
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Product Recommendation: 3m Headlight Lens Restoration Kit
Hello all,
My car failed its MoT on headlight beam pattern, so today I set about rectifying them. In the past I've used the Meguiars kit on various cars and got acceptable results but I found it a bit of a hassle to use and wasn't particularly blown away with it. I tried the 3M headlight restoration kit for the first time today and if I'd known it was going to be as effective as it has been, I'd have taken some pictures so you could see for yourself. First thing to say is that it's a lot easier than the Meguiars system and the results were a lot more impressive. My headlights were opaque, with a green-tinged crazing pattern over them. I had noticed that they were dimmer than they should have been when on. I'd intended to address them before the holiday season this year, if it happens, but the failed MoT brought that self-imposed deadline forward by a month or so. The process just involves using an electric drill to grind the surface of the lens back with three grades of abrasive (500, 800 and 3000 grit) and then buffing clear with a rubbing compound. Masking tape is included to protect the bodywork surrounding the headlights - all you need to add is an electric drill, bucket of clean water and a couple of cloths. I paid just short of £20 for it on eBay and the only drawback was that there were instructions in about 8 languages, but not English! Luckily my father speaks Russian and I speak Spanish so together we worked it out fairly easily. I would certainly use it again. Last edited by Tourist; 2nd June 2021 at 21:17.. |
3rd June 2021, 07:17 | #2 |
This is my second home
Rover 75 Saloon & Tourer Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Lincoln
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I too have used the 3M kit and found it to be very good
macafee2 |
3rd June 2021, 12:40 | #3 |
This is my second home
All Trophy Blue ,ZT260#50 , ZT CDTI Auto, ZR105+ and 1.8T Firefrost spoiling the Set . Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Nr Sherborne But in Somerset..
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Used both the 3M kit , very good , but pricey
and also this Sealey kit ... which is a lot cheaper . C
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The Three Bloo's Wifey's Zr105, MY CDTI & 260 #50 and Number One sons 1.8T in Firefrost When I were a lad Zero to 142 in 10.25 secs at the Pod on my Blown Norton. 210 Kart Champ in 70's |
3rd June 2021, 16:06 | #4 |
I really should get out more.......
Vauxhall Insignia CDTi; MG TF 135 Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Norn Iron
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I used the 3M kit years ago, and got great results - then about 3 months later, the lights were opaque again. People here enlightened me that you have to lacqueur them after treatment, or this will always happen
So I had to do it all again... this time used a very similar kit by E-Tech, but which also contains the UV protectant lacqueur. OK so far
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Past cars: MGB GT; Escort 1300 Sport; Vauxhall VX4/90; Marina Coupe TC; Celica ST (1972); Montego Turbo; Astra GTE 16V; Astra GSI 16V; Golf GTI 16V (Mk II); Sierra XR4x4 Estate; BMW 325i (E30); BMW M3 3.0; BMW M3 3.2 Evo. Left some of the more embarrassing ones out. And about 30 motorbikes. |
3rd June 2021, 17:40 | #5 |
Posted a thing or two
R 75 Tourer diesel Conny 2002, V6 Conny saloon petrol 2003 Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Taunton
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Simpler and cheaper is the Turtle Wax headlight restorer and cleaner, about a fiver. Ace.
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Rover 75 Tourer Conny 2002 remapped 160 auto, R75 V6 2.5L auto Connoisseur 2003 |
3rd June 2021, 17:41 | #6 | |
I really should get out more.......
Vauxhall Insignia CDTi; MG TF 135 Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Norn Iron
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Quote:
I rubbed away with it till my arm was aching, but it had no noticable effect
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Past cars: MGB GT; Escort 1300 Sport; Vauxhall VX4/90; Marina Coupe TC; Celica ST (1972); Montego Turbo; Astra GTE 16V; Astra GSI 16V; Golf GTI 16V (Mk II); Sierra XR4x4 Estate; BMW 325i (E30); BMW M3 3.0; BMW M3 3.2 Evo. Left some of the more embarrassing ones out. And about 30 motorbikes. |
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3rd June 2021, 22:10 | #7 |
Posted a thing or two
rover 75 club se Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Leicester
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same here the turtle wax treatment once a month means just a quick rub over manually when it gets a wash. no big effort .. 5 min job. i think as well you could just apply to a drill buffer for a stubborn job for really bad lights . whatever you use they always return to a foggy look due to the I.V rays.
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4th June 2021, 10:27 | #8 | |
Posted a thing or two
R 75 Tourer diesel Conny 2002, V6 Conny saloon petrol 2003 Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Taunton
Posts: 1,125
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Quote:
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Rover 75 Tourer Conny 2002 remapped 160 auto, R75 V6 2.5L auto Connoisseur 2003 |
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4th June 2021, 10:29 | #9 |
This is my second home
ZT260 #243 (resting) Join Date: May 2010
Location: Prestonpans
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Did my old 1.8T the "old fashioned" way years ago. Various grades of wet & dry, bucket of soapy water, cutting compound and A LOT of elbow grease.
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4th June 2021, 15:25 | #10 | |
I really should get out more.......
Vauxhall Insignia CDTi; MG TF 135 Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Norn Iron
Posts: 2,958
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Thanked 378 Times in 297 Posts
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Quote:
Right - looks like it works well for buffing them up when they're not too bad to begin with then but maybe not when they're in the state mine were
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Past cars: MGB GT; Escort 1300 Sport; Vauxhall VX4/90; Marina Coupe TC; Celica ST (1972); Montego Turbo; Astra GTE 16V; Astra GSI 16V; Golf GTI 16V (Mk II); Sierra XR4x4 Estate; BMW 325i (E30); BMW M3 3.0; BMW M3 3.2 Evo. Left some of the more embarrassing ones out. And about 30 motorbikes. |
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