Scratch removal for headlights??

Wachuko · 09-26-2007, 12:22 PM

I need to do some TLC to the 996TT...

Headlights are all full of hairline scratches... (ok, more like someone used sand paper on them... must be the almost 60k miles on it...) other that the expensive route of getting new ones... anyone here has been successful in polishing the scratches off the headlight?? If so, what product and process did you use. Do you have before and after photos? The more details, the better.

Thank you!!

PS-I will post photos this afternoon after I get home from work... so you can see what they look like today...

T2 · 09-26-2007, 01:17 PM

Wachuko - I have 153,000 miles on mine and use the clear film - replaced it about a year ago as the film was pretty shot - what a difference - try putting the clear film on them to protect them from future damage. As far as polishing them - I think they are plastic lenses so be VERY careful. Good Luck!! T2

Wachuko · 09-26-2007, 01:30 PM

T2,

If I end up with new ones, absolutely... clear film would be the way to go.

I need to stop by the local autoshop and see what they have...

Thank you!

jimq · 09-26-2007, 01:35 PM

I have the same problem at 64K Jaime. Let me know what you find. My truck is the same way

killerbee · 09-26-2007, 02:38 PM

Be interesting if you posted a pic. I have used sometihng like this on non-P car lenses and it worked rather well:

http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?i...emType=PRODUCT

Chuck Jones · 09-26-2007, 03:09 PM

I use the Maguire's plastic polish on my boat and on the plastic window of my 930 cab....it's a very fine abrasive polish designed to remove scratches from plastic. Depending upon how deep the scratches and blemishes are will make a difference....if they're too deep, then that restoration kit that killerB referenced might work.....but it comes with a fitting for an electric drill....so you have to be careful about the speed. If you use that drill application, cover up your car because it's going to sling that polishing compound around.

I've never tried that restoration product....but because it's almost $40, I think I'd try the Maguires plastic polish first. It works well on the plastic windows on the boat and car....You might also try to do a Google search on plastic polish....there's undoubtedly something a bit cheaper out there.

Wachuko · 09-26-2007, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killerbee

Be interesting if you posted a pic. I have used sometihng like this on non-P car lenses and it worked rather well:

http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?i...emType=PRODUCT

From the comments on the product in that site:

Plastic Headlight Restoration

"This works real good but if the lens is sand pitted you need to hand sand the lens with 600 and 800 wet/dry sandpaper till the lens is smooth then use this kit to polish the lens out and will look better then new when your done [keep that sandpaper wet when you do this]" - Richard, Lemon Grove, CA

That is my situation...

Wachuko · 09-26-2007, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck Jones

I use the Maguire's plastic polish on my boat and on the plastic window of my 930 cab....it's a very fine abrasive polish designed to remove scratches from plastic. Depending upon how deep the scratches and blemishes are will make a difference....if they're too deep, then that restoration kit that killerB referenced might work.....but it comes with a fitting for an electric drill....so you have to be careful about the speed. If you use that drill application, cover up your car because it's going to sling that polishing compound around.

I've never tried that restoration product....but because it's almost $40, I think I'd try the Maguires plastic polish first. It works well on the plastic windows on the boat and car....You might also try to do a Google search on plastic polish....there's undoubtedly something a bit cheaper out there.

I will use the 800-1000 sand paper (wet) and then use the Maguires product first...

I will remove the headlights from the car when I do this...

jimq · 09-26-2007, 03:53 PM

Is the Maguires the same plastic polish that I use on my cab window? No 11 or something like that?

Wachuko · 09-26-2007, 04:03 PM

Yes. I just realized that I have it at home...same one I use for the rear window of the 964... I just need to do the sandpaper step first...

Wachuko · 09-26-2007, 07:44 PM

A few photos of what it looks like now...

GreggT · 09-27-2007, 12:12 AM

Holy crap...thats terrible.
45K here and they are crystal clear as new.
I wax em with the rest of car....tape em on track weekends....that's it.

wross996tt · 09-27-2007, 12:15 AM

Wow that is bad...never seen anything that bad...I did get some mirror polish, but not abrasive enough for that. Good luck.

Wachuko · 10-18-2007, 04:35 PM

After:

jimq · 10-18-2007, 04:40 PM

WOW! After seeing the before last weekend at Daytona i cant believe they came out like new! How about PM or emailing what you did or better yet come over and do mine

How was the trip to the dealer for the 60K service?

09-26-2007, 12:22 PM	#1
Wachuko Professor of Pending Projects Rennlist Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 7,507	Scratch removal for headlights?? I need to do some TLC to the 996TT... Headlights are all full of hairline scratches... (ok, more like someone used sand paper on them... must be the almost 60k miles on it...) other that the expensive route of getting new ones... anyone here has been successful in polishing the scratches off the headlight?? If so, what product and process did you use. Do you have before and after photos? The more details, the better. Thank you!! PS-I will post photos this afternoon after I get home from work... so you can see what they look like today... __________________ Drive Safe! Jaime Diaz (a.k.a Wachuko) '83 911 Schieferblaumetallic SC Coupe -> Transformation '91 964 C4 Wide-Body Cabriolet '09 BMW X5 xDrive35d MaxJax low-ceiling two-post lift Missed but never forgotten: '02 996TT Seal Gray '04 VW Golf R32 '97 993 C2S Vesuvius Metallic with Aerokit '87 951 Rennlist Member 020402-3738

09-26-2007, 01:30 PM	#3
Wachuko Professor of Pending Projects Rennlist Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 7,507	T2, If I end up with new ones, absolutely... clear film would be the way to go. I need to stop by the local autoshop and see what they have... Thank you! __________________ Drive Safe! Jaime Diaz (a.k.a Wachuko) '83 911 Schieferblaumetallic SC Coupe -> Transformation '91 964 C4 Wide-Body Cabriolet '09 BMW X5 xDrive35d MaxJax low-ceiling two-post lift Missed but never forgotten: '02 996TT Seal Gray '04 VW Golf R32 '97 993 C2S Vesuvius Metallic with Aerokit '87 951 Rennlist Member 020402-3738

09-26-2007, 01:35 PM	#4
jimq Burgled Rennlist Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Altamonte Springs, Fl/Gwynns Island, Va. Posts: 12,862	I have the same problem at 64K Jaime. Let me know what you find. My truck is the same way __________________ jim *Conservatives....We work hard so you don't have to* 91 White C2 Cab tiptronic 03 Black 996TT X-50 Grocery getter 2002 Dodge Ram 5.9L Gas Hog Bend-Pak Scissor Lift 64 230SL Mercedes (SOLD after 18 years ) Some other Porsche's

09-26-2007, 03:09 PM	#6
Chuck Jones Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Elk Grove, California Posts: 2,637	I use the Maguire's plastic polish on my boat and on the plastic window of my 930 cab....it's a very fine abrasive polish designed to remove scratches from plastic. Depending upon how deep the scratches and blemishes are will make a difference....if they're too deep, then that restoration kit that killerB referenced might work.....but it comes with a fitting for an electric drill....so you have to be careful about the speed. If you use that drill application, cover up your car because it's going to sling that polishing compound around. I've never tried that restoration product....but because it's almost $40, I think I'd try the Maguires plastic polish first. It works well on the plastic windows on the boat and car....You might also try to do a Google search on plastic polish....there's undoubtedly something a bit cheaper out there. __________________ 02 996TT X50; midnight blue, factory aero kit; CF interior; CCW Wheels (T-10), Europipe (100 cell) Stage 1; UMW tune and wastegate kit; UMW upgraded GT2 clutch kit; EVOM DV's; EVOM GT2 headers; 997 shift kit; window tint. 9/05/07; 99 996 Iris Blue; BURNED AND TOTALLED (Dash fire) 87 930 Guard's Red: factory Slantnose Cabriolet..SSI and Y pipe by RarlyL8, Tial 46mm wastegate, K27 7200, B&B single out exhaust, BlownSix intercooler. (kept all original parts for retro to stock)

09-26-2007, 03:53 PM	#9
jimq Burgled Rennlist Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Altamonte Springs, Fl/Gwynns Island, Va. Posts: 12,862	Is the Maguires the same plastic polish that I use on my cab window? No 11 or something like that? __________________ jim *Conservatives....We work hard so you don't have to* 91 White C2 Cab tiptronic 03 Black 996TT X-50 Grocery getter 2002 Dodge Ram 5.9L Gas Hog Bend-Pak Scissor Lift 64 230SL Mercedes (SOLD after 18 years ) Some other Porsche's

09-26-2007, 01:17 PM	#2
T2 Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 457	Wachuko - I have 153,000 miles on mine and use the clear film - replaced it about a year ago as the film was pretty shot - what a difference - try putting the clear film on them to protect them from future damage. As far as polishing them - I think they are plastic lenses so be VERY careful. Good Luck!! T2

09-26-2007, 02:38 PM	#5
killerbee User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 65	Be interesting if you posted a pic. I have used sometihng like this on non-P car lenses and it worked rather well: http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?i...emType=PRODUCT

09-26-2007, 04:03 PM	#10
Wachuko Professor of Pending Projects Rennlist Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 7,507	Yes. I just realized that I have it at home...same one I use for the rear window of the 964... I just need to do the sandpaper step first... __________________ Drive Safe! Jaime Diaz (a.k.a Wachuko) '83 911 Schieferblaumetallic SC Coupe -> Transformation '91 964 C4 Wide-Body Cabriolet '09 BMW X5 xDrive35d MaxJax low-ceiling two-post lift Missed but never forgotten: '02 996TT Seal Gray '04 VW Golf R32 '97 993 C2S Vesuvius Metallic with Aerokit '87 951 Rennlist Member 020402-3738

09-26-2007, 07:44 PM	#11
Wachuko Professor of Pending Projects Rennlist Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 7,507	A few photos of what it looks like now... __________________ Drive Safe! Jaime Diaz (a.k.a Wachuko) '83 911 Schieferblaumetallic SC Coupe -> Transformation '91 964 C4 Wide-Body Cabriolet '09 BMW X5 xDrive35d MaxJax low-ceiling two-post lift Missed but never forgotten: '02 996TT Seal Gray '04 VW Golf R32 '97 993 C2S Vesuvius Metallic with Aerokit '87 951 Rennlist Member 020402-3738

09-27-2007, 12:12 AM	#12
GreggT Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 1,389	Holy crap...thats terrible. 45K here and they are crystal clear as new. I wax em with the rest of car....tape em on track weekends....that's it. __________________ GreggT Driving Fanatic.com "If we don't succeed, we run the risk of failure." -Al Gore

09-27-2007, 12:15 AM	#13
wross996tt Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Boulder & Santa Monica Posts: 3,617	Wow that is bad...never seen anything that bad...I did get some mirror polish, but not abrasive enough for that. Good luck. __________________ Statman 04 996TT Cab (pics) Go Buffs! Fight On!

10-18-2007, 04:35 PM	#14
Wachuko Professor of Pending Projects Rennlist Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 7,507	After: __________________ Drive Safe! Jaime Diaz (a.k.a Wachuko) '83 911 Schieferblaumetallic SC Coupe -> Transformation '91 964 C4 Wide-Body Cabriolet '09 BMW X5 xDrive35d MaxJax low-ceiling two-post lift Missed but never forgotten: '02 996TT Seal Gray '04 VW Golf R32 '97 993 C2S Vesuvius Metallic with Aerokit '87 951 Rennlist Member 020402-3738

10-18-2007, 04:40 PM	#15
jimq Burgled Rennlist Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Altamonte Springs, Fl/Gwynns Island, Va. Posts: 12,862	WOW! After seeing the before last weekend at Daytona i cant believe they came out like new! How about PM or emailing what you did or better yet come over and do mine How was the trip to the dealer for the 60K service? __________________ jim *Conservatives....We work hard so you don't have to* 91 White C2 Cab tiptronic 03 Black 996TT X-50 Grocery getter 2002 Dodge Ram 5.9L Gas Hog Bend-Pak Scissor Lift 64 230SL Mercedes (SOLD after 18 years ) Some other Porsche's