How do I fix this?

[sc_rufctr]

PLASTIC Headlights on a Merc!

Is it possible to buff these back to clear or do I need to buy new ones?
I know I can get a kit with the polish and stuff to fix plastic headlights...

But has anybody done this to Merc Headlights?

[crustychief]

I used the kit on my Land Rover. I was pretty satisfied with the results considering replacement costs.
Or you could just get some 2000 grit wet or dry sandpaper and work your way up to a fine cutting compound followed by some plastic polish.

[Embraer]

unless you pull the headlights to do it, be sure to tape the edges. if you're buffing them, you will burn through clearcoat in about .2 seconds

edit: i would do it by hand. forget the makita

[Geronimo '74]

I have the same problem with my VW, though not this bad.
Is there any way to prevent it from dulling again or protect the lenses afterwards too?
(sorry, not meaning to hijack)

[Heel n Toe]

Peter, what you have is a Benz, not a Merc.

If you had one of these, you'd have a Merc:

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by Geronimo '74

I have the same problem with my VW, though not this bad.
Is there any way to prevent it from dulling again or protect the lenses afterwards too?
(sorry, not meaning to hijack)

You'd need something to protect the plastic from the suns UV light.
Maybe a standard two pack clear coat would work...

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by Heel n Toe

Peter, what you have is a Benz, not a Merc.

If you had one of these, you'd have a Merc:

I like this one

[Won]

3M Headlight Restoration kit gets good reviews. I need to do the job on the bimmer soon. Some people paint the headlights with clear right after it's been restored with good results, I think I'll just leave mine and repolish in a few years if the need be. Or you can keep it shiny with the Maguires Plast-X.

[repp]

the headlight restoration kits work just fine in most cases.
iv run across a few that had to be sanded iv done around 15 pairs and only one was beyond repair

[repp]

I have used plastic buffing compound on a stand up buffer and its the best

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by repp

I have used plastic buffing compound on a stand up buffer and its the best

Thanks... That's a good suggestion. I've got a bench grinder mounted on a pedestal in my garage. (I've got buffing mops for it)
The car belongs to a girl I've been dating for about 6 months so I want it to look perfect when I'm done.

[repp]

be very gentle as the buffing wheels like to burn plastic.
very light pressure if any at all and it should be fine

[fastfredracing]

I have used the kit with the sandpaper, and 3 different grade polish with good results, however, I recently ran out, and used a generic product that I got from the local Advance auto parts. It is a one part product, and does not require any buffing or sandpaper. Use it like wax/polish. Easy on, easy off. It works excellent, and is super easy. I cannot remember the name right now, I will look at it when I get to the shop this am , and post it up later.

[Tim Hancock]

I have always just used a 3M buffing compound (which pretty much works for anything from plastic to paint to aluminum) both by hand and by machine.

[71T Targa]

I did our Toyota's headlights with the 3M kit and they came out great!

How to polish plastic headlights?

[tchanson]

Originally Posted by 71T Targa

I did your Toyota's headlights with the 3M kit and they came out great!

Another vote for the 3M Headlight Lens Restoration Kit

You need a proper speed drill, and its a little disconcerting when you first grind down the lenses to a completely opaque white, but the end results are pretty good.

30 minutes and about $15US, as I recall.





Tim

[RichMink76]

I just used the Maguires kit and it worked awsome. $24.99 at your local auto parts store. It comes with the sanding stuff, a buffer, and the polish.

[Burnin' oil]

I wet sand with 800, 1200 and 2000 grit. Couple bucks and like new.

[Joeaksa]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

I like this one

I grew up in a 1950 Merc two door coupe. Three on the tree with a flathead V-8, never should have sold that car!

[A930Rocket]

I used the 3M kit and it worked good but I'll be darned if the foam pad was wrecked when it got caught in one if those headlight nubs. It was worthless after that. Either cut them down smooth or be very careful around them.