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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Wash, Wax, Detailing and Cosmetic protection/repairs > anyone have headlights that wont buff? (pictures)



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      09-17-2014, 06:42 PM   #1
4doorbmwpower
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anyone have headlights that wont buff? (pictures)

So i used to live in the desert and my headlights went thru a lot out there. recently had them completely customized and added new plasma angel eyes and all kinda stuff. Found out my new lenses from hallogen lights would not fit so i put the old ones on and sealed them up thinking i could just get them buffed at a proffessional restoration place. So they wetsanded just like any detailer would do and they are smooth to the touch but still look hazy and pitted... anyone know if these are just fucked? or if theres a way to restore them. I do not see ANY alternative and have not found Bi-xenon replacement lenses for sale ANYWHERE and cant justify 2000 dollars just for two replacement lenses. ANY ideas will help. thanks guys
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      09-17-2014, 07:43 PM   #2
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      09-17-2014, 08:04 PM   #3
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actually i have.. im not the greatest at it.. i have seen some people on here with similar lights and the damage looked similar have AMAZING results using some different compounds... maybe i just suck... but maybe my lights do
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      09-17-2014, 11:55 PM   #4
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I think you need to polish after wet sanding. A wet sand is only a first step. To get the lens optically clear again you have to hit it with a couple stages of polishing.
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      09-18-2014, 12:57 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jwzimm View Post
I think you need to polish after wet sanding. A wet sand is only a first step. To get the lens optically clear again you have to hit it with a couple stages of polishing.
x2, doesn't even look like they were polished after wetsanding
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      09-18-2014, 02:05 PM   #6
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What grit paper did they use? Typically you'd start with a lower (harsher) grade and work up to around 2000 then buff,polish, and seal/coat.
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      09-18-2014, 07:08 PM   #7
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good news a local custom shop was able to basically make my lenses beyond NEW! amazing how just ANYONE calls themselves a detailer these days, fighting for my money back from the other people.
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      09-19-2014, 05:36 AM   #8
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Looks good!
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      09-22-2014, 01:37 AM   #9
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As others have mentioned, I suspect the first place simply sanded down the headlights and maybe tried waxing for a finished look, but that simply won't be enough. Do you know exactly what the local shop did to make them look so good? I imagine a proper polishing and sealant did the trick. Glad it worked out for you.

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