Doc . . . I would also like to know, if you get any feedback please post.
thanks, donald

 

Like any plastic polishing, you'll need to start with a grade of paper that is about the size of any scratches in the surface, unless you don't care if a few scratches remain.

It's important to do the sanding under running water. After sanding, you'll want to buff the surface with a wool wheel, using paste. Again, start with course paste and work to fine.

Then you might want to apply clear laquer to the surface.

 

800grit paper will destroy the lenses. do it if you want your headlight beams to disperse in 10000 different ways.

use 1500-2000 grit paper and wet sand very gently.

when you polish the lenses, you'll need a machine to buff up the plastic. you'll never achieve the same results by hand.

 

I used 1500-2000 grit paper and wet sanded then followed up with Meguier's plastic polish

You can also try wet newspaper

 

I had some sticky stuff on mine so i rubbed with wd40, well not only did the sticky stuff come off but the yellowy lights are now nice and white

 

Hello All,

I just finished doing mine with fantastic results. There is a kit sold in autozone specifically that. It is a 2 part system but comes complete with everything you need, sand papers and polishers. It cost about $30.00 and is enough for 2 lenses. I forget the name but look and ask for it. It comes in a small 8.5" x 11" pouch. The most important part is the sanding, take time getting all the yellow out and you won't tell if they are used or new.
I had to fly to the caribbean so I can't get the name for you now. I think it is cristal view headlight restorer.

Let me know
Mario

 

Thanks for all the advice and tips! I have started and it's going great (but slowly). The formula that worked for me was starting with 1000 grit, then 1500, then finishing with 2000 grit and buffing with Meguiar's PlastX polish.
ProV1x...thanks for the buffing machine tip! I understand now after using the orbital buffer why you said I could never achieve the same results by hand!
Here are a couple of pics to show the progress. The small lens is complete and the large lens is just after the 2000 grit paper and before polishing.

 

I don't see the images. Are you having trouble posting them, or is it me?

 

I can see them...can anyone else? If not, I'll repost.

 

Sorry, can't see them either.

 

Here are the pics again. Did the images in my first post show up? Sorry, still new here...

 

I can see that one. There's a dramatic difference.

 

ok, I fixed the "before" images in the first post...they should work now.

 

Looks good. I plan to do this, this week I think

How much sanding/polishing was involved?

 

I have one side finished...and am VERY pleased with the results. I wet sanded with 1000 then 1500 then 2000 grit paper...maybe 10 minutes per grain. Then I polished/buffed (with power orbital buffer) about 4 or 5 times. Saw a dramatic difference after the 1st application of the polish. Subsequent applications produced a clearer lens each time, so I found myself doing it over and over...just to see how clear I could get them. After about the 5th application I was satisified with the clarity. I suppose the true "test" will be when they're mounted back on the car! I'll be sure to post more "after" pics when the job is done...
Parrot...DO IT! You will LOVE the results if your lenses were anything like mine :thumbsup: .

 

I would also suggest Mcguire plastic polish and cleaner if your headlight is not too severe. Fantastic result.
Also, there is a kit one of my friend used with great result for the severe yellow lens.
Clean, polish, repair & protect clear plastic headlights with Wolfgang Lens Cleaning System! 3 steps to clean, clear headlights: Wolfgang Plastik Lens

 

cant see them

 

Web

Clean, polish, repair & protect clear plastic headlights with Wolfgang Lens Cleaning System! 3 steps to clean, clear headlights: Wolfgang Plastik Lens

 

Lenses

Just order new aftermarket replacements and throw out the old lenses; its only about 150 for both lenses and you will never get the nicks out of them

 

Just order new aftermarket replacements and throw out the old lenses; its only about 150 for both lenses and you will never get the nicks out of them

Did you replace the entire assembly, or just the lens? In either case, where did you get what you got for $150. for both lenses, and were these for one side or both?
Thanks,

 

Can not see the pictures either

 

I've done the smaller of the lenses, I don't think my lenses were quite so badly translucent as yours, but I can see the benefits already.

I couldn't find any 2000 grit paper, the finest I've found was 1500 so I did it with 1200, and then 1500, and finished it with the Meguairs plastic polish. I think it needs more polishing, but it looks nice

What do you think - more polish, or 2000 grit?

 

how do u remove the plastic lens from the headlight assembly? is it easy?

 

Its an absolute doddle. I've made a how to post on a UK forum, here it is:

How to refurb your lights - Mercedes-Benz Owners' Forums

I've since given it a going over with my orbital sander and a polishing cloth attachment:

I'm impressed! Thanks for the tips guys.

By the way, the main lens is unpolished - the smaller lens is the one I did. I did this for a comparative illustration.

 

Throw out the old ones....buy new

There is no question here, the old lenses will never look as good as new ones; furthermore, new lenses are fairly inexpensive- I found mine on ebay, wheck out these newly installed lenses:


http://www.evozine.com/benz/new.lenses2.jpg

 

Wow

There is no question here, the old lenses will never look as good as new ones; furthermore, new lenses are fairly inexpensive- I found mine on ebay, wheck out these newly installed lenses:


http://www.evozine.com/benz/new.lenses2.jpg

They do look real good and I am a fan of replacing the lense because it wont look as good, but I do give 1000% respect to those who took the time to work on them, experience is key. I am not sure which way to go, but even though I love the new look and am excited about how clean it came out, I am leaning towards cleaning only because it is a great learning experience, and you cant take away from being able to say "I did that right there"..lol...lol..but your are great congrads on the upgrade. How long did it take you to change them out? :bowdown: