I referbished my headlights and saved enough for six pints!

[J44EAG]

I see from the date of my first post on this subject that I originally attacked this polycarbonate cloudy, yellowed headlight problem just over two years previously. The result was presentable but not outstanding.

Two years on and the yellow tarnish had begun to set in once again. Remember that this rub up exercise was done on an economy DIY basis. Just wet and dry production paper and some Faracla rubbing compound being used to smarten things up again. No "anti-sun" compound was used following the polish up. A total kit of industry standard is available for around £20 from Halfords complete with UV blocker finishing compound. Results using that kit were always bound to be better than the gash kit cobbled up from the inside of my chaotic boot!

Yesterday I bit the bullet again but this time used Faracla Fast Cut Coarse followed by some fine cutting paste which I see came from Lidl. After five minutes work on each lamp surface, the results are rather better than my previous attempt. The polycarbonate had certainly yellowed over two years with much less effort being needed yesterday to get the lenses looking good.

I believe there are four factors that affect the polycarbonate in service, especially as advanced age gets its claws into the plastic. Most significant is UV degradation especially where the car is kept in the open all year. The second is the use of high lux output bright after market headlamp bulbs which seem to further cook the plastic lenses. The third is a lack of replacement UV protective "sun tan cream". The fourth problem is acid attack caused by taking the car to one of the ever increasing car wash emporiums. That liquid they spray on the wheels to remove stubborn brake dust deposits from the wheels and other heavily soiled areas is death to poly type plastics. It certainly causes a chemical burning to the plastic of the headlights. Old style ammonia based T-cut is also destructive. Use it on white fibreglass and it can do real damage! It turns white fibre glass yellow/brown within days.

So my specific instructions when having my car washed by the quick wash guys is NOT to squirt my headlamps with their aggressive chemical cocktails. Fortunately the local guys I use down here seem to have got the message.

Anyway, here are the latest pictures with the first one showing the clear visual difference with the OS lamps having been manually polished up and with the NS lamps being in a pre-cleaned condition. The visual difference is easy to see. Cleaning up the lenses takes years off the car visually. xxxxxx Just tried to attach images but the message "Sorry, the board quota has been reached" has come up.". This has occurred in the past and James managed to sort the issue. James now informed and looking into rectification. Pics to follow then.xxxxx

Mike

[J44EAG]

Images here now resized to "medium" in order to load up. 1024 max in this case.

Note the distinct yellowing of the lenses prior to a good polish up.
Mike

[Montepeter]

Understand your post was sometime back but just wanted to thank you.
Probably will not be able to source product downunder (Australia) there must be similar gear so now feel I am on the right track. Other remedies provide in this part of the world are ... toothpaste, peroxide and Australian Bushmans Insect Repellent (one could shave with this without a razor) .
By the way just bought a 2001 S Type V8 with 130,000 on the clock and enjoying the drive.

[J44EAG]

Good to hear from you and glad you found the thread useful.

Getting aged polycarbonate headlights can be a fair bit of work but with persistence they can be made to sparkle.

Keep in touch.

Mike K

[Montana5]

Hi Montepeter,
The technology has indeed moved on over the past few years, lots of Kits now on the market, many of which now include UV Protection finisher. I have used the Meguiars kit myself and was very impressed, other kits can be had from 3M, Phillips and Quixx to name a few, hope you find something available to you.

Welcome by the way, why not stick an intro on our New Arrivals section.

Doug.