When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hello I've done a lot of headlights using stepdown sandpaper process, have had a lot of luck with the 3M drill kit, when I did this with my 996 headlights they were better but they are so far from new. I'm sort of at a loss what to do next, I'm not really excited about spending $2,000 for new headlights but I also don't like how much the faded headlights detract from the car. Does anyone know anyone that quasi specializes in the 996 headlight that I could mail the headlights to for a thorough reconditioning? Does anyone remove the plastic to get to the inner surface, could this be the problem? I'm not a novice and I've certainly read the boards, I Just don't know what the solution is here. Appreciate any advice!
As someone who has restored a few sets of 996 headlights I can tell you that no matter how much you sand down the lenses some becase of age will still have a yellow tinge to them. I was lucky one time and bought a used set of litronics that were almost like new. The clarity was clean on the lenses. If your lenses are yellow and you've sanded them down and clearcoated them or polished them and they still don't seam as clear as new then your best bet is to find a nice used set that doesn't have yellowing. Also consider the cables in the the light are probably all bad already and there is someone here that sells the wire kits seperately. Adrian lights is his name. He also has a restoration service for these lights.
Hello I've done a lot of headlights using stepdown sandpaper process, have had a lot of luck with the 3M drill kit, when I did this with my 996 headlights they were better but they are so far from new. I'm sort of at a loss what to do next, I'm not really excited about spending $2,000 for new headlights but I also don't like how much the faded headlights detract from the car. Does anyone know anyone that quasi specializes in the 996 headlight that I could mail the headlights to for a thorough reconditioning? Does anyone remove the plastic to get to the inner surface, could this be the problem? I'm not a novice and I've certainly read the boards, I Just don't know what the solution is here. Appreciate any advice!
I used this guy in DFW about 6 or 7 years ago. I was happy with the results as I thought my Litronics were a lost cause. I believe he puts a 5 year warranty on his service but I doubt he would fully disassemble them to get the insides.
facebook.com/headlight.restore.1
Last edited by islaTurbine; 02-09-2023 at 11:41 AM.
I recently used the cerakote restoration kit on mine, it didn't get them back to 100% new but was a significant improvement even though I had them done at a detail shop a few years back. Any of the kits that have chemicals to dissolve the oxidation instead of having to sand through it may be worth trying, it was about $20 and an hour of time for me.
Can you share some photos as well as the exact process you've followed? It would be helpful. I've used the 3M kit in the past as well as another brand but ended up having the best results the old fashion way. Wet sand with 800, 1000, 1200, 1500, 2000 and 2500 sand paper making sure to clean the lens between each. After the 2500 grit I used a polishing compound with an orange foam pad to get it 95% there. Once I finished that, I used a polish on a white foam pad to get it to the last 5%. Once I finished all that I did an alcohol wipe down and installed a layer of clear film. They're still like new almost a year later. Took me a while to realize this but the clear film really makes the difference in long term protection, especially if you drive a lot. All the tiny rocks kicked up by other cars will eventually go through any application of a ceramic coating or clear coat, where the thick by comparison clear film will protect much better.
I've gotten better final results when using the 3m drill setup when I do the last polish I use Meguires Plastic Polish (Has the motorcycle fairing on it)
Also if you get them looking good, you can use a clear wrap on it to block the UV.
YMMV
Last edited by pdxmotorhead; 02-10-2023 at 06:41 PM.
I had good luck with the sanding method. However, I deviated from the process and did not perform the final polishing step. Instead, I applied a clear primer and then a true, two part clear coat. Aside from the Tibet dust particles, they look new, even 5 years later.
You can get it on Amazon. Wear a respirator that fits well and with proper filters as this stuff is not to be inhaled.
Spray Max 2K High Gloss Finish Clear Coat Spray Paint | Car Parts and Repair Refinishing Clear Coat for Permanent Sealing of Coated Surfaces | 3680061 https://a.co/d/4K6kL1K
My car was in a fender-bender a couple years ago which resulted in one brand new litronic and one old one. I've done several headlight restorations using various methods. I did a step down wet sanding process on the old one and it got very clear, but no way to get rid of the yellow discoloration. It was just very clear yellowing. Ultimately I bit the bullet and ordered a new replacement lens for $1300. It was pricey, but the car needed it.
02-08-2023, 03:06 PM
996 headlight restoration - fail?
