mrfeh

I'm gonna restore my headlights w/ the 3M kit that is often recommended. One thing that is not clear in existing threads - what is the best way to remove the chrome washer dome without breaking it?

Thanks.

Ahsai

Remove the light from the car then pump air (use a bicycle pump) to extend the sprayer. Then use a small screwdriver to pry out the chrome cover.

ion_berkley

...or drive at about 80mph and activate the washers....which reminds me, must order some new ones.

Capt. Obvious

You can also gently grab the cover and lift the sprayer up, then grab the, uh, "shaft" to hold it in place while you remove the cover. It's a little awkward but pretty easy.

808Bill

Or, just mask them off with tape.

mrfeh

Related question - I already have some plastic polish. Should I give that a shot before going down the route of the 3M kit?

808Bill

Test a small spot. You'll still need to seal it when done. The kit has everything needed including sanding/polishing disc.

Capt. Obvious

If your headlights are yellowed or hazy, it's likely already too late for plastic polish. That would be something you use as a final step after using the 3M kit.

Prelude Guy

I did this and still broke the cover.

Mask it off. It's not worth breaking it. You can't just buy that piece.

mrfeh

FWIW - I saw a post somewhere that said the individual covers can be purchased. I'm sure it's an after-market piece.

808Bill

$60.00 a piece!

911Syncro

This is one good reason why I always have at least 2 pairs of hemostats in my tool collection. Should be very easy to reach in and clamp that shaft and keep the cover up.

Here is a set of 8 for only $12.99, but there are other choices on Amazon.

808Bill

Won't these crush the plastic tube? I wouldn't trust it on 17 year old plastic...

Capt. Obvious

You can still buy them from Porsche. They're pricey though.

Part # is 996-628-144-00-M100 for the right side.

911Syncro

That's a good point, I have never seen that plastic tube. But the clamping force applied to the object is variable, they are notched so they can be locked incrementally with increasing force. So perhaps the least force would not crush the tube.