Restoring polycarbonate headlight covers.

[BenzBoy]

The headlights on my ML are now looking a little jaded and faded - I know there is lots written about restoring polycarbonate headlight covers but has anyone here any actual experience of doing so? Does it work?
Regards,
Brian

 

[Michel]

Come and chat with Jerry, or better still let him do it for you.
I believe it involves sanding with a fine paper, buffing with a certain compound and then spraying some sort of clear.

A few hours work and (I believe) $100

 

[BenzBoy]

Come and chat with Jerry, or better still let him do it for you.
I believe it involves sanding with a fine paper, buffing with a certain compound and then spraying some sort of clear.

A few hours work and (I believe) $100

That is very kind and sensible -I'll probably do that.
Regards,
Brian

 

[Helmet]

The headlights on my ML are now looking a little jaded and faded - I know there is lots written about restoring polycarbonate headlight covers but has anyone here any actual experience of doing so? Does it work?
Regards,
Brian

If you are into DIY, there is a kit available from Repco that provides a nice finish.

 

[BenzBoy]

If you are into DIY, there is a kit available from Repco that provides a nice finish.

I am into DIY - when there is time available - I saw the Meguiar's kit at Repco and wondered if it works?
Regards,
Brian

 

[Michel]

I am into DIY - when there is time available - I saw the Meguiar's kit at Repco and wondered if it works?
Regards,
Brian

We used to use a 'kit' from a reputable American company that was supposed to be 'fabulous'.
It was great when we first did our company 'Magna' but six months later the coating was peeling.
Paula's CLK320 convertible was done as soon as we bought it (a couple of years ago) and it still looks as good as the day it was done (which is like new).

 

[Helmet]

I've tried the American brands as well. I have found Repco's own brand to work well.

 

[SEL_69L]

I have seen headlight covers become orange translucent on many brands of motor vehicles.
It is obvious to me that the material for headlamp clusters needs an immediate maunfacturing change.

Idea!

How about using glass?

You want to protect the glass from stone chips?
How about a covering over the glass? Removeable and semi permanent protection techniques could be used.

The headlamp glass on my W116 hasn't faded yet!

 

[BenzBoy]

I have seen headlight covers become orange translucent on many brands of motor vehicles.
It is obvious to me that the material for headlamp clusters needs an immediate maunfacturing change.

Idea!

How about using glass?

You want to protect the glass from stone chips?
How about a covering over the glass? Removeable and semi permanent protection techniques could be used.

The headlamp glass on my W116 hasn't faded yet!

And glass can be made so tough that it is not likely to shatter from a stone....however, I suspect that the regulations about pedestrian safety might be one of the factors behind the move to plastic - along with lightness and lower cost.
Regards,
Brian