Meguiar's Quik Tips Video Series - Restoring Neglected Headlights

[Mike Pennington]

We are proud to announce the 2nd of several new Quik Tip Videos for 2011 !

Restoring Neglected Headlights featuring our Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit.

After viewing the video clip you can scroll down for a step by step refresher, complete with still images shot during the filming of the video.

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Please keep in mind that this video, and the others in the series, are not designed to be definitive how to guides but rather, as the name implies, Quik Tips that address the most common questions and mistakes associated with each topic.



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Plastic headlights come in a variety of shapes, sizes and even conditions. While some are crystal clear, others are lightly cloudy & hazed and some are just plain neglected.

Depending on the condition of your headlights, we offer a variety of solutions to easily restore and protect your headlights for maximum visibility and overall appearance.

For neglected and heavily oxidized headlights, we recommend Meguiar's Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit. This kit includes everything you need to improve clarity and safely restore neglected headlights to a like new appearance.

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To use our Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit, start by cleaning your headlights to remove any loose dust, dirt or debris.

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We recommend taping off the edges of your paint for added protection.

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Attach the 1000 grit finishing disc to the included hand pad.

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Lightly mist the headlight and finishing disc with water and begin sanding the neglected headlight in a side to side motion.

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Continue sanding in this uniform motion until the headlight appears evenly frosted.

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Once this is achieved, remove the 1000 grit finishing disc and attach the 3000 grit finishing disc to the hand pad.

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Lightly mist the headlight and finishing disc with water and re-sand the headlight thoroughly in an up and down motion using smooth overlapping passes.

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For best results, continue this up and down sanding motion until the headlight has a uniform lightly frosted appearance, then wipe off any residue.

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Attach the Meguiar's specialized buffing pad to any drill.

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Apply a small amount of Meguiar's PlastX polish directly on the buffing pad.

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Place the pad flat against the headlight and turn on the drill.

Use slow overlapping motions while keeping the pad firmly against the headlight while buffing.

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Re-apply PlastX polish as needed and continue buffing until the headlight becomes crystal clear.

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Apply and remove PlastX polish by hand to reveal a like-new headlight that's brighter, safer and better looking.

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For long term clarity and protection, apply and remove the included Meguiar's Headlight Protectant.

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Like new clarity in no time at all with Meguiar's Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit.

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[rcktpwrd]

great video!

looks like its a fairly easy to use system.

[KC's]

great stuff

[manny3700]

manny3700 I saw the video very informative. I will apply what I have seen. Thank you. Where should I purchase the product online or at a store? thanks!

[Mike Pennington]

On-line or a local store either way.....

If you try a local store, give your closest Advance Auto Parts or O'Reilly Auto Parts (used to be Kragen) a call.

Make sure and ask for the Meguiar's Heavy Duty Restoration Kit in the yellow box....NOT our One-Step Kit....

If you go on-line to search, the part # is G3000

:xyxthumbs

[BillE]

Any chance of the 'Protectant' being available as a stand alone product?

Thanx...

Bill

[Mike Pennington]

Always a chance, but not in the very near future, but will certainly pass along the comment to Mktg.

That said, the 4 oz bottle that comes with the headlights will roughly do 2 headlights approx 12 - 16 + times....Remember, thin thin coats is all you need.

Hope this helps !

If you do happen to run out, and need some extra protection, try any of our waxes. That will add some protection as well !

[Marc08EX]

Always a chance, but not in the very near future, but will certainly pass along the comment to Mktg.

That said, the 4 oz bottle that comes with the headlights will roughly do 2 headlights approx 12 - 16 + times....Remember, thin thin coats is all you need.

Hope this helps !

If you do happen to run out, and need some extra protection, try any of our waxes. That will add some protection as well !

How is this plastic sealant different from your regular synthetic wax sealants like NXT 2.0 or Ultimate Wax?

[Mike Pennington]

How is this plastic sealant different from your regular synthetic wax sealants like NXT 2.0 or Ultimate Wax?

Similar technology, but of course the product is designed to work on clear plastic surfaces, not a painted surface. That means some of the characteristics our R & D team builds into formulas needed for paint are not needed on clear plastic and visa-versa....

That is why a good coat of wax could also be used in a pinch if needed.

[jarred767]

I've just used 3" pads w/ my DA and plastX with good results, but this could be useful for really neglected headlights. Can the included yellow pad be bought individually, and is it compatible with a DA? Does it work better/have any advantages over a 3" polishing pad? And roughly how many headlights should this pad hold up for? Thanks in advance.

[Michael Stoops]

Jarred, if you've got a DA then stick with the 4" foam pads. The wool pad included in this kit is designed for drill mounting and is not sold separately. The kit is really for those who don't have a DA buffer and have no intention of getting one. Stick with what you've been doing, and even feel free to step up to M105 and M205 for final buffing of the sanding marks.

[jarred767]

Thanks Mike, I had a feeling that this may be the case after posting my questions, but you confirmed it for me. I haven't tried out the M105/M205 combo with headlights before, so I might have to give this a shot next time I need to. Thanks again!