I’ve done other headlight restoration videos, one in fact, but when I tried this kit earlier this year I found it to be the easiest and most effective kit that I’ve used to date. I chose the kit for the drill but if you don’t have a drill you can also get the ‘human’ operated kit. As you’ll see in the video that kit comes with a few extra items. Just be sure to mask off the area before you begin work. If not, you might end up with some scratches on your finish. Otherwise I feel this is something any DIYer can do and get great results from.
Learn more about the 3M kit: http://3mauto.com/products/headlight-restoration
Suggested links for purchase.
Hand powered kit: http://www.amazon.com/3M-39084-Headlight-Restoration-Kit/dp/B006VB8JTQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1413495363&sr=8-4&keywords=3m+headlight+restoration+kit
Drill Powered Kit: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/3m-39008-headlight-restoration-kit/#oid=1002_1
Tools.
Cordless Drill: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/buffalo-tools-ps07215-18-volt-cordless-drill/#oid=1002_1
Related videos.
How To Restore Headlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRl8hGhKth8
How To Aim Headlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQ3OZnzR1Zc
How To Aim Headlights with Hoppy’s: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3GOz8cX7Dw
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Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.
You can get 3M cutting compound at your local auto store for $8 a bottle which should work fine for light to moderate haze. If its really bad, you can simply do a couple of passes with it. Also, Magueirs Aluminum polish works very, very well for about $6.
This is an older video, and for just a little more time put in, you should be able to get super-clear finish. Step everyone skips is putting a 2K UV coat on afterwards. You can use cheaper 1K, however it rarely lasts a year. No UV coating and you'll be back doing this in 6-7 months.
Thank you very much for sharing.
hey this is deja vu i did the exact same car now I'm trying putting coating on each year to see if i can prevent it from happening so i don't have to do this
I use Mother’s Aluminum Polish with the same drill bid Polish. 7-10 min done with McGuire UV protection spray. Every 6 months a slight touch up.
No clear coat? The competitors all uses activator spray and clear coat to fill all the tiny scratches and make the surface glossy!
Just did my headlights…. They look pretty good. Thank you for the video, it was VERY helpful!!
I use a blue kitchen scotch scratch (blue does not scratch plastic in the kitchen Ex. microwave controls, the green scratch does scratch/scars plastic) and Meguiars Restore & Polish which did an amazing job. I was still not satisfied, so used the blue scratch pad and wet baking soda – which took another layer of the oxidated yellow scum off. I did use Meguiars polish to try and protect it for 6 months. This only lasts 6 months, it must be restored biannually.
2007 Civic? That’s 2005
The kit work,BUT the results is not so perfect, so "crystal"clear…For me is very medium .
The kit has 500P- >800->3000->and one polish compound. With the 500P you can't remove the deepest scratches for perfect results…and the headlight is not so old…
In my opinion ,for one absolute perfect result .Must need it ,P240,P400,P600,P2000 ,P4000,P6000 ,and 2 polish compounds ("3M plastic restorer" and "3M plastic polish"-fine),and more more time….!
I plan to clear coat afterwards
How long does it last? Do I need to do it again soon?
@ericthecarguy I just had a quick question. I bought this kit and for some crazy reason, I wet sanded with all the grits instead of just the last one. Could that be the reason they are cloudy in some spots and not others??
That plastic needs UV protection after you use this kit or it will oxidize quicker. Just so you know. Good video !
After you completed the job, how long will the fix last?
Does this remove scratches too? And can it work on taillights as well if they are scratched
Got a reload kit from ebay 3 new set's of pads n compound 11 bucks
8:30 @ night digging out the power drill spray bottle and masking tape lol.
I followed the steps and even did it twice and mine are still hazy/oxidized looking. What do I need to do?
Don't waste your money with head light polish kit.
Use your toothpaste to polish your car headlight few times. After that, you clean your head light till it dry and then final coating using towel paper with gasoline.
Without UV protection (even the 3m clear coat) how do you prevent rehazing in a few weeks??
اين يباع في العراق وين الكاه
Can a 12v cordless drill do the job as well ?
why hasnt anybody pointed out that this is not a 2007 honda civic
The 3M kit worked like a charm. Much better than the other kit with the UV coating. Thanks, EricTheCarGuy.
Outstanding explanation for using these kits! Awesome!!
Not a 2007 civic. Thats a 7th gen civic
Liked and subscribed. Thanks for a great video. I have an Acura that needs this, and a BMW with clouded headlights. Luckily I work for a distributor. I’ll get a nice discount. Thanks again.
I thought the 3m kits came with the UV inhibitor wipes that are used last but I didn't see you do that step; I see Project Farm did a shootout of headlight restore kits, and his top two were the 3m drill kit and the Sylvania kit, not necessarily in that order. The Sylvania had the UV topcoat last step, and looked closest to new pieces of polycarbonate. I did notice 3m sells the UV protectant in a separate kit, 3m #39173, for around $5. Hope this helps.
Perfect video lol. I'm working on an '04 civic
FANTASTIC! $12 as apposed to $100 to replace. This was easy and took about 30 minutes.
Can i use it in rainy condition? Its not really raining but a bit dump. 😀 just asking.