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crownvic97
05-07-2016, 10:42 AM
So next on my list of things that look like crap on my new to me Marauder are the headlights. Badly fogged making the car look neglected. They are OEM lights, so I figured they are worth the effort to see what they can look like with some elbow grease. The results, although not perfect, make the car look much better and I can definitely live with it for now.

My process is:
Wet sand with 800, 1000, 1500, and 2000 grit paper.
Meguiars ultimate compound on my DA with the most aggressive pad.
Finished off with a thick coat of wax.

Here's before:
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/Markd20000/2003%20Mercury%20Marauder/20160507_114237_zpswhsrtyn3.jp g (http://s668.photobucket.com/user/Markd20000/media/2003%20Mercury%20Marauder/20160507_114237_zpswhsrtyn3.jp g.html)

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/Markd20000/2003%20Mercury%20Marauder/20160507_114243_zpsff464n20.jp g (http://s668.photobucket.com/user/Markd20000/media/2003%20Mercury%20Marauder/20160507_114243_zpsff464n20.jp g.html)

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/Markd20000/2003%20Mercury%20Marauder/20160507_114247_zpsdzfrhqlq.jp g (http://s668.photobucket.com/user/Markd20000/media/2003%20Mercury%20Marauder/20160507_114247_zpsdzfrhqlq.jp g.html)

After:

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/Markd20000/2003%20Mercury%20Marauder/20160507_131457_zpsxeuiepxp.jp g (http://s668.photobucket.com/user/Markd20000/media/2003%20Mercury%20Marauder/20160507_131457_zpsxeuiepxp.jp g.html)

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/Markd20000/2003%20Mercury%20Marauder/20160507_131502_zpswss2yovn.jp g (http://s668.photobucket.com/user/Markd20000/media/2003%20Mercury%20Marauder/20160507_131502_zpswss2yovn.jp g.html)

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/Markd20000/2003%20Mercury%20Marauder/20160507_131507_zpsdfbz4l8e.jp g (http://s668.photobucket.com/user/Markd20000/media/2003%20Mercury%20Marauder/20160507_131507_zpsdfbz4l8e.jp g.html)
Bigslim1
05-07-2016, 11:48 AM
Nice job. I saw a video on You Tube that showed a guy using toothpaste to restore a set of headlights.
crownvic97
05-07-2016, 12:03 PM
Toothpaste is gritty like a compound. I don't think it's aggressive enough for lights as bad as mine though! Lol
01BADMERC
05-07-2016, 12:23 PM
I think wax will yellow over time..I good clear coat w/UV protection would do better. Just make sure that the can reads UV protection. There is a lot on the market that don't. Just my thoughts.

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RubberCtyRauder
05-07-2016, 12:26 PM
Get Xpel film cover
crownvic97
05-07-2016, 12:29 PM
I think wax will yellow over time..I good clear coat w/UV protection would do better. Just make sure that the can reads UV protection. There is a lot on the market that don't. Just my thoughts.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

You are correct, this is only temporary unless protected somehow. I'm going to look into my options with that. Thanks for the heads up!


Get Xpel film cover

I'll look into that. I've heard of it, don't really know what it is, lol.
01BADMERC
05-07-2016, 12:36 PM
They look great by the way!

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crownvic97
05-07-2016, 01:18 PM
They look great by the way!

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

Thank you!
a_d_a_m
05-07-2016, 01:25 PM
Looks real sharp!
crownvic97
05-07-2016, 02:12 PM
Looks real sharp!

Thanks Adam!
sailsmen
05-07-2016, 02:37 PM
Try U-Pol automotive clear Poly paint in lieu of the wax. 3.5 years and as the day it was painted;
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=82582&highlight=upol
crownvic97
05-07-2016, 04:33 PM
Try U-Pol automotive clear Poly paint in lieu of the wax. 3.5 years and as the day it was painted;
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=82582&highlight=upol

Thank you for the link!
Bigslim1
05-07-2016, 07:35 PM
Here is a good video on restoring headlights.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEJbKLZ7RmM