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capt512
05-15-2011, 09:29 AM
For those that don't want to spend an arm and leg every year on new headlights I found a product yesterday that seems to work very well that I figured I would mention.

http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j379/ReflectionsAD/Marauder006.jpg

Here are the headlights when I first picked up the car, in bad shape, lots of small nicks and definete hazing/clouding around top and edges. Also yellowed to an extent. Was pretty set on replacing them but for $20 at Advance Auto I thought I would try the Sylvania Headlight Repair kit. The kit comes with 400, 1000, and 2000 grit sandpaper, some cleaner (which smells like Stoners Invisible Glass), Gloves, Paper towels, and Some UV Protectant/Clearcoat.

First you spray the cleaner on the light and wash off. Then you put the sandpaper in a bucket of water. (I also got a wet sanding sponge from oreilly). Then you start wet sanding the headlight, 400grit, 1000grit, 2000 grit. Sand each grit for 5 minutes (I did a little longer for 1000 and 2000). Cleaning with spray in between and wetting light constantly.
Then redo it all over (I only redid 1000 and 2000 grit). Spray cleaner on it again, wash off. Then dry (very important its completly dry). Then pour some of the clearcoat/uv protectant on the supplied rag/towel and wipe on headlight. (Don't overapply or it runs). Then you let it sit for minimum 1 hour before touching, and 4-5 before rain.

Worked excellent for me :banana2:


After on Left, before on right
http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j379/ReflectionsAD/Marauder031.jpg

After (Ignore the dirtyness of car, can't stop this stupid pollen here!)
http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j379/ReflectionsAD/05-14001.jpg
http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j379/ReflectionsAD/05-14002.jpg
http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j379/ReflectionsAD/05-14003.jpg

Bigdogjim
05-15-2011, 09:32 AM
Looks very good most of out headlight covers are starting to show wear.

Very good write up:up:

vtwoodsman
05-15-2011, 09:33 AM
Nice work.

kmastl
05-15-2011, 12:29 PM
Another option (to protect not restore) is lamin-x protective film

I copied off of cruztaker and did my headlights cornerlights and fogs.

BTW the headlights are the cheap aftermarket depo brand. They are working fantastic so far, no leaks and adjust just fine.

http://i804.photobucket.com/albums/yy325/kmastl/Marauder%20Headlights/photo2.jpg

They really do not look this dark in person. It just seems to add some contrast to the lights.
http://i804.photobucket.com/albums/yy325/kmastl/Marauder%20Headlights/photo11.jpg
http://i804.photobucket.com/albums/yy325/kmastl/Marauder%20Headlights/photo31.jpg
http://i804.photobucket.com/albums/yy325/kmastl/Marauder%20Headlights/photo21.jpg
http://i804.photobucket.com/albums/yy325/kmastl/Marauder%20Headlights/photo51.jpg
http://i804.photobucket.com/albums/yy325/kmastl/Marauder%20Headlights/photo5.jpg
http://i804.photobucket.com/albums/yy325/kmastl/Marauder%20Headlights/photo4.jpg

MOTOWN
05-15-2011, 12:41 PM
looks like they turned out nice, ill have to pick that kit up

Da Dark Jedi
05-15-2011, 02:56 PM
[QUOTE=kmastl;1045589]Another option (to protect not restore) is lamin-x protective film

I copied off of cruztaker and did my headlights cornerlights and fogs.]


Where did you purchase the " Lamin-X" film from???

kmastl
05-15-2011, 03:23 PM
Where did you purchase the " Lamin-X" film from???

I bought it from their site
http://www.lamin-x.com/
I got the lightest tint they have. (Tint 6%)

capt512
05-15-2011, 04:03 PM
Dont see a selection for marauder on there, two other mercury models but not marauder...am I just missing it?

kmastl
05-15-2011, 04:21 PM
Dont see a selection for marauder on there, two other mercury models but not marauder...am I just missing it?

Nope there isn't a precut kit from them.
I bought one of their sheets and cut it myself. I took my time and it turned out very good.

fastblackmerc
05-15-2011, 07:58 PM
Hmmmmmm..... my original headlights are just a clear as when they were first installed.

I did apply some 8mm Xpel film on the headlights & foglights.

ReefBlueCoupe
05-16-2011, 08:33 AM
Nice job.

I have found the Mother's Powerball headlight restoration kit to work well. I used it on the 21 year old headlights on my 1990 F-150 and they went from yellow to clear.

KrTu83
06-19-2011, 11:55 AM
This is just what I needed to see. :bows:

Taemian
06-19-2011, 04:15 PM
Didn't someone spill trans fluid on a headlight and it cleared up amazingly? Can't find that thread...

bugsyc
06-22-2011, 09:15 AM
Turtle wax headlight restorer...9.95....everything you need is included...worked like a charm...lights look brand new

Zim Hosein
07-04-2011, 07:08 PM
Nope there isn't a precut kit from them.
I bought one of their sheets and cut it myself. I took my time and it turned out very good.

How in the world did you cut them so perfect kmastl!?! :confused:

Shaijack
07-04-2011, 07:15 PM
Great idea, they have a place near my house.

bigmerc'03
07-04-2011, 07:48 PM
Dont see a selection for marauder on there, two other mercury models but not marauder...am I just missing it?
goto this website they have them pre cut for our marauders!!!!:banana2:
:bows:http://www.autoanything.com/lights/60A1218A0A0.aspx (http://www.autoanything.com/lights/60A1218A0A0.aspx)
i have them on now and there fantastic!!!!

tbone
07-04-2011, 07:55 PM
Mine were messed up on the inside too. So I was forced to buy OEM new ones. Anyone else?

bigmerc'03
07-04-2011, 08:04 PM
i got new ones from certifit.com for 77 a piece

tbone
07-04-2011, 08:18 PM
I tried to get aftermarket a while back. Could not get them due to copyright problems. I'm glad I got OEM as I hear the aftermarket ones are poor quality in the long run. I paid $150 each.

bigmerc'03
07-04-2011, 08:55 PM
that was then these i have are dot approved and of good quality they fit perfect and my hids also went in like they were made for them so no complants from me

tbone
07-04-2011, 08:57 PM
When did you get them?

bigmerc'03
07-04-2011, 09:22 PM
3 weeks ago