Headlight Yellowing/Oxidation

Rsipad

Rsipad

Member
 Sacramento, CA
Site Supporter
This summer, my front left headlight started yellowing very bad. No idea why. It was perfect when I acquired the car in January. Seems like it got exponentially worse during summer while being parked outside in 100F+ days (still doesn't explain why only one side is heavily yellowed and other side is fine).

Anyways, I tried using a headlight restoration kit from an auto parts store. Used an oxidation wipe + 3 different grit sandpapers + ceramic coating to finish.

Here's before and after. As you can see, its much less yellow but still foggy. Wondering if anyone had any tips or ideas as to why it is still foggy. (I'm afraid that the fog could be on the inside of the plastic lens, but not sure)
20250920_215845(1).jpg20251108_134901.jpg
 
for headlight resto, I sand with: 150, 220, 400, 600. Then I spray 2k clear coat. It fills the 600 scratches. The 2k is very durable. OP, what year is your Z4? I like that front bumper
 
Dnsherrill said:
for headlight resto, I sand with: 150, 220, 400, 600. Then I spray 2k clear coat. It fills the 600 scratches. The 2k is very durable. OP, what year is your Z4? I like that front bumper
Click to expand...
Wow! I start with 800, 1500, 2000 wet and 3000 wet. Ends up smooth with no need to fill scratches. Finish with a fine cutting polish then a spray of UV protectant.
 
Dnsherrill said:
for headlight resto, I sand with: 150, 220, 400, 600. Then I spray 2k clear coat. It fills the 600 scratches. The 2k is very durable. OP, what year is your Z4? I like that front bumper
Click to expand...
2006. Stock Z4M front bumper
 
I'm another in the sand it and laquer it camp. Done several, works a treat and still clear years later. I've heard some of these polishing/restoration kits need reapplying/redoing after a while tho I have no experience of them.
 
I just use cutting compound. Works best with a polisher, but you can get great results by hand using generous application of your chosen product (I use Maguire's)
 
Just completed the job, offside was heavily pitted, nearside not as bad. Used Cerakote restoration kit, followed the instructions but sanded a lot longer than suggested. Once dry was a bit worried as looked very cloudy however after completing step 3 it turned out much better than expected. Nearside looks very good, offside much better, pitting still there but happy with transformation. No power tools required.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom