Used the 3M headlight kit today

Chevyguy · #1 May 23rd, 2009, 04:20 PM

Works pretty good if you have non leaking OEM headlights.

Should have taken some before pics today, some previous shots

With the "whitewalls"

Pretty cloudy and yeller

After

Drivers did not come out as nice

Not a bad few hrs of work. I also polished up the turn signal and side marker lights with the pad and some plastic polish I had (the kit comes with JUST enough for the headlights). The pad has enough life left to buff up the taillights.

ImTheJoker4u2 · #2 May 23rd, 2009, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevyguy

Works pretty good if you have non leaking OEM headlights.

Should have taken some before pics today, some previous shots

With the "whitewalls"

Pretty cloudy and yeller

After

Drivers did not come out as nice

Not a bad few hrs of work. I also polished up the turn signal and side marker lights with the pad and some plastic polish I had (the kit comes with JUST enough for the headlights). The pad has enough life left to buff up the taillights.

Looks good bro!
I just used 1500 grit wet paper, and some soapy water. I followed up with some rubbing compound.. looks just as good

Jet Set Limo · #3 May 23rd, 2009, 08:27 PM

Just re-finished my 96's lenses with a whole bunch of stuff, one being the Harborfreight kit. See this thread for more info on that kit...

http://lincolnsonline.com/forum/showthread.php?t=63866

But, for all the work and money spent, it would almost probably be better just to get some new ones which I'll probably do lol

I'll start a new thread & pics on -my- headlight re-finish sometime soon. I also installed an HID kit for this car as well. Nice!

SignatureSeriesOwner · #4 May 24th, 2009, 05:29 AM

Honestly, and this obviously is not the cheapest option, replace all of your OEM lights on the front of your car. Doing this (if cost is an issue, get the cheap sh!t off eBay, except for the headlights, make sure they are DOT approved) and carefully peel the Lincoln logos off the old lights, and put them on the new ones. IT will completely revive your entire front end. You will love it.

ImTheJoker4u2 · #5 May 24th, 2009, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SignatureSeriesOwner

Honestly, and this obviously is not the cheapest option, replace all of your OEM lights on the front of your car. Doing this (if cost is an issue, get the cheap sh!t off eBay, except for the headlights, make sure they are DOT approved) and carefully peel the Lincoln logos off the old lights, and put them on the new ones. IT will completely revive your entire front end. You will love it.

Why replace them, when refinishing them is 1/4 of the cost (or less if you do it my way) and they look/perform just as good?
Theres another thread floating around here about baking the frost off that Im interested in, but other than that, I dont think replacing them will significantly improve the amount of light thrown over refinished bezels
Now if I was him, I woulda pulled those lights and done them on the bench so I could get the corners better, but thats just my OCD

Dereck · #6 May 24th, 2009, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevyguy

Not a bad few hours of work.

Hi Chevy Guy

What is in this kit that it takes a few hours to polish some lights, I just spend a few minutes with some 400grit paper, then 1200 grit, then some rubbing compound, could do the whole car in a half hour.

Regards

Dereck

ImTheJoker4u2 · #7 May 24th, 2009, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dereck

Hi Chevy Guy

What is in this kit that it takes a few hours to polish some lights, I just spend a few minutes with some 400grit paper, then 1200 grit, then some rubbing compound, could do the whole car in a half hour.

Regards

Dereck

Thats what Im sayin!
I cleaned up my lights for free with what I had in the shop (wet sand paper, rubbing compound) it took me maybe an hour to do both lights by hand.
I just didnt know it was possible untill I saw a show featuring a restorer kit.

CartierBear · #8 May 24th, 2009, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SignatureSeriesOwner

Honestly, and this obviously is not the cheapest option, replace all of your OEM lights on the front of your car. Doing this (if cost is an issue, get the cheap sh!t off eBay, except for the headlights, make sure they are DOT approved) and carefully peel the Lincoln logos off the old lights, and put them on the new ones. IT will completely revive your entire front end. You will love it.

but if you replace all the lights then the grill will look bad, replace the grill then that dang chrome strips looks bad. its a never ending deal if you go new

gotta keep the aged petina LOL

Ive tried to polish the 96 headlights and i gave up they have the dang lil nubs sticking out that I cant polish around.

Chevyguy · #9 May 24th, 2009, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dereck

Hi Chevy Guy

What is in this kit that it takes a few hours to polish some lights, I just spend a few minutes with some 400grit paper, then 1200 grit, then some rubbing compound, could do the whole car in a half hour.

Regards

Dereck

I certianly overstated the time, plus I fumbled about on the first light fighting with the motion of the drill, and not having a fully charged battery. The second side did take some 20 min or so. I also neglected to use the small foam pad under the first set of the 500 grit paper. It was MUCH easier with the foam pad, that wasted mucho time.

The 3M kit starts with 500 grit paper, then 800, then 3000 grit wet sand pad, then followed with polishing with a foam pad and compound.

This is the kit I used

http://www.repaintsupply.com/pd-3m-3...ion-system.cfm

a video on Yoo tube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t1RBw0IGXA

I had done hand sanding on the Vic which did help (but that has $15 replacement lenses) The 3M kit really digs deep, I had to shave off plenty of material to get em clean.

As for the bang/buck quota..

You can't make a silk purse out of a Sow's ear so cracked, leaking, gouged lights will not shine up nice. in the case of a 90 -94 the headlights are NOT cheap so a $15 kit to polish them makes sense

Certi fit (a better aftermarket supplier) does not carry 90 - 94 headlights, these guys have them for $89.50 EACH

http://cpwstore.carpartswholesale.co...adlamp+14-0365

OEM are $125/$150

Description Year MSRP Price Core Price Your Price Headlamp assy Right - 1990-94 - 1990-94 90-94 $168.87 $124.45

Headlamp assy Left - 1990-94 - 1990-94 90-94 $197.45 $145.52

No name Ebay parts are for fools

And last night WOW my lights were SO MUCH better

Chevyguy · #10 May 24th, 2009, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImTheJoker4u2

Why replace them, when refinishing them is 1/4 of the cost (or less if you do it my way) and they look/perform just as good?
Theres another thread floating around here about baking the frost off that Im interested in, but other than that, I dont think replacing them will significantly improve the amount of light thrown over refinished bezels
Now if I was him, I woulda pulled those lights and done them on the bench so I could get the corners better, but thats just my OCD

That was my original plan, but the tabs were pretty stuck. Instead of breaking them off I polished them in place.

BillyBob TC · #11 May 24th, 2009, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImTheJoker4u2

Why replace them, when refinishing them is 1/4 of the cost (or less if you do it my way) and they look/perform just as good?

I disagree, respectfully. Chevyguy work looks great as far as the lense goes, its amazing the difference. However, look at his after pic and you will see the entire reflective surface is gone on the bottom inside. This is not looking/performing just as good. The reflective coatings are there for a reason, especially you guys with the older lenses with output issues to begin with.
My original headlamp and cornering pieces all had burned off reflective coatings and were completely undamaged and crystal clear except for age/wear.
Looking at my receipts here, I have paid $8.47 each for brand new Eagle Eye DOT lenses. I have also paid $20.50 each for brand new old stock, OEM Ford corner lamps. For a total of $57.94, $82.22 with the shipping (two seperate sellers), thats it, the end. 1/2 hour labor to install all four parts. Thats looking and performing just as good!

ImTheJoker4u2 · #12 May 24th, 2009, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevyguy

That was my original plan, but the tabs were pretty stuck. Instead of breaking them off I polished them in place.

A lot of those little screw tabs can be replaced cheaply at your local auto parts store...Check out the "HELP!" section

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillyBob TC

I disagree, respectfully. Chevyguy work looks great as far as the lense goes, its amazing the difference. However, look at his after pic and you will see the entire reflective surface is gone on the bottom inside. This is not looking/performing just as good. The reflective coatings are there for a reason, especially you guys with the older lenses with output issues to begin with.
My original headlamp and cornering pieces all had burned off reflective coatings and were completely undamaged and crystal clear except for age/wear.
Looking at my receipts here, I have paid $8.47 each for brand new Eagle Eye DOT lenses. I have also paid $20.50 each for brand new old stock, OEM Ford corner lamps. For a total of $57.94, $82.22 with the shipping (two seperate sellers), thats it, the end. 1/2 hour labor to install all four parts. Thats looking and performing just as good!

OK
My lights were just yellowed (more like green) on the outside. The insides were fine, so the outers just needed a good cleaning to bring them back like new.
Obviously if the reflectors on the inside are shot they need to be replaced.

SignatureSeriesOwner · #13 May 24th, 2009, 02:46 PM

Exactly. I'll be replacing my lights over the summer, as the reflective coating has burned off the inside. That's why I'm all for the replacement route.

Chevyguy · #14 May 24th, 2009, 06:13 PM

Hmm, there did not appear that there was ever any reflective coating on the bottom of those lenses. I will have to check that out. The back reflectors look fine, and no leaks.

SignatureSeriesOwner · #15 May 24th, 2009, 08:53 PM

I don't believe there was, however, my reflective coating on all the other lights up front are weathered, except for the right side parking lamp assembly (the before and after was AMAZING)

"C" · #16 May 25th, 2009, 02:49 AM

It's really a pain to remove the yellowing on the outside edges of the headlights. I've tried to polish and buff out the outside corners, but nothing has worked. I'm thinking it's yellowed on the inside part of the lens, if that's the case, then ya it's probably better to replace the whole thing, instead of constantly having to polish these retarded lenses. What is up with the early 90's TC's lenses fading so bad? I don't think I have ever seen other cars with this much of problem, maybe beside some Dodges of the same years, but Fords specifically have the "Headlight Fade" back in the 90's. It's not just Lincolns but I see a lot of older Ford trucks and cars that have faded dull headlight problem.

SignatureSeriesOwner · #17 May 25th, 2009, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by "C"

It's really a pain to remove the yellowing on the outside edges of the headlights. I've tried to polish and buff out the outside corners, but nothing has worked. I'm thinking it's yellowed on the inside part of the lens, if that's the case, then ya it's probably better to replace the whole thing, instead of constantly having to polish these retarded lenses. What is up with the early 90's TC's lenses fading so bad? I don't think I have ever seen other cars with this much of problem, maybe beside some Dodges of the same years, but Fords specifically have the "Headlight Fade" back in the 90's. It's not just Lincolns but I see a lot of older Ford trucks and cars that have faded dull headlight problem.

Every car I see that is over 5-6 year old that has plastic light s are very yellowed/faded/filmed up.....I can think of a Chrysler Cirrus in particular...it must have 1/8th inch of crust over the lights..It's far from just Ford that has/had the issue.

Then again, if the headlights were waxed every oil change from when they were new, they would still be crystal clear. I know someone who has a 1992 Chevrolet Silverado, and his lights are clear as day, because he has waxed them since he bought it new.

Tennesseestorm · #18 June 11th, 2010, 01:54 AM

Hate to bring up old thread, but did a search on the headlights because the headlights on my 95 look terrible and I want them clear again asap. I was reading all of these posts and seems there are some mixed opinions on whats best. Really dont want to replace the lights, but wondering if there has been any updates or if anyone has any recommendations for my car (see pic below). I have since waxed the car since this pic was taken and removed that hazed tag cover and got the writing off of the windshield.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SignatureSeriesOwner

Every car I see that is over 5-6 year old that has plastic light s are very yellowed/faded/filmed up.....I can think of a Chrysler Cirrus in particular...it must have 1/8th inch of crust over the lights..It's far from just Ford that has/had the issue.

Then again, if the headlights were waxed every oil change from when they were new, they would still be crystal clear. I know someone who has a 1992 Chevrolet Silverado, and his lights are clear as day, because he has waxed them since he bought it new.

Sco-Tech · #19 June 11th, 2010, 03:09 AM

Stormy, it looks like to me that the old station wagon yonder left of the picture could use some wax....headlights and all!
P.S. 3m = Minnesota Mining & Manufactuing
Peter

KStromberg · #20 June 11th, 2010, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tennesseestorm

Hate to bring up old thread, but did a search on the headlights because the headlights on my 95 look terrible and I want them clear again asap. I was reading all of these posts and seems there are some mixed opinions on whats best. Really dont want to replace the lights, but wondering if there has been any updates or if anyone has any recommendations for my car (see pic below). I have since waxed the car since this pic was taken and removed that hazed tag cover and got the writing off of the windshield.

This is where my opinion has differed from others and why I am so fond of the Crystal View kit from Walmart. Not because I am closed-minded, but because the final step is important that is not part of the waxing/buffing/sanding proccess. The kit has a fast-drying sealant that is applied and replaces that protective layer that was worn off in the first place by UV rays and weathering which is why the lights turned yellow to begin with.

When you sand/buff/polish your headlights, all you are doing is removing the yellowing and applying a temporary wax coating that is buffed into the plastic and protects from the sun/weathering. Keep in mind though,it WILL wear off with time, and you WILL have to wax/polish them all over again.

Now I don't know about you, but that seems high maintenance when I used this kit on my buddy's car 3 years ago and I haven't touched his headlights since. If you do chose to go the sanding/polishing/buffing route, you darn well better keep up with the waxing, otherise your efforts are pointless.

Like the guy you mentioned above, it is a continuous maintenenance type scenario. Not so much the case with the Crystal View Kit like I have stated.

TCPete · #21 June 11th, 2010, 07:41 AM

My polack bone says buff them and see.

That said the lights on my 97 G.M. got so bad I was afraid I'd get pulled over. I could run brights with no complaints from other drivers.

Buffed'em up, but the inside was schmucked up too, even with no sign of water entry. I ended up replacing them.

I'm a big believer in emailing sellers with an offer. Works often!

Pete

thgeary · #22 June 11th, 2010, 06:32 PM

i rubbed down my lights with fine grit sandpaper (forgotten which exact grade now) and then - believe it or not - gave them each a 20 minute rub with toothpaste on a sponge. Used about half a tube of toothpaste altogether, and car smelt of mint for a few days afterwards, but it really worked well. They came out shiny and fresh looking. They still have a yellow strip around the edges, and of course the rest of the front looks crap, but hey, the light it the bit i'm interested in.

I saw that trick on Overhaulin', had to try it out.

Tennesseestorm · #23 June 11th, 2010, 08:49 PM

Thanks. I went into Walmart this evening. There is a Mcguires kit available for $19.99 and a Turtle Wax kit for $8.98. The Turtle Wax kit seemed easier (with a money back offer if not satisfied), so I got it. I will give it a whirl tomorrow. We'll see.

Tennesseestorm · #24 June 12th, 2010, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sco-Tech

Stormy, it looks like to me that the old station wagon yonder left of the picture could use some wax....headlights and all!
P.S. 3m = Minnesota Mining & Manufactuing
Peter

LOL... yeah, the wagon is needing another detail, but I am going to wait until I get the hood painted.

Tennesseestorm · #25 June 12th, 2010, 09:24 PM

OK. I used the Turtle Wax cleaning kit on the headlights this evening. While they are not like new, they are very much improved. Only took me about 40 minutes for both!

passenger side light before...

passenger side after...

Here I had done the driver side, but not the passenger side...

Driver side after (it didnt get as clear as the passenger side did, which was strange, considering the passenger side looked worse to start with).

full after...

again, not like brand new, but much improved and well worth the $9.00.