First-timer with 3M Headlight Restore Kit

$25 at Ye Local Rice Shop (aka, Pep Boys). First time doing it - albeit, I've done body work before... but this is different. Results - I must stay are astounding! I've seen the professionals on here with threads on the manual process and I'm also very impressed. If I had to do it a second time and had ample time, I might go that route. This whole process took me maybe 25 minutes or so per light with 8 - 10 of those minutes being cleaning and masking.

The 3M kit comes with a 3 inch or so drill attachment / velcro holder, 500 grit, 800 grit, and 3000 grit (I think) sanding pads. It also includes a foam buffer and rubbing compound. The 3000 thousand is the only wet sanding phase per the instructions. The process I think is self-explanatory for any gear head or shade-tree mechanic so I won't get into that. A 5th grade remedial student could figure out the sequence.

Anyway, this being my first non-new Subie, my headlights yellowing/scratching has been bothering me something awful. I can't say that anymore I didn't notice anymore hazing in sunlight. But, driving at night, I noticed a tiny bit that my OCD self is not entirely happy with. So I may go buy some refined polishing compound and hit it again. Regardless, great results with this kit.

Below, are the requisite before / after photos...

http://www.nyccs.net/images/obxt/lights1.JPG

http://www.nyccs.net/images/obxt/lights2.JPG

Impressive. Did the kit come with a sealer or wax to finish/preserve the job?

Unfortunately no. It did not. They give some waxing recommendations - is about all. I went out and bought Minwax Helmsman Spar Gloss and Mineral Spirits 50/50 as many others have had good experience with that combo.

that was the problem when i did it... looked epic for about a year, and now it looks just as bad as it did before.

time to redo it, and find a way to make it last longer. though honestly, i'm contemplating just buying 2 new headlights for $120/ea.

It's pretty tough to keep it from ever coming back. The best solution is to either take them out and clear coat them, or just apply a coat of wax/sealant four or five times per year. Less if you are using sealant, but wax doesn't last that long anyway. I just hit the headlights at the same time I'm doing the rest of the car, so it doesn't really take any extra time.

Nice work on the restore job though. Saved yourself about 50 bucks by doing it yourself. It blows my mind that people pay to have this done. I'd like to get a contract with a car dealership and charge them $20 bucks per car to clear the lights. I'd make thousands per week with that kind of gig.