Features:

  • Kits contain masking tape, light sanding discs, wax protectant and more
  • For use on plastic lenses - headlights, taillights, fog lights, directional lights and more
  • 3M abrasive technology removes yellowing and buildup without damaging plastic lens surface
  • Easy to use - choose a kit with no tools required, or for use with a common household drill
  • Simple 4-step process lets you restore lenses in under an hour
Made 10 yr old, yellowed headlights look showroom new

I was skeptical when I bought this kit but I was pleasantly surprised. What I discovered was not to get discouraged as I went through each step of the process. The headlights looked much better after the third step but didn't look like they do in the pictures I posted until I applied the clear coat step. I couldn't believe the difference that last step made in getting them to finish line. This is a great kit and made my daughter's Mini look like it came off the showroom.

I can see the light bulbs again

This is a review for the 3M 39175 Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit. I started with completely opaque lenses made that way from years of being parked outside in the sun. As I proceeded with each sanding step, I was concerned whether the lenses would ever clear. Finally when I applied the clear coat, I could see the end result I had wanted. Not only were the lenses clear, but I could easily see the light bulbs inside the headlight body. I strongly suggest following the directions carefully, proceed slowly and deliberately, and using all the sanding discs (three of the 500 grit and two of the 800 grit on each headlight, prior to using the 3000 grit disc). HOWEVER, there is a mistake in the directions which I called 3M about and am glad I did. It says that after applying the first coat and letting it dry, that before applying the second coat you should go back to "Step 11" which implies that you should sand again with the 3000 grit disc. The support person at 3M said that was incorrect, that after the first coat dries to just apply the second coat on top of that and let it dry at least an hour. No sanding between coats. He said that sanding between coats USED to be part of the process, but not with the current kit. At any rate, I am very happy with the results and hope they last for years.

Like off the showroom floor

My 07 Honda CRV with 150,000 miles had heavily yellowed headlight lenses. I tried this product and was amazed with the final results. You have to follow the directions carefully. It took me about 2 1/2 hrs. to do both headlights. With the first sanding it looks as though your headlights are ruined, but stick with it, they will come out like glass as the progressively finer grits polish the lens.. I did my headlights in the garage and the lens dust went everywhere. Also with the final application, you are required to wet sand and the spinning drill attachment also made the slurry of water and dust fly about. I would also use a particle filtration mask to prevent inhaling the dust. A little labor is involved, but the results are amazing. I went through three battery changes with my 18 volt cordless drill.

Got 'er done!

I trusted the reviews, plus the fact that my headlight covers were 24 years old (hence the heavy duty kit), and while still translucent, they were edging toward opaque and it was difficult to see the bulbs (when off...). Very impressed with the outcome - similar to others' photos here. I wasn't looking for concours quality - just functionality, and since the vehicle has 275k miles, I wanted something that was fairly easy, but would improve safety. I followed the instructions except for some extra steps that may/not have made any difference. I have to confess that, after the 500 & 800 sanding pads, I used a rubber sanding pad with 1500 grit before I used the final 3000 grit pad (since there was only 1 of the latter). I also used a cloth buffing wheel with white polishing compound (for plastic) after the 3000 sanding, and then I used 3M 39017 Plastic Cleaner, because this had worked well on a yellowed outdoor thermometer, and also on much newer headlight covers that weren't badly deteriorated. After the plastic cleaner, I used the clear coat, and had enough for the other pair of headlight covers that were in better shape. Based on my experience, I'd highly recommend this product. And yes, I, too, stood and stared dumbfounded at the transformation of my headlights. If only I could find something similar for myself.... And now I can't wait to try them out at night.

Simple and Very Effective

By far the best headlight restoration kit I’ve come across. Whether you’re someone more versed in projects like this or not it is a very simple process and the instructions walk you thru it all. I really like that the kit includes a small roll of 3M masking tape to edge around the headlights protecting the paint which I HIGHLY recommend utilizing this as well as putting two layers of tape around areas that you would be most prone to accidently graze any paint finishes with a sanding disk. Aside from all the other essentials included, what truly sets this kit apart is the 2-stage clear coat. The clear coat fills in any minor scratches and imperfections after refinishing & protects the plastic from displaying yellowing or appearing “dull” for a considerably long time following restoration. IMPORTANT TIP- Take Your Time: spend extra time sanding during the first stage of the process (using the courser grit sandpaper disks)- evenly go over heavily worn/scratched/sun damaged areas several times if needed, using medium pressure & being sure to angle the sanding disks (you don’t want to place the heavier grit disks flat on the face or the headlight). This will make the following sanding and finishing stages easier and will overall lead to better results. I’ve used this kit with success on all 3 of my vehicles! Would continue to buy this and recommend to anyone looking to clear up their headlights.

Wow, this kit is spot on!

This kit works as advertised. I had OK luck with a Meguiar's kit but I wasn't satisfied so I ordered this kit. The instructions are clear and if you take your time at each step in the process you will get some real results. For my Versa replacing the headlights would be a minimum of 175 dollars plus it would require taking off the front bumper which makes this a time consuming and expensive project. Using this kit allowed me to avoid that and my cynical little heart is really impressed at the results.

Works really well, see before and after pic

I used my old DeWalt cordless 18v drill and rotated two battery packs, with a total of about four charges between them. Took about 2.5 hrs from very beginning (masking tape) to end (waiting for wipes to dry). Instructions are good, it's a pretty straightforward process. Just do a good job masking with the tape, and use extra tape if necessary. I used extra painters tape to create about 2-3 inches of masking from the headlights, as the 500 will scratch your paint. Even my wife and family were impressed.

Wonderful so far

I really liked being able to use a power tool for the sanding and it went very well. And I was surprised that jumping up to 3000 grit worked fine. I liked that there are two packets of clear wipe -- and one seemed to be enough. The finish is great. With the material left over, I can just use this kit again when they need more work. I found their product choices confusing. I don't know that my headlights were so bad as to need this kit, but I liked having more clear wipe to apply, so that's why I got this one, yet didn't use it. So, I'm still confused whether I should have bought some other kit. But I only saw this one with power tool usage.

I had my doubts but.......

Well, when I went to my car repair shop and asked how much it would cost to replace the scarred headlights on my 2010 Lexus (with 115,000 miles on it), he said don't bother. It'll cost me over $1,000 for both and I might as well get a headlight restoration kit. Two things: at least he was honest and I spent a half hour mulling over which kit to purchase. Now. I'm a 71 grandmother who does a lot of stuff my myself around the house and thought I may as well give it a shot. My husband got the cordless drill ready for me, I got my bucket of clear water, a small container of soap and a clean rag and went out to tackle it. Let me say that the first thing to remember is to read the directions to the very end. They were very clear but I had some trepidation after I started as they were totally hazed over after the first set to abrasive pads. However the instructions assured me that that was normal so I continued on. After doing all the sanding they were still somewhat hazy and I was really worried that I had ruined the headlights. BUT when I applied the finishing wipes, they looked amazing! I called my husband out to look at them and he too was astounded. I even used the kit on my Lexus logo in front as it was totally hazed over but the dark blue of the logo is shining through. In fact, my husband went over to his 2010 Mercedes and commented that those headlights were looking like they could use a polishing. I have enough pads to do another set of lights, but I used up both of the wipes as they directed. The whole job took only about an hour. If you're patient and steady, they should look like brand new. I highly recommend this product. (I just hope they stay that way for quite a while).

Even with a drill its hard work but fantastic results

3M 39175 kit is a terrific kit if your lenses are in bad yellow / grey shape. It did take me a few hours, but I am pleased for sure. The kit is even so thorough to include a set of gloves to handle their UV protectant clear coat wipes, which is the final step after drying to give your headlights that new and shiny look. Granted I only took 'after' pictures, but to see the before lens haze, check out the edges of the fog lights- they were that bad, and the headlights had yellow- dark yellow oxidization in random areas, mostly at the top half of the lens. The best advice I can give is to take your time like I did, and follow the instructions until you sand the lenses to a uniform scratchy haze before even thinking about hitting them with the 3000 grit pad and water. Keep water handy and keep spraying off the white slurry after your final 2 or 3 passes with the 3000.

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