2006 XC70 headlight polishing/removal?

Post by **scot850** » 02 Aug 2021, 19:46

I have to clean/polish our 06 XC70 headlights as they are badly oxidized at the top. To clean the top I think I will have to remove the headlights to get better access and to make sure I don't scuff the paint above the headlight.

Been a while, but unlike the P80, where you can remove the headlight without removing panels/bumper, do you have to remove the front bumper to remove the headlights?

Thanks,

Neil.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 02 Aug 2021, 21:34

scot850 wrote: ↑02 Aug 2021, 19:46 do you have to remove the front bumper to remove the headlights?

On the MK2 70s the bumper cover needs to come off.

Post by **scot850** » 02 Aug 2021, 23:08

Thanks Rick. I seem to recall reading that somewhere but could not find any links in the database for that. What a PITA that is. So much for advancing technology and making stuff easier to work with.

Neil.

MDK · Post by **MDK** » 03 Aug 2021, 03:29

I'm with you on this one. I can't get it either. I mean glass is basically sand and it seems to me there's plenty of it. Plastic headlights. Do the car/truck manufacturers really save that much money? I'm just wondering if you can use glass lenses from a 2004 xc70 and convert them over...2001-2009 S60's apparently is the same light fixture .. maybe it's possible to swap out plastic for glass..

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 03 Aug 2021, 11:42

MDK wrote: ↑03 Aug 2021, 03:29 Do the car/truck manufacturers really save that much money?

Weight ... Fuel economy. Not much but a lot of 0.1s add up.

Post by **kallekula** » 03 Aug 2021, 12:34

I've cleaned up a few lenses and in my opinion its easier/faster not to remove the headlight. On a bench it tends to move around and you need to clamp it fown somehow. Nah, just mask with tape and go for it!

MRScott · Post by **MRScott** » 05 Aug 2021, 13:27

Also a rock that would crack a glass lens won't on a plastic one.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 05 Aug 2021, 17:02

On plastic lens I:

1. Wet sand them with 1500 - 3000.
2. Buff them with a Compound until clear.
3. Clean off everything
4. Spray them with a UV-Resistant Clear Coat.

Off the car so you do not mess up the paint.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 05 Aug 2021, 17:09

RickHaleParker wrote: ↑05 Aug 2021, 17:02 On plastic lens I:
1. Wet sand them with 1500 - 3000.
2. Buff them with a Compound until clear.
3. Clean off everything
4. Spray them with a UV-Resistant Clear Coat.
Off the car so you do not mess up the paint.

This is the way I have done this, except I have not removed from the car.
volvolugnut

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 05 Aug 2021, 17:13

MRScott wrote: ↑05 Aug 2021, 13:27 Also a rock that would crack a glass lens won't on a plastic one.

Glass stays clear much longer. You can fill chips the same way you repair cracks in a Windshield. You can buff out light pitting on glass with paste made from Cerium Oxide and H₂0.