P2 plastic lens replacement.

[scot850]

Has any one ever replaced the 2005- plastic lens cover on a P2? If so, any advice?

Neil

[Krons]

I’ve only done glass on an early P2. For plastic after watching some YouTube videos I just hunted down good replacements on YouTube.

External hazing can be polished out, internal not so much, which was the case on my S60 and XC90.

I’ve had great results with this 3-step polish (sorry not a MVS Amazon link!):
https://a.co/d/0aFiLAR6

[scot850]

I have a similar thing from Meguires but it only has the fine polishing polish, and 1000 and 3000 grit hand sanding pads. They are usually ok on fine stuff, but this headlight lens is one of the worst I have seen, almost like someone has driven through a thorn bush multiple times on the top 1"+ of the lens. It has what someone I know calls dry plastic cracks in the plastic which is what it looks like.

After making little progress with the 1000 grit hand sanding pad, I tried #1 rubbing compound and a drill mounted arbor and foam pad. It just seemed to put a but of a polish to the matted lens. So I found some wet/dry 320 grit sand paper and rubbed the lens with that. My view is that it would be hard to make it look worse!

It has certainly made a big difference but I have more to do. I will maybe go tomorrow and get some more intermediate course paper to gradually reduce the opaque finish of the sanding before giving the lens a good polish with the polishing pad and the polishing cream prior to finishing with a sealer.

I am still curious though to see if anyone has tried replacing the lens covers as they are out there for sale. How good they are I don't know.

The P2 plastic lenses look like the P80 glass ones in that they look like they are held in place by plastic clips. What I don't know is if they are also glued or siliconed in as well.

Neil.

[scot850]

Here is what the lens looks like:

Lens before sanding

Above is what I was starting with. Dry cracking in the plastic lens cover along the top especially.

sanding and polish center top

Comparing after center top sanded with 1000 grit and water on the RHS, original on LHS

First polish attempt after polishing

Close up of the RHS after first polish attempt. Still not great. As mentioned, now using 320 grit and at least getting a more uniform finish. Will then have to work up to 3000 grit and then polish, or use the car polisher with a wool boot on it.

Now you have a better idea as to why I am considering lens cover replacement may be an easier prospect!

Where I live they use small pebbles to grit the roads which get thrown up and pit the headlights, fog lights and chip/crack windshields.

So you can sometimes get better headlights but often it is only better relatively.

Neil.

[Krons]

Based on the last photo I’d stay with what you have. YouTube vids I saw involved a dremel cutoff wheel and lots of fiddley work.

I think if you sand/polish a bit more then clear it (or use paint protection film) it should hold up for a while in your tough conditions.

[scot850]

I had a look at some videos I have found and decided the replacement lens cover option is off the table. More likely to damage the housing trying to remove the lenses, and not sure the 'boss' will allow me to use the oven to heat the glue up!

I will continue the sanding and polishing and see how it goes.

Neil.

[Vova585]

I would check if anyone around you can help with expert lens replacement/repair(rare nowadays). It is not a fun work either way. In case no one is available to help..
Then I would obtain myself a cheapest junk yard headlight for training purposes. I had a half decent luck with doing similar job on 01v70(glass). Gentle heat gun to remove the lens. After cleaning it used windshield silicone to mate the surfaces.(it lasted decently, but after I looked at the pther side and recalled the ammount of pain to do it, I bought 2 new oem from fcp and called it my birthday present).
If you will be able to restore your own headlights, I would try to reseal them with uv protector at the ned and would apply 3m film over(quick search came back at around $50-60 usd for precut film). I am really happy with film and installed it on all my cars. Protects from scratches and weathering(especially in the case of HID on P3s)

[scot850]

I have that on our V70. The previous mechanic owner had the headlights polished professionally and then a film put over them. Seems to lasted well so far after 2+ years. Thanks for the suggestions.

Neil.

[Antoine240bk]

I did the replacement plastic lens cover on the XC70. It's a pretty involved work but worth it!
Bought the lenses from VParts in Sweden. You'll have to use a dremel to cut off the lens and a heat gun to remove the remaining parts.
That was about one two hours per lights!

[jonesg]

antoine those look very good.