Glazed Headlights

newvolvoowner2005 · Post by **newvolvoowner2005** » 10 Mar 2013, 15:57

I'm new to Volvos but not new to DIY activities.

I'm interested in knowing if there is a solution (perhaps literally) to dealing with the glazing that occurs on the plastic headlight covers (not really lenses in the strict sense)?

I was trying to avoid buying new head lamps if possible- the lights themselves function. If I have to buy I'm also open to recommendations of part suppliers.

Many thanks!

Post by **precopster** » 10 Mar 2013, 19:47

The solution to this one is probably in the Repair Database under XC90. I think I recall seeing it there. The fix is very similar to polishing out the opaque look from the Volvo 850s tailights. It involves starting with a wet &dry abrasive paper of around 400-600 grit and progressing through to around a 1200 grit while using lots of elbow grease and water.

I've seen some quite astounding results from an afternoon's work.

camarkim · Post by **camarkim** » 10 Mar 2013, 22:42

I just did this on the very opaque headlights on my '07 Xc90. Came out pretty good, considering I wasn't being anal about it. Go to your local auto parts store and get the Mothers Headlight Restore kit. I think it was around $22 bucks. It is basically some polish and a small foam powerball you stick into your cordless drill. (It also includes two hand-sanding pads if the covers are extra glazed.) Worked enough to make me happy. And if I want to do it again, there is more than enough of everything.

cbotd · Post by **cbotd** » 12 Mar 2013, 11:04

I did this on my 05 XC 90 without HID. My lenses were yellowing a bit at the top and very bottom. I used a 3M product I got at Autozone for $10. The kit came all of the sanding pads and compunds. It had enough to do both lights.

I did end up following up with the use of a Mequires scratch x product do fill in the fine scratches and now the lenses look brand new. The whole process took about 2 hours and did require a lot of elbow grease.

I have heard that refacing lenses actually fragments the light more and reduces visibility, but I have seen no ill effects and have driven in dark and rain as well as dark and snowy conditions.

sharpcar · Post by **sharpcar** » 22 Apr 2013, 21:15

on mines i hand sanded with water sand paper starting from 1200 grit then 1500 then the final 2000 grit then rubbing compound then buff...just like new again...

bguzz · Post by **bguzz** » 30 Apr 2013, 17:07

after doing all that work...don't forget to coat it with something that blocks the UV's or you will doing it again. I got some Opti-coat 2.0, which is supposed to be the same as what the coating is new...or very similar to it. I also had good results with the Mothers Powerball kit. I includes 4 grades of sandpaper if you have some serious damage to clean up.

99VulvaS70 · Post by **99VulvaS70** » 02 May 2013, 06:19

I found the cause of my headlight issue is the stupid washer fluid jets in the front bumper. They squirt fluid on the headlight lenses when doing the windshield. It doesn't have any means of being wiped away. Neat to watch, but completely useless in functionality.