2006 A8L headlamps covers
09-02-2014, 03:24 AM
#1
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2006 A8L headlamps covers
Hello gents.
The headlamp covers on my 2006 A8L W12 look dreadful. Faded and have paint on them that no amount of product is removing. Before I start trying to sand them I thought I would ask if anyone on the forum knowns of an aftermarket manufacturer of these plex covers for the headlamps?
Audi dealer is no help at all. They only sell the entire headlamp assembly at a shocking price.
Kind regards,
Richard A. Williams
The headlamp covers on my 2006 A8L W12 look dreadful. Faded and have paint on them that no amount of product is removing. Before I start trying to sand them I thought I would ask if anyone on the forum knowns of an aftermarket manufacturer of these plex covers for the headlamps?
Audi dealer is no help at all. They only sell the entire headlamp assembly at a shocking price.
Kind regards,
Richard A. Williams
09-02-2014, 06:31 PM
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W12inSpain,
Post a pic of yours and I can tell ya whether they can be brought back to life with a headlight restoration kit. I reworked a pair of BMW e39 M5 headlights that were pretty beat up. It just takes some patience and work for very little cost.
Hunter
Post a pic of yours and I can tell ya whether they can be brought back to life with a headlight restoration kit. I reworked a pair of BMW e39 M5 headlights that were pretty beat up. It just takes some patience and work for very little cost.
Hunter
09-03-2014, 03:22 AM
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With time and patience you can ake your old lenses look as good as new. Basically wetsand with a block starting at 600grit sandpaper. Then 800/1000/1500/2000/3000 use polishing compound after that and a good deep waxing. These are the trial results on my wife's 04' VW Passat. The other set I did came out better than these. If doing this job with lights still installed in the vehicle I would recommend masking off the surrounding painted areas with tape. About 2hrs. patiently sanded.
09-03-2014, 07:34 AM
#6
09-03-2014, 07:43 AM
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+1; that's part of the problem refinishing...
From my experience with my prior 2000 A6, a Chrysler and a Toyota, once you start down the refinishing path, no turning back. There is likely a uV protective film, as you will likely find as you sand or buff through it and start to notice its edge in places you sand more heavily. I found thereafter I had to more frequently refinish it (like quasi annually), and if I didn't the haze really came on strong. I re did the Audi a few times; got rid of the others but saw them a few times afterward.
Per an earlier post, I would look into some kind of 3M or similar protective film post refinish.
Per an earlier post, I would look into some kind of 3M or similar protective film post refinish.
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09-03-2014, 08:52 AM
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From my experience with my prior 2000 A6, a Chrysler and a Toyota, once you start down the refinishing path, no turning back. There is likely a uV protective film, as you will likely find as you sand or buff through it and start to notice its edge in places you sand more heavily. I found thereafter I had to more frequently refinish it (like quasi annually), and if I didn't the haze really came on strong. I re did the Audi a few times; got rid of the others but saw them a few times afterward.
Per an earlier post, I would look into some kind of 3M or similar protective film post refinish.
Per an earlier post, I would look into some kind of 3M or similar protective film post refinish.
09-03-2014, 09:57 AM
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I did not, and yes they are getting a bit yellow again. 3M film is recommended, this was mentioned to me immediately after I refinished them. 1year 6 months later and they are sightly yellowed but nothing terrible.
09-03-2014, 12:33 PM
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3M has some new spray-on protectant (thick, they compare it to Lamin-x or that type clear adhesive bra-type film. I saw it at AutoZone. Might be worth checking out.
Meguiars has a headlight protectant that's like sunscreen for your car... I am currently testing it but looks like it need reapplication often.
or you can do what they do at thoe "We-tote-the-note" used car lots; wipe 'em down with some 20w-50
-Tom
Meguiars has a headlight protectant that's like sunscreen for your car... I am currently testing it but looks like it need reapplication often.
or you can do what they do at thoe "We-tote-the-note" used car lots; wipe 'em down with some 20w-50
-Tom