I've used the 3M kits on my mazda 3 before, so I decided to give it a go on the faded FTPs and whatnot on my S5. (being able to remove the lenses and clamp them in a vice makes this WWAAAYY easier).

Here's some before and after pics Enjoy

Before -







After -









Only took me about 1.5 hours

 

And here's some pics of the car for fun, and new headlights (3k hids)






I'm really loving the headlights. Glad I went with 3k!

 

arent yellow headlights illegal?

 

all depends where you live probably, but anyways the FTP's look really good after the detail, what oxidation remover did you use by any chance?

 

I used 3M's headlight restoration kit. It's about 22$ at most auto parts stores. Its the type where you sand the plastic down.

As far as I know they aren't illegal in AZ. Had them on there for almost two months now, passed many police officers, none have seemed to given two looks to them. I've even been pulled over at night because my rear tail light was out and the cop even commented on the car and it's "euro" headlights. With the proper aiming and housings, it's almost hard to notice they are different (aside from color).

 

Always wondered how that 3m stuff works, looks great. I used Turtle Wax rubbig compoud, the one that comes in a bottle not a flat sphere thing. Worked pretty well and they look like yours. I finished mine off with sealer wax though. Also did my s5 tails that way too, works great.

 

+1 for restoring the front turn signals

I also did them today. Used the same turtle wax stuff.

Mine were totaly dull and they had a lot of mold inside, it looked very nasty.
After disassembling cleaning (dont forget to clean the seals as well) it looks very nice.

I did put rainx on the headlights, there tends to be a lot of dirt on those lenses.



May I ask you how you removed the FTP lenses ? Are they bolted or how do the stay in place ?


Regards
Steven

 

^^Theres 2 bolts on the backside of the bumper, I think they're a size 8. Look behind the bumper, there should be 2 bolts per ftp.

 

Just did mine. Still gotta get that clear-coat off, but whatever.




JDM FTPS are overrated!

 

YES! indeed they are. but some of them also did have the clear FTP's when they rocked the other type of turning signals with two bulbs in em. ;]



too bad i lost em moving back to my old house.

 

Those had to be imported ^

 

Lookin good guys! It's amazing how much little details add to the car

 

Which do you like better:




OR

 

^^^ second ones...
THEY SELL A HEADLIGHT CLEANER KIT! WTF! lol i tried cleaning mines with a brush and engine degreaser. Ended up scratching the sidemarkers. >__< oohh well now its time to try that kit. lol



oman your fc is clean! moar pics! what city are you in?

 

I do a lot of headlight restorations at the garage I work in since we do annual state inspections. One of the tests is headlight aim/candlepower/color. You'd be amazed at difference in light output, almost 50% of the light can be blocked by the oxidation.

Also, from what I've found the 3M kit delivers the best results the quickest. One thing to consider: If you do not protect the lenses in some way, they will yellow again quickly. The best way to protect them is to use the Krylon Fusion Clear coat for plastics. It is a UV blocking clear to prevent it from yellowing.

Vince

 

I think the second one renton. Flush looks way cleaner. idk have to see in person to really get a feel

 

^ It's super flush. I really like it.

 

what did you use to make them sit flush?

 

I probably should have cleaned my FtP before I put mine in with clear silicon :/

 

They are actually just sitting in there. The threads are too short to actually mount. I'm drawing up a shim kit as I type this.

 

The flush looks good! Let us know how you do it, may have to do the same.

Never thought about clear coating the plastic FTP's, might have to look into that.

 

i've gotta do this now =) just looks sweet.