Originally Posted by maxcichon
Cissy. you're one of my favorites-I'd be glad to help.
1. I would remove the headlamp assembly. You know how.
2. Determine the highest grit you can use to cut the remaining hard coat off. I have had to go as high as 400 to make a dent. And I did this "dry". Just go slow so you don't get the surface too warm.
3. Use this grit to make the entire surface a uniform "Milk Jug" white. As you sand, you'll see the horizontal line of the damage move down the face of the lens. Follow with 600.
4. At this point, you can use the 3M kit and instructions.
Getting through the remaining hard coat and making a uniform surface is the key to success with this job. And it is hard.
I had to use this "extreme" sanding to repair my neighbors 2005 MB E320 headlights (all 4 of them!) and it worked great. This is an always-garaged true MB car too. So we are not alone!
Thank you Max! I remember you helping with the exhaust system we replaced. Remember? LOL.
Your instructions are perfect. Update: With your "practice" lens, we used the very very very fine sandpaper we had on hand. Don't laugh, it wsa ...ahem....2000 LOL. BUT with a ton of elbow grease, we actually made a clear spot. So, by getting the proper sand paper grit, we will tackle it again per your instructions.
I am so encouraged by your comments, Max. I am encouraged by everone's comments and willingness to answer my post. I will keep ya updated as we progress with this nasty removal of hard coat.
Thanks SO MUCH!!....
((((Max)))))
P.S. BTW, my Miata headlight assembly was GLASS.....hence no fog/haze/hardcoat peeling. Duhhhh....I'm getting old LOL.