How to resolve mystery spot on headlight?

SubieMonte · 08-17-2012, 07:38 AM

I had my car in the repair shop for an extended period of time. When I picked it up I noticed this on my headlight.

Sort of looks like bird doo but it's not. I tried the Meguires head light restore and that did not seem to make it better. I wasn't too aggressive with the sanding. Honestly I'm not even sure this is on the outside. But I have no idea how it would have made its way to the inside.

Any suggestions on how to correct? More aggressive sanding? Replace the headlight?

Thank you!

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LiCelsior · 08-17-2012, 07:51 AM

looks like something dropped onto it when they were working on the car. freon, brake cleaner, something that etched the lens.

bottlenose · 08-17-2012, 08:48 AM

It's probably on the outside, but you really need to determine that yourself for sure. Theres obviously a small chance it could be inside but I can't think of how that could possibly be. Good lighting will help and look up close at different angles. Once you are positive, then it wouldn't hurt to continue with more wet sanding. I wouldn't quit working on this headlight at all.

Kean · 08-17-2012, 11:40 AM

I agree with LiCelsior in regard to it appearing as if the dripped something on the surface of the lens. Personally, I would confront the shop. The fact that you already tried something abrasive seems to indicate the damage is probably more extensive than it may look. It may only be a little deeper and might come out if you try removing more material but the mark could also the result of a solvent/chemical that has penetrated deep into lens. ....possibly requiring replacement.

SubieMonte · 08-17-2012, 02:17 PM

Well it's supposed to be a nice weekend. Guess I'll have to get six pack! Thank you. I will post the results.

SubieMonte · 08-20-2012, 07:34 AM

Used the Meguires headlight restore. Sanded with the #1 pad for about 45 mins and then finished the process. Turned out great!

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08-17-2012, 07:38 AM	#1
SubieMonte Scooby Newbie Member#: 264803 Join Date: Nov 2010 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Michigan Vehicle: 2005 WRX Wagon OBP	How to resolve mystery spot on headlight? I had my car in the repair shop for an extended period of time. When I picked it up I noticed this on my headlight. Sort of looks like bird doo but it's not. I tried the Meguires head light restore and that did not seem to make it better. I wasn't too aggressive with the sanding. Honestly I'm not even sure this is on the outside. But I have no idea how it would have made its way to the inside. Any suggestions on how to correct? More aggressive sanding? Replace the headlight? Thank you! * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

08-17-2012, 07:51 AM	#2
LiCelsior Scooby Newbie Member#: 182551 Join Date: Jun 2008 Vehicle: 2004 STi PSM	looks like something dropped onto it when they were working on the car. freon, brake cleaner, something that etched the lens.

08-17-2012, 08:48 AM	#3
bottlenose Scooby Newbie Member#: 291768 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Freehold, NJ Vehicle: 2011 WRX WR Blue	It's probably on the outside, but you really need to determine that yourself for sure. Theres obviously a small chance it could be inside but I can't think of how that could possibly be. Good lighting will help and look up close at different angles. Once you are positive, then it wouldn't hurt to continue with more wet sanding. I wouldn't quit working on this headlight at all.

08-17-2012, 11:40 AM	#4
Kean Scooby Guru Member#: 25187 Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: So. CA Vehicle: '08 Foz Prem TGM '10 Challenger R/T Blk	I agree with LiCelsior in regard to it appearing as if the dripped something on the surface of the lens. Personally, I would confront the shop. The fact that you already tried something abrasive seems to indicate the damage is probably more extensive than it may look. It may only be a little deeper and might come out if you try removing more material but the mark could also the result of a solvent/chemical that has penetrated deep into lens. ....possibly requiring replacement.

08-17-2012, 02:17 PM	#5
SubieMonte Scooby Newbie Member#: 264803 Join Date: Nov 2010 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Michigan Vehicle: 2005 WRX Wagon OBP	Well it's supposed to be a nice weekend. Guess I'll have to get six pack! Thank you. I will post the results.

08-20-2012, 07:34 AM	#6
SubieMonte Scooby Newbie Member#: 264803 Join Date: Nov 2010 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Michigan Vehicle: 2005 WRX Wagon OBP	Used the Meguires headlight restore. Sanded with the #1 pad for about 45 mins and then finished the process. Turned out great!