How To Properly Restore Headlights

[Gimp]

Items needed:
Plastic Polish
Polishing pad or small buffer
1200 grit wet/dry sand paper
Cup of water
Tape
Towel
Wax

Start by by taping the paint around the headlight to avoid stretches

Now start wet sanding the headlight

When it feels smooth and uniform, dry it with a clean towel

Now smear some polish on the lens and start polishing. Be sure to clean off the dried polish before each pass.
First pass:

Second pass:

Third pass:

Fourth pass:

After the polishing, it is a good idea to throw a coat of wax on the lenses. I have done this many times and the lenses stay clear for a long long time.

Before and After

 

[JeremyH]

Nice! I tried that 3M kit on my wife's Corolla and it worked, but they were back to dull after a few months....

 

[C*H*U*D]

Nice! I tried that 3M kit on my wife's Corolla and it worked, but they were back to dull after a few months....

Same here on my girlfriends Jetta. I didn't get quite the results as the pictures above but it was much better than before, but like you said it faded fast. Almost like some protective coating is removed causing them to age faster.

 

[Duuuuuuuude]

I used the 3m kit and had great results. After nearly a year they are still nice and clear.

 

[STANG KILLA SS]

sad part is it only last 6 months

 

[Gimp]

If cars were washed at least once a month and waxed before every season change, we wouldn't have this issue lol "thumbsup"

This method lasts for a long time too. Especially if you take care of your car.

 

[JeremyH]

Especially if you take care of your car.

And there's the caveat. If it weren't for me being disgusted by riding in my wife's car, it would never get washed...

 

[EeePee]

Nicely done. That came out sparkly clear!

I've been meaning to get the meguir's or mother's powerball kit and do mine but I is lazy.

 

[TexasSP]

I used the 3m kit and had great results. After nearly a year they are still nice and clear.

Myself as well. The one with the multiple pads and drill attachment. Been over a year for me a still looking great.

Don't know why the other guys didn't have the same result.

 

[hellbounder]

And there's the caveat. If it weren't for me being disgusted by riding in my wife's car, it would never get washed...

x2 you should see my wifes car ...... she want's to drive my truck,ummmm no.:shock:

 

[Slowbro]

Works on tail lights too "thumbsup"

 

[crawl-o-matic]

I have some (well, a lot) of pitting from heavy oxidation on my covers. I don't think either hand sanding or power buffing are going to work...any ideas?

 

[Slowbro]

You can still use steps above just start with a little more aggressive sand paper...one of the big company's sell a "extreme damage" kit. Meguiars I think....

 

[crawl-o-matic]

I'll give it a go then

 

[slobin3d]

Several of the local guys here have resorted to clear coating their lenses, something in the ice melt chemicals they use tears them up in a hurry here

 

[binaryterror]

Waxing headlights and other plastics will greatly increase the new life and restored life. People often overlook wax's ability to not just be shiny but also protect against chemicals and UV wear.

 

[Gimp]

Waxing headlights and other plastics will greatly increase the new life and restored life. People often overlook wax's ability to not just be shiny but also protect against chemicals and UV wear.

100% correct. Like I said, if people just took care of their stuff we wouldn't have this issue.

 

[Zod Rhombus]

1997 4Runner - glass lenses FTW!

But yeah, I used to wax the lenses on my ex's Rav4 all the time! No probs.

 

[cuzican]

All my rigs have glass lenses except for my subaru and the lights on it are horrible........
What has two thumbs and doesn't give a crap?? This guy!!!
As long as the lights turn on so the coppers leave me along I couldn't care less what the lenses look like.

 

[JeremyH]

1997 4Runner - glass lenses FTW!

No joke!

I'll be washing the wife's car this afternoon and, if I havent died of heat exhaustion when I am finished, I will "freshen up her headlights"......:ror: