Cloudy Headlights-How to

[Pensa]

Cloudy headlights aren't just unsightly, they dramatically cut down on the effectiveness of the lights. After doing a lot of searching on how to cure the problem I found that most products required sanding and polishing the lights and in extreme cases that might be the only solution. Most of the kits to clean them also ran between $15 and $25.

My headlights were cloudy but not discolored.

I bought a product at Wal-Mart made by Kit, called Scratch Out. Cost as I recall was between $2 and $3. It is primarily for paint but they also say it is good for plastic. I don't think it is anything more than a liquid polishing compound, but it worked and didn't scratch the lights.

Total equipment used was the Scratch Out and two blue paper shop towels, one towel to apply it and one to wipe it off. I worked small areas at a time and used the product generously. The results on my lights were very good and it not only improved the looks of the X but the lights are also putting out a lot more light.

Here is a picture of the results, I didn't take a before picture (I should have).

http://members.cox.net/nomoind/Light.jpg

 

[solitary ogre]

thanks for the great advice. i'll be getting my father a bottle for xmas and hopefully there will be some left for my explorer.
here is a link for other ideas on brighter headlights.......
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181879

keep smilin.......t

 

[Pensa]

One bottle should more than do both your fathers lights and yours.

One thing you don't have to worry about is getting some of it on your paint since it's primary use is for painted surfaces. In fact it does a good job of cleaning the paint if needed.

If you were sanding your lights in place on the car you would have to use caution I would think to not sand on the paint.

 

[patman]

sweet..i was just about to post a question about how to make my lights clearer but now i found this!!!! thanks..do you have to clean the headlights first?

 

[Pensa]

I didn't, they weren't covered with dirt but they weren't cleaned in any way.

 

[patman]

i just did this...used two coats one just as the bottle said rub on w/ a rag allow to get cloudy and then wipe off w/ clean rag then a second coat applying w/ a buffer and wiping off w/ clean rag...did it on headlights, corners, tail's, 3rd brake light, and emblems...let me just say

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Joe Dirt]

3M finish restore works well also, but a bit more expensive- I love that stuff- remember to wax your lights afterwards, you're stripping the UV coating when you use these products...

My old '97 SHO and 3M finish restore to the headlights...

Before

After one 30 second-ish application...

After hitting it with the orbital just 'cuz...

 

[Pensa]

i just did this...used two coats one just as the bottle said rub on w/ a rag allow to get cloudy and then wipe off w/ clean rag then a second coat applying w/ a buffer and wiping off w/ clean rag...did it on headlights, corners, tail's, 3rd brake light, and emblems...let me just say

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!

I did mine twice, but both times by hand.

I'm glad it worked as well for you as it did for me. It's a whole lot easier than sanding the lights first and you're not removing anywhere near as much of the plastic.

It would be wise to use a UV protection product on them, I haven't yet but I will.

 

[Pensa]

3M finish restore works well also, but a bit more expensive- I love that stuff- remember to wax your lights afterwards, you're stripping the UV coating when you use these products...

I'm sure there are other products that would produce the same results, I just happened across this product and it was easy, inexpensive and worked.

 

[Hevyg]

I know this is a stale thread, but I bought a kit that consisted of a 3" sanding disc that takes a tape on sponge and some type of abrasive liquid. It is truly amazing, BUT after turning the headlights on my daughters coralla s into brand new quality lights, I started on my ex. I ran out of liquid and ended up using turttle was polishing compound. It was faster and just as good. I now have to perfectly clear, New looking headlights. just an after thought? it also resurrected my favorite Guess Who CD... ahhh life is grand!

 

[Alpha_Geek]

it also resurrected my favorite Guess Who CD... ahhh life is grand!

Impressive use of "last resort Tech"!