Dull headlight lenses? What to search?

[David in NC]

I searched for ways to clear up dull headlight lenses but didn't find anything. Please tell me what to search for or what is the best/easiest fix for the cloudy lens problem. TIA

 

[BurnTheLight88]

replace them completely or go to autozone and buy the kit. I've never personally used the kit, but a friend of mine used it on his Ram and it looks like it worked pretty well honestly. I was a bit shocked.

 

[Maniak]

I personally use plastx. Its quick and easy. I do it about every 6 months..

This is probably the thread your looking for.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=286804&highlight=plastx

There is a pic I Put in that thread of our honda when I used plastx on 1 side so you can see the difference.

~Mark

 

[toypaseo]

I personally use plastx. Its quick and easy. I do it about every 6 months..

This is probably the thread your looking for.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=286804&highlight=plastx

There is a pic I Put in that thread of our honda when I used plastx on 1 side so you can see the difference.

~Mark

I'll second the vote for Plastx. Works great. I would not say it is the best method, but it is definately one of the easiest I always followed it with a couple layers of wax, to keep them clear a bit longer.

 

[alohamonte]

I used the RainX headlamp kit and it worked very well. I used it on the explorer and the wife's acura. The single kit has enough for 4 treatments easy.

 

[NGTD]

3M makes a nice kit too.

 

[EMG7895]

The 3m kit works great for a long term solution. Takes some time, but with patience you can make the lenses like new.

 

[yavapaires]

I have used the Turtle Wax kit (don't waste your time), and the 3M kit. Worked great on a very weathered 01 Dodge Intrepid. Just follow the directions. Don't be worried about sanding the plastic, it will be well worth it in the end.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Just make sure you keep the lenses waxed afterwards. The clouding is the UV coating, and once removed, the lenses will fail again shortly unless kept protected.

I use PlastX or 3M Finish Restore.

 

[Maniak]

Just make sure you keep the lenses waxed afterwards. The clouding is the UV coating, and once removed, the lenses will fail again shortly unless kept protected.

I use PlastX or 3M Finish Restore.

Thats probably why I have to re-do the honda every 6 months. It takes me about 1 minute per side so its no big deal. I do it when I change the wiper blades which is about every 6 months. The Az sun is murder on blades, so I just change them often.

~Mark

 

[rego]

Use a general search engine. There are some toothpastes that are supposed to work well.

 

[mr_valingo]

The first time i ever resurfaced headlights i started wet sanding with 400grit and stepped by way to 4000. Then used a buffing wheel on a drill. Worked flawless. If your lenses aren't that bad 800 then 2000 finished with some compound and a buffer will last roughly a year. I use the 3m kits at work and if you can spare the $20 bucks its worth 10x that easy

 

[BigRondo]

I use the 3M Kit. Click here to see the results!

 

[koda2000]

Hot Rod Magazine just a comparasion on three different kits. I think they said they got the best results with Meguires' kit. But all three worked pretty well. I've used Plastx and it worked prettty well, but you have to redo it every 4-6 months.

 

[gadourym]

I've never used a kit, but I have just used rubbing compound and a cloth, or even paper towel, whatever's handy. It may not be the best, but it is cheap, the same bottle has lasted me years! I usually use it everytime I wash the car.

 

[SoNic67]

The Az sun is murder on blades, so I just change them often.

When I used to live there I was having also problems with vacuum hoses, motor mounts, tires (the side that was parked in sun)... everthing made of rubber was eventually crumbing in the summer heat.
It's hard to cool your engine bay when the outside air is at 120F.

No issues with the rust thou

 

[DTSman]

You can buy a new pair of headlights for 50 (+-) dollars shipped on ebay for a knock-off brand.
For other cars i use the 3M kit from autozone. Its about 25 bucks and will do 3 cars or so. You need a quality high speed corded drill and patience. If you follow the directions completely, the lights will come up to about 90-95%, but will never look as good as new. It involves wet sanding and polishing with plastix. Then waxing to protect it.