Headlights.....help!

[cherokeedawg240]

Hey guys Im using my car to sharpen my detailing skills. I need some advice Heres my headlights...

Driver
http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b637/cherokeedawg240/20131014_141436_zpsf6769d72.jpg (http://s1295.photobucket.com/user/cherokeedawg240/media/20131014_141436_zpsf6769d72.jpg.html)

Passenger
http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b637/cherokeedawg240/20131014_1414221_zpsdd08be2d.jpg (http://s1295.photobucket.com/user/cherokeedawg240/media/20131014_1414221_zpsdd08be2d.jpg.html)


Can these be cleared up? Or do I need to replace the lens? If they can be fixed how do I do it? I got the car with them looking like this in my defense lol
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/<a href=&quot;<a href=http://s1295.photobucket.com/user/cherokeedawg240/media/20131014_141436_zpsf6769d72.jpg.html&quot; target=_blank>http://s1295.photobucket.com/user/cherokeedawg240/media/20131014_141436_zpsf6769d72.jpg.html&quot;</a> target=&quot;_blank&quot;><img src=&quot;<a href=http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b637/cherokeedawg240/20131014_141436_zpsf6769d72.jpg&quot; target=_blank>http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b637/cherokeedawg240/20131014_141436_zpsf6769d72.jpg&quot;</a> border=&quot;0&quot; alt=&quot; photo 20131014_141436_zpsf6769d72.jpg&quot;/></a>

[michelliot]

Tons of stuff on the market at any auto store or auto web site, most seem to work well. Even some home remedies. Check youtube to see the process and final results.

fear not, it's no major issue......elliot

[wdmaccord]

I believe those lenses are textured on the outside are they not? If so, I don't think a traditional headlight restoration will work.

[Phathooddetail]

yes they should be fixable i would start at 500 grit and then work my way up. but if you need to go down to 200 if 500 doesnt cut it enough

[Ezmoney]

These are similiar to my 2000 Expedition where the texturing is on the inside. Proceed as if they are normal lenses.

[StoneRaizer]

Sandpaper? Nah, don't need to go there yet. Meguiars PlastX is great for restoring cloudy headlights. Inexpensive and found at any auto store. If you have a dual-action polisher (Porter Cable, Griots, Flex), use a 4" polishing pad and buff until clear.

[JDGolden]

Back in the day I would use toothpaste (1995 Dodge Neon) to clean up my headlights.

I am willing to bet plastX, as mentioned, will get the job done.

[The Guz]

These are similiar to my 2000 Expedition where the texturing is on the inside. Proceed as if they are normal lenses.

As stated double check to see if the texture is on the inside. If it is you can use something like this.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/71754-review-meguiar-s-heavy-duty-headlight-resto-kit-04-infiniti-i30.html

If you are going to be doing this as part of your detailing regiment you can do something like this.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/67499-critical-details-honda-civic-headlight-restoration.html

[cherokeedawg240]

The lights are textured on the inside thankfully.

[buffingbeau]

3m super duty compound wool pad
3m perfect it compound white foam pad
3m perfect it ultra fine blue polish
And blue magic lens sealer
It will look brand new

[artofdetailing]

Sanding works best in my experiences. It removes the layer of plastic that is yellow. I have found compounds to work but the clarity wasnt as good as when I've sanded. Start with 500 grit and sand until its a frosted white. Work in straight lines to keep sanding marks uniform. Then proceed to 800 grit, then 1200 grit following same pattern as previous sanding. Finish with 2000 grit to achieve totally smooth surface. Using compound (m105 works great) rub the last bits of haziness out. Seal them up to prevent yellowing in the future. I also recommended changing headlight bulbs to sylvania hyper white. Much better visibility

Hope this helps,
Brian

[hernandez.art13]

Sanding works best in my experiences. It removes the layer of plastic that is yellow. I have found compounds to work but the clarity wasnt as good as when I've sanded. Start with 500 grit and sand until its a frosted white. Work in straight lines to keep sanding marks uniform. Then proceed to 800 grit, then 1200 grit following same pattern as previous sanding. Finish with 2000 grit to achieve totally smooth surface. Using compound (m105 works great) rub the last bits of haziness out. Seal them up to prevent yellowing in the future. I also recommended changing headlight bulbs to sylvania hyper white. Much better visibility

Hope this helps,
Brian

:iagree:

I've tried just 3M rubbing compound and wool pad, plus 3M ultra fine polish and polishing pad. (Nothing else) It does clear them up, but not as clear as being sanded, and polished.

Check out the videos

http://youtu.be/ACu1yRyjzOU

http://youtu.be/PgXCTMSUGU8

Haha mine is all dramatic :laughing:

I just made the video for fun and to test out my new computer program. I will be making a better one soon. :D

[Bill1234]

Back in the day I would use toothpaste (1995 Dodge Neon) to clean up my headlights.

I am willing to bet plastX, as mentioned, will get the job done.

I have tried it and it worked a bit, Should I go further and will it remove the oxidation ?

[cardaddy]

I doubt PlastX is going to 'cut' it with those. It'll lighten them up a bit sure, but correction is a different matter.

I stopped doing that whole drill and whirl away thing a long time ago though. Once I picked up the Meguiar's Spot Correction kit it just makes things soooooooo much easier. Whip out the small backing plate on the GG6 and go to town. :)

[cherokeedawg240]

thanks guys. I got a meguiars heavy duty headlight resto kit. I will do it tomorrow since Im off.