Headlight Restoration Products

[rquino2000]

I see there are several available options(brands) of these type of products. Some that use sanding discs, and some that rely on a pad and compound. The headlight lenses on my car are not yellow but they are rough, pitted and have some crazing. I understand that crazing cannot be removed fully but I want to get the best results from what is available. So if you had to choose between kits from mothers, Meguiar's, Wolfgang, or DP which one would you select?

Thanks.

[Setec Astronomy]

I don't know if I would buy a kit--but I'd sand. I use my Griot's 3" (it's great for sanding not for much else). Meguiar's has a guideline of dry sanding with 500 or 800 (depending how bad) then damp sanding with 1000 & 3000 grit, followed by compound on a wool pad and polish on a foam pad.

I've had good success in my limited use of this technique by following the 3000 with 3M Trizact 5000, then going straight to polish.

You have to mix and match brands a little bit here:

Meguiars Unigrit Finishing Discs, paint finishing discs, Meguiars finishing grit discs (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-3in-finishing-discs.html)

Meguiars Unigrit Sanding Discs, paint sanding discs, sandpaper discs, abrasive discs (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-3in-sanding-discs.html)

3M Trizact Hookit 3 Inch Foam Discs P3000, 3m spot repair discs, abrasive discs (http://www.autogeek.net/3m-trizact-hookit-discs-p3000.html)

3M Trizact 3 Inch 5000 Grit Foam Disc 30362, sanding discs, 3m spot repair discs (http://www.autogeek.net/3m-5000-grit-foam-discs.html)

[glfnaz]

I've had decent results with the 3M disks as well.

For old neglected hazed / fogged / yellow headlight this combo was real easy. It doesn't smooth out scratches and pits, but it cleans up the haze great and works fast.

Detailer’s Headlight Restoration Kit (http://www.autogeek.net/headlight-restoration-kit.html)

I didn't get the kit as I have plenty of towels and applicators and already have a 3" drill tool. I just got the compound and wool pads. 20-30 minutes they were very clear.

[Mantilgh]

There is also the 3M kit

3M Headlight Lens Restoration System, headlight polishing kit, restore yellow headlights, 3M plastic polish (http://www.autogeek.net/3m-headlight-kit.html)

There is also a similar one for hand use.

Most of the ones I've seen with crazing were yellowed out too. You can remove some lighter crazing with heavy sanding, but I'm wondering if it isn't just the coating cracking and failing. Either way it will require sanding to remove it and make it look nice.

I say the one of the sanding kits and grab a pack of assorted wet dry paper to fill in the gaps of the kit.

If they are not too bad, just compound and polish with what ever products you have.

Don't forget to protect them after.

Edit: It looks like three of the ones you listed come with protectant.