Hazy Headlights
02-04-17, 01:24 PM
#1
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
Hazy Headlights
My headlights are hazy. And I'm not happy. 
I'm a little surprised that they look like this but then I remember that this car was built 2/12. She's getting old...
SO what do you guys recommend? I'm hesitant using one of the basic restorer kits but if there's nothing else I can do I'll have to go that route.
I'm a little surprised that they look like this but then I remember that this car was built 2/12. She's getting old...SO what do you guys recommend? I'm hesitant using one of the basic restorer kits but if there's nothing else I can do I'll have to go that route.
02-04-17, 01:42 PM
#3
Those definitely need a restore! Besides looks, might be losing some light output as well.
It depends on how much time and effort you want to invest, but the best route is wet sanding down and polishing. You want to get the very very top layer of faded plastic off the headlight. Starting with 800 grit, then to 1000 and then to finer grits like 2000 and 3000 until its smooth and ready for polishing. Then polish away.
I've used the inexpensive 3M restoration kit on my daily beater and it worked great. When I get around to doing the GS I'll use some higher quality sandpaper and polish.
Check this vid for an example of the process:
It depends on how much time and effort you want to invest, but the best route is wet sanding down and polishing. You want to get the very very top layer of faded plastic off the headlight. Starting with 800 grit, then to 1000 and then to finer grits like 2000 and 3000 until its smooth and ready for polishing. Then polish away.
I've used the inexpensive 3M restoration kit on my daily beater and it worked great. When I get around to doing the GS I'll use some higher quality sandpaper and polish.
Check this vid for an example of the process:
02-04-17, 02:16 PM
#4
Lexus Fanatic
I'd let a pro do it. They'll do it for like $50.
Good news is its easily fixed.
Good news is its easily fixed.
02-04-17, 07:09 PM
#7
You can sand them with 800/1000/2000 wetsand, then you can polish them. But the most important thing to do on these is SEALING them. Most of the people who restore headlghts never seal them, they will turn right back if you don't do this. I use sonax polimer net sheild on mine, then I also have another headlight sealer you can get at s local auto store and put that on top. Without UV protection it goes right back.
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02-05-17, 06:11 AM
#8
No need to wetsand your headlights or buy any headlight restoration kits. Just get one of these,
Squeeze some of that ScartchX on your microfiber pad, you don't need a lot. Start polishing your headlights with circular motion, you'll need to apply slight pressure.
Wait until the compound is fully dry, then use a clean and dry towel to clean the area.
Done!
I found this by pure accident while getting the swirl marks off my bumper.......
Squeeze some of that ScartchX on your microfiber pad, you don't need a lot. Start polishing your headlights with circular motion, you'll need to apply slight pressure.
Wait until the compound is fully dry, then use a clean and dry towel to clean the area.
Done!
I found this by pure accident while getting the swirl marks off my bumper.......
Last edited by SNiiP3R; 02-05-17 at 06:15 AM.
02-05-17, 06:17 AM
#9
Lexus Fanatic
The Scratch X isn't going to work on really clouded lenses, and its not going to work nearly as well as a more aggressive job including sanding, etc.
Based on my experience, his headlights require a machine polish at minimum, and perhaps sanding.
Based on my experience, his headlights require a machine polish at minimum, and perhaps sanding.
02-05-17, 06:21 AM
#10
Mine were worst than his, the ScatchX got rid of it all. It will not work if your lenses are starting to change color, become yellowish..ect
But for minor things like that it works well. The only down side, you may have to do this every other month. Which is not an issue, it only takes 5 minutes.
02-05-17, 06:33 AM
#11
Lexus Fanatic
Mine were worst than his, the ScatchX got rid of it all. It will not work if your lenses are starting to change color, become yellowish..ect
But for minor things like that it works well. The only down side, you may have to do this every other month. Which is not an issue, it only takes 5 minutes.
But for minor things like that it works well. The only down side, you may have to do this every other month. Which is not an issue, it only takes 5 minutes.
02-05-17, 07:35 AM
#12
Lead Lap
Just remember that if you polish the headlights, you HAVE to put a layer of UV protection on them, otherwise they'll just turn yellow MUCH quicker next time. AMMONYC has a video on YouTube about this. Search for it.
02-05-17, 07:51 AM
#13
Lexus Champion
02-05-17, 09:03 AM
#14
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
Awesome, thanks guys. I may buy the ScratchX and UV protectant to hold me over until I have time to find a good detailer to restore them. I have a buffer I may use with the ScratchX.
02-05-17, 09:42 AM
#15
You can sand them with 800/1000/2000 wetsand, then you can polish them. But the most important thing to do on these is SEALING them. Most of the people who restore headlghts never seal them, they will turn right back if you don't do this. I use sonax polimer net sheild on mine, then I also have another headlight sealer you can get at s local auto store and put that on top. Without UV protection it goes right back.