Yellowed Headlights Cleaning Tips!

sphereman · 08-21-02, 02:01 AM

Hello.

Today I used 1500 grit sandpapers and 3M rubbing compounds to clean my yellowed headlights and the result was OK. But I couldn't make them as shiny or crystal-clear as new. I only polished the outside of the headlight housings.

My question is 'using 1000 grit sandpapers will get the yellow out more effectively?'

i've read 'novus' and 'plexi' brand compounds work great but couldn't find anywhere in my neighborhood. is 3M compound good enough?

I will post some before and after pics later this week.
thanks.

Aznteazer · 08-21-02, 02:14 AM

Do you need any tools to do this job?

Like...Buffer, Drill, ....

Or can you just clean it with hands

I don't have any tools to actually even attempt to start cleaning my headlights

sphereman · 08-21-02, 02:26 AM

well, i just used a soft cloth for buffing. it would have been easier if i had a polisher machine, but i don't think it is necessary.

sandpapers are about 4 bucks
3M rubbing compouns 7 bucks and basically that is all you need (at least in my case)

EmeraldLexuSC3 · 08-21-02, 03:50 AM

You can usually find 'novus' and 'plexi' products
at your nearby TOYOTA dealership.
Even if you don't find it there, just the confused look on the
TOYOTA salespeople faces; when you drive up in Lexus,
is worth the trip.

Jmai22 · 08-21-02, 05:01 AM

go search for my thread on my headlights. the subject some things like "i fuzucked up my headlights."

4HUN · 08-21-02, 05:32 AM

I just did my highbeams this past weekend and they came out really nice. I did them by hand. I used 1500, then 2000 grit wetsand paper. then I used the 3m rubbing compound. I finished it with the polishing compound and then took out the fine scracthes with 3m finishing compound. The pics dont really show how much better they look. In the sun they look just like brand new. I was about to buy some new ones, but thanks to the people at CL, I jsut cleaned up mine. I wouldnt have thought to wetsand out my lenses.

4HUN · 08-21-02, 05:34 AM

Its 3:30 a.m, dark, and in the garage. These are the best I can do!!

4HUN · 08-21-02, 05:36 AM

A pic of the compounds I used. It might be able to help out someone.....

sphereman · 08-21-02, 02:22 PM

4Hun.

so you used, 3M rubbing compounds, polishing compounds and then 3M finishing compounds??

what brand is polishing compounds and where did you get it?
thanks for the pics!

black sc · 08-21-02, 02:58 PM

Uhhh..., is rubbing compound a good idea putting on plastic? It may not be compatable. It may actually have cause the plastic to smear permanently. I am not sure of this but, I think something meant for plastic would be more effective.

4HUN · 08-21-02, 05:05 PM

sphereman, The polishing compound is just some cheap turtle wax product. It worked just fine. All the other stuff was 3m. I got the polishing compound at a chain auto store. The other compounds are from a specialty auto paint store. I had them left over from when I wetsanded out my truck.

black sc, I was hesitant to use it on my headlights, however, It couldnt come out looking any worse. I dont see why rubbing coumpound would ruin anything. It is virtually the same as sand paper. The compoud is just like using a 2500 grit wet sand paper. Im sure plastic products may work better but I had great results using what I did. Honestly, they came out looking just like brand new. The pictures really dont show it. If I have some time next weekend I am going to do my headlights. They really dont need it, however they arent as "smooth" as my highbeams are now.

I hope this helps out. There are some other threads that show what to do with some specialty plastic products. If you are afraid "for some reason" then just use those products instead.

Also when I used the rubbing coumpound and polishing compounds I used a DAMP terry cloth towel. That probaly makes it less harsh on the lenses. Good luck. Any other questions, feel free to ask.

Richard Clark · 08-21-02, 05:24 PM

TOOOOOOO complicated guys.
Maguires make a product called Scratch Remover, it comes in a black tube and you can get it at Target,
It works great on Lexus plastic low beam headlight covers. Wipe it on, let it dry and RUB it off. 15 mins. and you are done, do it twice and they are new. [for awhile]
A friend at Lexus tells me that tooth paste is just as good.
I would not mess with the high beams...I think they are glass.

sphereman · 08-21-02, 06:33 PM

thanks, 4Hun.

after sandpapering, i've only used 3M rubbing compounds. do you think using polishing compounds and finishing compounds will make my headlights clearer?

pcmw · 08-21-02, 10:04 PM

I agree.... use only stuff for plastic on plastic.

The rest of that stuff may or may not change form/color with the heat of the lamp etc... Novus/meguires/etc all make a plastic polish.

Do it right and do it once.

MW

lex400sc · 08-22-02, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Richard Clark
TOOOOOOO complicated guys.
Maguires make a product called Scratch Remover, it comes in a black tube and you can get it at Target,
It works great on Lexus plastic low beam headlight covers. Wipe it on, let it dry and RUB it off. 15 mins. and you are done, do it twice and they are new. [for awhile]
A friend at Lexus tells me that tooth paste is just as good.
I would not mess with the high beams...I think they are glass.

Hmm toothpaste, never thought of that. If I use the stuff with tartar control and whitening, will that help take the mildew stains off?