mikevanle

iTrader: (1)

Hello, so I recently got my passenger headlamp replaced with a new one. Now the car looks odd because one is old and one is brand new, as you can tell in the attached picture. I've tried the Mothers headlight polish (with the ball attached to a drill) but that haven't work out.

Someone mentioned that I can use fine grit (like 2000 grit) and wetsand the headlamp? Or anyone have other alternatives? It bothers me a lot. I rather have 2 old headlamp.

YCT

It's just oxidation for the most part on your old headlamp. You can use fine grit and wet sand it down and repolish the headlamp. You should get some pretty good results based on my experiences in the past.

jimbosr1

you could have a pro do it.shouldnt be that pricey as you only need to have one done.google headlight restoration in your area.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

Agreed, a pro will do the job right, including a clear coat seal to prevent it from going bad again in a year. If you're determined to DIY, go to youtube for several how to videos.

volson

Lots of pros don't uv seal the lamp so it will look bad again in a few months. Buy the $22 Sylvania kit on amazon, it works very well.

tkblazer

here is a good video with different methods on how to restore lights

jimbosr1

i used that kit on a 01 tacoma and it works very good.you need to follow the instructions very carefully.

KING

iTrader: (1)

I think Meguiars has the best restoration kit out there. I've had astounding results with it. It will not match the brand new one %100, but with the right job and the right sealing, it will look darn close.

http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotiv...storation-kit/


If your headlight covers are cracked, kind of like a spider web looking crack, then you'd need new covers. You can find them at Central Pine, California. They can get it from Japan.

I'm planning on getting a pair after my car's build settles down a bit.

heathervb

I used a kit from Amazon called Wipe New. Comes with a tiny wet sanding pad and a packet of some mysterious substance that polishes the plastic with one quick wipe after sanding. I think it worked pretty dang good.


Before





after

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

if you were closer, i'd help ya out.

but basically just need to wet sand with 2000/2500 grit sand paper then run a polishing compound over it.

mikevanle

iTrader: (1)

Update:

So here's a little update. I wet sanded (600, 800, 1500, 2500) the headlight and painted it with Dupli-Color Clear Laquer (it was what I saw on a youtube video). The clear coat didn't dry on as clear as I'd hope, as the headlight is not clear. It's kinda blurry so the light. I will try to get a hold of an electric polisher and try to polish it up.

Here are some pics.

Here are some notes for the pictures below:

Front view (completed) | Before | After wet sanding
After clear coat | New passenger headlight

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Look good. I would not clear coat afterwards. Clear actually reflect light off the lens and they don't come clear coated from the factory. I use this product and it has worked really good. No reflection and it has preserved the lens for good while now. Eventually you will have to go back and clean it up again should have no need to sand it. Just polish.

mikevanle

iTrader: (1)

This is what it looks like after wet sanding:



Pretty much needs a clear coat. I just gotta find the right combination to make it transparent like the youtube videos make it out to be.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

My kit came with a polish that I used after wet sanding. I buffed it out with the polish and then applied the sealant. No need to clear coat it.

SW17LS

You need to polish the lenses out after sanding them, just clear coating them after that is whats giving you your cloudy appearance.

Done properly, it should look pretty darn close to the new lamp.