ES214

My headlights are foggy and have water trapped inside. Is this something I can do myself?

Chocolate

Yes, get yourself a rotary buffer - not a random orbital, they are hard to control - buffing pads, and polishing compound. You can use either PlastX or another, they're all mild abrasives, to remove the oxidation.

Once this is done, you'll want to use either a layer of clear vinyl or a coat of wax to keep them clear.

Oro

Depending upon how UV damaged they are, this may help but not really fix it. I did A LOT of polishing and it improved them and my beam color and coherence. But the appearance is still pretty yellowed and returns quickly after polishing. To really get them looking nice, you will likely need to sand before polishing, then clear-coat them and polish again. If you google this you can find lots of DIY videos and help.

ES214

Thank you for the detailed response. I always assumed that the oxidized and faded look was due to the inside of the headlights and not the exterior. Is that incorrect? Also, can your process apply to the inside of the headlights as well?

speedkar9

If you've got water inside and its foggy that's due to condensation and not hazing.

You will need to reseal the headlines (silicone) and dry them out with a hair drier. Make sure the rubber rings around the bulbs are intact and not letting any moisture in the lens.

Protect the outside of the lens with vinyl wrap. I've done it on my cars and they've been holding up for over a year so far:

01ESgray

I have used number of products only to find this Youtube video "Headlight Restoration Part 1" that makes the best sense. I started with 3M Headlight Restoration Kit at Walmart.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/3M-Headlig...n-Kit/13023890
and purchased the products he suggested at the best delivered internet site price.
Enjoy, I have

ES214

Thank you for the suggestions. I've heard good things about the products mentioned. I'm going to watch the videos and decide what the best option will be for me.

ES214

Thanks for the suggestions. Can you recommend where I can find sand paper. Also, what brands do you recommend for the Polish and clear coat?

Chocolate

Amazon or Home Depot, the finer the grit the better IMO.

Here's what you can use both on paint and plastic, though you will want to use a softer pad and slower speed with paint. Slower is better to keep the heat down.

Cutting compound

then

Polishing compound

Depending on the condition of your lights, you may be able to skip the sandpaper and just go the buffing/polishing route, but if the hazing is pretty significant you'll want to use it.

DRACO A5OG

600 grit sand paper and lots of water, sand evenly then spray clear coat on it, Voila, new lens :-)

If you get clear coat with UV protectant, repair will last longer.

ES214

Thanks, Draco. You've been very helpful this past week. Can you suggest a clear coat product?

ES214

I'm sure I could look this up but what's the difference between compound, polish, and clear coat? And are these headlight specific products or is this same compound/polish/clear coat that is used on the paint of a car?

LeX2K

2K Spraymax is probably the most durable but you MUST wear a proper breather. that have positive reviews.

DRACO A5OG

I just cleaned my MIL's Prius Gen1 Light after HID kit, wow what a difference.

I just used what I had on the shelf, Acrylic, not the best but did the trick.

I am digging the 2K SprayMax. Maybe next time.

Chocolate

Compound has very fine abrasives to restore a paint finish, which is followed by polish and then sealant or wax. It makes a huge improvement to the appearance of the paint after 10 years. That was the main reason I bought a rotary buffer. The same process also works to remove surface oxidation/wear on the headlights.