IS - 1st Gen (2001-2005) Discussion about the IS models up to the 2005 model

headlight restoration

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Old 12-19-18, 01:37 AM
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lilativan
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Default headlight restoration

Hi ya'll,

So my headlights were/are super foggy and it got to a point where it almost felt unsafe driving at night. A buddy of mine at the body shop he works at restored them but it took him something like 10 minutes leading me to believe he just did a half *** job. Said that the problem is in the inside of the headlight assembly. So, if that is the case, is it worth $120 to have it done by a professional detailer or...
Old 01-01-19, 01:47 PM
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rvalero
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I wet sanded and polished my headlights to clear up the lenses. The next day, I had them protected with a clear bra. That was in 2009, and I haven't had any issues with them yet. I was told that there is a protective coating on both the inside and outside. If you restore the outside of your lenses, you need to replace the protective coating. If you do anything to the inside of the lenses, throw them away. I have never even opened my headlights before, so I can't confirm the second part of my statement, but I've heard that from a reputable source. Good luck.
Old 01-20-19, 01:08 PM
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1997Soarer
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My headlights have the same problem yours have. I restored the outside of mine myself. It made a big difference... However I discovered that half of the problem is the other side of the lenses. At some point years ago they fogged up.
There is no way to clean the inside without taking the lenses off. I'm currently debating the idea of just buying new aftermarket depo lights or used lights in better condition
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