myculito

iTrader: (1)

Just finished doing this to my IS350 this weekend, along with my parent's 2005 Nissan Frontier and 2003 Honda Accord.

I used the Meguiar's Heavy Duty Restoration Kit. Advance Auto parts frequently has it for $24.99: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_2-stp-headlight-restoration-kit-meguiar's_10048582-p?searchTerm=headlight+restoration


Just a few tips, if you are going to do this with your car:
- Make sure you use painter's tape, and mask well! An obvious step, but important
- Be sure to use a corded drill. DO NOT USE CORDLESS!
- When doing the sanding (1000 Grit left-right, 3000 grit up-down) be conscious of how much pressure you are applying to the headlight. You want to make sure you are using even pressure, and PLENTY OF WATER
- I recommend doing at least 2 passes with the Plastx (included with the kit)
- I recommend doing at least 2 coats of the protectant (also included in the kit)
- If you look at the Accord-Passenger-Before photo below, it has a weird, thick *** coating that some a-hole put on the Accord headlight during a detailing. The supplied 1000 grit was not enough to remove it, so I had to purchase a pack of 800 grit sandpaper from the auto parts store, also doing wetsanding with lots of water. This should not be necessary for most applications though.

Here were my Results:
Frontier - Passenger - Before:


Frontier - Passenger - After:


Frontier - Driver - Before:


Frontier - Driver - After:


Accord - Passenger - Before:


Accord - Passenger - After:


Accord - Driver - After:


If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know.

karasha

iTrader: (5)

FYI -- When you sand your headlights, you have removed the factory UV protectant on the headlights (it was already history anyways, that is why your headlights were hazing). The Meguiar's headlight protectant that comes with this kit is pretty unspecific on how long it lasts. Does it last 2-3 weeks? A month?

I would advise you to invest in Optimum Opti-Lens. It will protect your headlights from UV degradation (hazing) for 2 years.

Jman8108

iTrader: (2)

After I restored my headlights I just always give them a good coat or two of wax with the car for that very reason and it's seemed to work great thus far.

iNfectious

iTrader: (6)

Any reason to use a corded drill? Even speed and unlimited power?

GiantsFan

iTrader: (9)

Im guessing its so you don't have to keep replacing the batteries

myculito

iTrader: (1)

The instructions also recommend using a corded drill. I think it's just for keeping the speed more consistent.

rickslexLS

Great job! Just know the top coat has a life-span..

I was caught in the restoration loop with my LS400 doing the job every 18 months or so. A few years ago, after restoring (I think I used the 3M kit) I purchases the pre-cut protecter film from Xpel.. they still look new 3-4yrs later! Haven't had to touch my HIDs since

-------------------------
2006 LS430
1999 LS400

Sffd103

iTrader: (16)

Nice job. Yeah, maybes headlight clear bra would save it from happening again.

pmanliu

iTrader: (4)

An alternative DIY sealant you can use after sanding/buffing is a 50/50 mix of mineral spirits and high gloss urethane. Just wipe on with a shop towel and let it dry.

jleeIS

So assuming I do a good enough job of restoration, I would be able to apply the film no issues, rather than having to keep sealing it? I'm thinking that may be a better option for me.

biiishplz

I'm really surprised to hear this. I guess I just assumed the '98'-'00 LS400s still had glass headlights like my dad's '96 and my mom's former '91 LS. Shame on Lexus for that!

rickslexLS

Indeed! I get compliments on my headlights even to this day years later. The film is tough (even against rocks), its cut to spec (fits the curves perfectly), no yellowing or haziness, and is guaranteed for 7yrs. It was $80 when I purchased it 4yrs ago, so that's roughly $12/yr for perfect showroom quality HLs!

Kit covers all FRONT lamps... head, fog, signal, reflector if applicable

rickslexLS

Yes, it's plastic... it has it's pros & cons.

dong888

iTrader: (1)

for someone with limited budget, I have used Brasso ($4, metal polish) to clean lens. Basically buff out the haze with it. 15mins will restore up to 90% of factory shine. Spend more time buffing (or with buffing tool) will achieve even better quality. I then use Plexus (plastic cleaner) to finish the surface and it can seal too.

dtexan

I'm really curious to try this product.

http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-opti...t-coating.html