I recently purchased a 2006 IS350 and it's in perfect condition minus the cloudy/foggy headlights and fogs. Does anyone have and tips or tricks to clear these up? I'd like to see if anyone has cleaned them up without buying a restoration kit.

 

wet sand and buff really easy. Look on youtube to see how its done.

 

I wouldn't sand them down yet. Try a mild polish like Meguiars PlastX and see if that takes it out

 

Meguiars Plastx works great... I've been using that product for years, all my headlights still look new.

I use it for my 06 is350 and 08 ISF, my mom's 05 GX470... and prius

 

+3 for Plastix

I've been using it since 2011. It was also good at breaking down the calcium buildup along the center line chrome molding on my GS. Super easy to use for someone who doesn't want to try the more involved options. Down side... you will need to keep doing it about 2 times a month to keep them looking good. Plus side... it takes less than 5 minutes.

 

Just did my 08's headlights using toothpaste/damp sponge.Took all of 20 min

 

Using a wax or buffing the lights is just like putting a band aide over the oxidation. It works for a little while but you still have to re-wax or buff the lights over and over again every few weeks to months. Plus the more you buff or wetsand your lights, the more that protective coating on the lense goes away. So the best way, in my opinion, would be to wetsand the lights and then clear coat them to put that UV protection back on the lens But you need to use a clear coat mixed with a hardener applied with a spray gun to get that protection you want. Using a rattle can clear coat will not give you the UV protection youre looking for.

 

^ Very nice. That would be my preferred method. However if you dont have access to a spray booth or the equipment, opti coat is a great alternative.

 

How much would this cost to have done?

 

It's going to vary depending on where you go. It should be between $100-$200 though

 

Anyone know the cheapest alternative?

 

Sell the Lexus and start walking.

 

I realize a lot of folks here prefer the do it yourself method so this suggestion is not for you. I live in the DC area (NOT cheap) and found a local company that will come onsite to work or home and did my last car for around $50. I had that car over two more years and the headlights were just beginning to lose the fresh gleam. The gentleman set up a tent, (it was raining) and he was still in and done faster than I could have gathered everything together. For me it was a great decision for the price despite the fact that this is not actually difficult to perform.

 

just go to the auto dpt at walmart and look for chemicals to clean head lights, then use a buffer to clean them yourself. no big deal.

 

For longest lasting results, you want to use the type of clear coat that is cured using UV.