ROYALISF

My 08 headlights are just like many others and are starting to become oxidized and have that yellowish tint on them. The previous owner replaced one (which still looks brand new) right before I purchased it and it just drives me crazy since the other one looks dated and pretty ugly. My question would be has anyone had a body shop sand and polish the headlights and afterwards apply a light clear to them to keep them looking new? Or would it be better to just sand and polish the one older one to it's original look. Thanks in advance guys!

ISF4life

iTrader: (30)

Toothpaste will do the trick ��

bnizzle87

Toothpaste will work if you're in a bind and don't have any rubbing compound or headlight restorer. My advice is to tape the area of the headlight, presuming you're not taking them off the bumper itself, applying rubbing compound, and using an orbital polisher essentially heat it up and bring back the clarity and luster. Honestly, I'm not a fan of the sanding, unless it's a last resort. If the process isn't done correctly, it can leave a scratch that makes it friggin' impossible to remove or even touch up.

I had a similar situation, as mine was oxidized from water condensation within. Thank goodness it didn't really get to the ballast, so my friend and I were able to salvage that and the bulbs to transfer to the new headlights. Otherwise, for an 08, my current headlights don't look old or faded at all. I joke that it gave me an excuse to upgrade to the LED headlights, but I found a deal I couldn't pass up.

ROYALISF

Thanks for the advice. I'll tackle that one weekend now that the weather is better. It's not horribly back especially after a good wash just compared to a brand new headlight on one side it can definitely be pointed out haha

isfvss

The one thing that works the best and cheapest is AUTOSOL metal polish and finish with any car wax you wont believe it yes you can go and buy all the expensive ones if you want to and waste money. I have done dozens of lights thank me later cheers.

Jz39

iTrader: (2)

Use Zaino glass polish and do not rub in circles!!! Polish in a linear fashion to not swirl them up. Then I bought the Phillips headlight restorer kit just for the cleaner and UV protectant, in fact, I just did this last night on my2004 G Coupe. Headlights look brand new.

zen

iTrader: (6)

I took the headlight lenses off since after the outside is polished, I found inside was oxidized too. Also I wrapped them with 3M protection film to slow down the future oxidization and to prevent rock chips.

jdmSW20

iTrader: (12)

i had a good friend of mine who is a detailer buff and polish mine. he then used some sort of seal on them and when I asked how long will it last, he told me it should be for a long long time. headlights still look good and that was last year when he did it

808newbie

yep i use metal polish as well

isfvss

This is so easy its funny just seal it with car wax ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

shadowman

iTrader: (2)

Just a heads up, after you get polish and get out the yellow, make sure to seal it. I read up that you need to hit with few coats of clear coat. Otherwise, it will yellow back in a short while.

Here's a youtube video of using multiple wet sanding and getting it back to factory condition:


Looks time consuming. My daily is starting to yellow too... so I will try this out in the summer.

Jz39

iTrader: (2)

Yes, definitely seal it. I'm not sure wax would be durable enough. The Phillips sealant is fairly thick and leaves a
layer on there after a few coats.

isfvss

Look I did the Autosol metal polish and then just normal car wax 1 year ago and it is still perfect, it is that simple. If it is really bad wet sand but good luck

jdmSW20

iTrader: (12)

yeah my detailer buddy used a sealant on mine after he was done cause wax will only last so long. still look perfect and whatever sealant he used, water just rolls right off them too haha