LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

Headlamp restoration

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Old 04-05-17, 02:04 PM
  #16  
sha4000
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Originally Posted by EthanS
I was using the Meguiar's headlight restore kit (that also includes a UV coating) every 6-9 months on my 99LS for almost 3 years before finally doing it one last time, but right when I was done I applied a clear protective film over each headlight. Over a year has passed of daily driving it and they look like the day 1 result. It takes a little extra effort to get the film on without any bubbles or folds and I anticipated this, so I ordered enough film for 5-6 attempts.
If I were to do it again (however I don't believe I will have to) I'd do the Sylvania kit that YODAONE has shown us here, but still add that film for a final protective layer. It seems to really help. I got 5 or 6 square feet on Amazon for about $20 shipped. Pretty sure it was 3M.

Thanks again YODAONE. Your informative and thorough posts are much appreciated.
What film are you talking about?
Old 04-05-17, 04:46 PM
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EthanS
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Originally Posted by sha4000
What film are you talking about?
Lamin-x, WeatherTech, 3M and I'm sure other companies all have their own version of 'clear bra', 'paint protection film', 'headlight protective film', etc.. Many of the name brands provide film pre-cut to fit your particular headlight. I did not buy a name brand film so I had to cut the film to shape, but not a big deal with a flat and rectangular LS400 headlight. Also, I think I saved some money this way. I sourced my film from a trusted Amazon vendor that had a large number of good reviews and virtually no bad reviews. I think it was around $20 shipped for 4 or 5 sq ft of the stuff.
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Old 04-05-17, 07:40 PM
  #18  
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Oh ok. I've seen that stuff on the net.
Old 10-11-18, 10:00 PM
  #19  
Yamae
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After reading posts here I have decided to try the Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit back in May 2017 and posted the result here.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ml#post9853351

17 months have passed since then and now the headlight is hazy and yellowish again. I'd say the kit was not as good as I have expected.

May 2017 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------> October 2018

Old 10-12-18, 09:39 AM
  #20  
YODAONE
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Originally Posted by Yamae
After reading posts here I have decided to try the Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit back in May 2017 and posted the result here.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ml#post9853351

17 months have passed since then and now the headlight is hazy and yellowish again. I'd say the kit was not as good as I have expected.

May 2017 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------> October 2018
An image taken of mine today(overcast day)...several years later.




I laid the UV coating on thick and heated it with a work lamp.

What did the OEM use that lasted so long?

Probably two part.

Anyone with a line on durable UV coating options for plastic headlamp lenses?

Last edited by YODAONE; 10-12-18 at 02:33 PM.
Old 10-14-18, 08:00 PM
  #21  
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Came out well! My favorite kit so far is the 3M kit that comes with the drill attachment. But this time around I will be trying the Rust-Oleum branded restore kit. It's a bit of a random find, but the kit seems very similar to the 3M kit.
Old 10-15-18, 06:59 AM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by AndrewRM
Came out well! My favorite kit so far is the 3M kit that comes with the drill attachment. But this time around I will be trying the Rust-Oleum branded restore kit. It's a bit of a random find, but the kit seems very similar to the 3M kit.
Can you post images of contents of both kits...

A majority of kits out there are lacking necessary UV clearcoat

Meanwhile , anyone with suggestions on a.UV rated OEM quality clearcoat for plastic headlamp lenses??

While the Sylvania kit makes sn effort, the UV coating does not last as long as OEM..

Probably a two-part something...

Thanks

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