Headlight restore issue
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Headlight restore issue
I have a problem. I have removed my headlights to use the 3m headlight restore kit and it seems to not have worked. I did this on the inside and outside of the lens. I am not sure why it is not working. Is it because I did the inside of the lens? Or because I am doing the kit wrong? Any help is appreciated.
Rookie
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: MI
If your lights are very yellow or have visible scratches you will have to be more aggressive. I have wet sanded with as coarse as 600 grit working up to 1500 grit (also wet) then using ultimate compound with foam pads.
I believe the general idea is to start as gentle as possible to gauge the amount of removal required. You did this as the kits you buy tend to be pretty safe.
I now use the same foam pads and 7" buffer that I use on the car. More power and quicker. You have to watch the amount of heat you are building up on the lens-you don't want the lens to get hot.
I believe the general idea is to start as gentle as possible to gauge the amount of removal required. You did this as the kits you buy tend to be pretty safe.
I now use the same foam pads and 7" buffer that I use on the car. More power and quicker. You have to watch the amount of heat you are building up on the lens-you don't want the lens to get hot.
CL Community Team
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,916
Likes: 227
From: Alabama
If you have used coarse sandpaper or pad to take down the yellowed or fogged surface you will have to come back up with finer grades of paper or pads and finally finish with a polisher. Once the surface has been rough sanded to remove oxidized layer you have to then re-finish and re-polish it to bring it back to perfectly smooth crystal clarity. And put wax and/or sealant with UV protection on it frequently to protect surface from UV
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Racer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,856
Likes: 87
From: TX
And yes... you either need to be aggressive with a mild abrasive (rubbing compound) or not so aggressive with a not so mild abrasive. In the end you'll need to use a mild abrasive to polish it out and get the scratches out... this does work, but it takes time and elbow grease. I've done it on a few vehicles and it makes a world of difference. I finish it up with a couple of coats of was on the plastic. Never bought a kit, the rubbing compound with micro fiber towels has always worked well for me.
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Was going to make a thread about this same issue...im goin thru it too. My lights werent THAT bad but I knew they could be better and happened to see one of those "as seen on tv" kits at FRYs. I bought it...used it and it made my lights worse....much worse 
thats what i get for being lazy and not wanting to sand them the proper way
thats what i get for being lazy and not wanting to sand them the proper way
After speaking with a few body shops, who obviously sand and paint many items, there is no miracle fix. Wet sanding to remove the oxidation does work but obviously you also remove the protective coating that protects the plastic. I was also told that spraying a clear coat was also not a good idea. Besides continued cleaning / sanding an waxing to protect the plastic there seems to be no real fix to the oxidation and discoloration.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,761
Likes: 250
From: AZ
It's a shame there's no cost effective way to simply replace the plastic lens. If you went to a dealer, you'd probably be looking at over $2,000 for a pair of headlight assemblies.
On many cars, there's aftermarket support that make this economical, but not LS430s.
I'd recommend buying one of the better headlight restore kits. 3M and Sylvania both make a highly rated one.
On many cars, there's aftermarket support that make this economical, but not LS430s.
I'd recommend buying one of the better headlight restore kits. 3M and Sylvania both make a highly rated one.
CL Community Team
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,916
Likes: 227
From: Alabama
Granted my car is garaged but I keep it clean and wax a couple of times a year, including wax on headlight plastic. The car is a 2006 but the headlight plastic lenses are crystal clear and still look brand new. Keeping the lenses clean and waxed helps fight oxidation but my guess is that being garaged during the day out of the sun 90% of the time makes the most difference.
Best result is wet sand and finish off with a DA. If you don't have a DA but have a wood sander. It work almost the same. Just attach a microfiber towel and use whatever product you want to cute and polish it. I saw this on YouTube. Tacky as it sound but it worked well. Oh and I use a product called "303" on my headlight lens. One of the best stuff against UV.