biacs

The only thing that really shows the cars age is the headlights. I used rubbing compound and just buffed them by hand.

Any other kits or products folks like for headlights?

I seemed to remember replacement lenses were several hundred.
Thanks all!

Johnhav430

I wouldn't think replacement is warranted, just too expensive. But I have never been able to conclude whether a sealant should be like a clear coat product, or a wax product. I'm sure my car was done prior to sale on the used market, and I think they have a clear coat. On my Maxima, I just used comet cleanser, no joke. It would look good for 3-4 weeks, then I would do it again. I know this is not the proper way but it does work. I suppose it's taking too much off each time...

2KHarrier

On my 2001 I buff them out every 4 months or so and then just use a polish on them to keep the UV from attacking too quickly. The wax I use is called "Ice". Made by Turtle wax, if I'm not mistaken..

The 2005 headlights are pristine.

Romanova

I was looking at headlights on Yahoo Auctions Japan as the JDM ones don't have the amber insert. I know Toyota made replacement covers that came as a kit with adhesive and everything, they are just really rare.

Bocatrip

05ls430518

iTrader: (1)

I have tried a whole bunch of stuff on the headlights and your best bet is to sand with 600 then 1000, then 1500 then 2000 then 2500 then 3000 and then clean off the headlights with 99% isopropyl alcohol and use plastic bonding clear paint to put over them, such as duplicolor x2 clear spray paint.

05ls430518

iTrader: (1)

The only thing I am curious about is since they are rhd and we are lhd how the light output would work.

Johnhav430

I don't know this for a fact, but one would think the controller tells them? I always found it interesting on our cars, how much Lexus shines to the left, almost seems symmetrical to the right. BMW shines very little to the left, and a lot to the right, I guess the idea is to not blind oncoming traffic...

JffGRY706

I use Plastx by Meguiars. headlights are crystal clear.

Patiolamp

If it is any consult, I wet sand with 1500 or 2000 until all scratches and degraded plastic are gone, they should have an even dull look, then I buff real good with turtle wax polishing compound with renew Rx, and finally with Meguiars scratch X2.0. They come out crystal clear and typically last a year or so. I have a 2003 gs and it gets pummeled with abrasive salt over the Canadian winters.

My buddy has done the sand, wet sand and isoprop followed with clear, it looks good but you have to watch for overspray (even if you mask real good) and use light thin coats so it does not run.

Thecar

On my prior car, I found Plastx to work well (and very cheap, too). I haven't tried it on the LS430 yet though.

Johnhav430

This Meguiars kit seems to apply a coating in their process, that they say lasts a year. I get the distinct feeling my headlights (on my used car purchased 10/16) has a clear coat on the lights, and they are still clear today.

Bocatrip

Regardless of what method is used, unless finished with a sealant (clear coat) plan on repeating the process chosen on a regular basis. Once the factory sealant is gone and the headlights discolor, sanding will remove the oxidation to a dull finish. Finally it is the the sealant that makes the headlights transparent again and what keeps the oxidation from continually coming back.

Atomsplitr

I just replaced mine using the oem kit from Yahoo auction jp. Kinda pricey but worth it!

Patiolamp

I 100% agree. UV destroys plastic even with factory added stabilizers over time.