Decided to tackle my non working parking sensors today. Bumper off, diagnose, broken wire at connector on center sensor...damn it. Not enough to solder, so found one on a whole harness on eBay for cheap money. Now on to polishing the driving lights, etc etc. Also wanted to replace the "Swoosh" light bulb. Done. Bumper came off pretty easily. Just take your time with clips/fastners.


Looks Naked


Before.....

This kit was recommended on Youtube. Worked pretty well. I will stick to my tried and true method-1st step-400 wet sand, than to 1000, than to 2000. Then polish with 3m cutting compound and a green foam pad on my drill. Get it close with that than on to 3M fine polish with a blue foam pad. Happy to elaborate if anyone needs more info. Results speak for themselves!

After



Open hole is where the swoosh bulb goes.

 

Would you mind providing more details about polishing the headlights? My headlights are due to be reconditioned, so I am looking for any useful information. Are you going to put UV protection coating once the polishing is done?

 

Sure, will do my best. Here are links to what I used. The Sylvannia kit comes with a clear coat/UV protection. I did my headlights a few weeks ago and it is working well. Time will tell.

The key is that there is no quick and easy ways to do this. Take your time with the different grades of wet sanding. Than after the 2000 grit, start polishing with the more course compound and fast speed on drill. Don't push hard with drill, let compound do it's thing. Probably took me 15 min per driving light.

 

It's a lot of work to do it right, I have a bunch of mobile detailers near me and one of them is a master at headlights. He only charges $80 a light and they are truly like new, warranty is two years no conditions apply.

 

It's a lot of work to do it right, I have a bunch of mobile detailers near me and one of them is a master at headlights. He only charges $80 a light and they are truly like new, warranty is two years no conditions apply. Well worth it in my case to have him do it

 

I've been using this Blue magic stuff to clear up foggy / cloudy headlights for over 15 years on many different headlights. The best part is it only takes a few minutes on each headlight to clear them up. While it doesn't remove scratches or sand pitting it absolutely can clear a cloudy lens to near clear. For the time and effort involved it drastically improves the amount of light that passes out of a neglected headlight.

I've used it on my family's cars, to them the headlights look like new. Oddly enough the results last for many years. The trick I've discovered is to work a few square inches at a time switching to clean paper towels often. The liquid needs to be worked into the lens while rubbing with a paper towel. For those that don't have the time to do a full headlight restoration this stuff is great.

 

...Guys. After polish you MUST apply UV-protector coat... Google 'toyota headlight restore kit'. NEVER leave clear plastic as-is after using cutting compounds. You'll get yellowing in a month or so...

 

Why are the front wheels off? Is that to gain better access to the clips and such around wheel well (to get the bumper off)?

 

I figure that's a given....

 

Yes, you have to remove the screws for the front inner fender wheel well plastic to get access to the corner screws for bumper removal. I was also removing the headlights to access the swoosh bulb replacement.

 

Wow, you have been busy!

 

A labor of love! And to catch up on deferred maintenance