alchemist

iTrader: (1)

The other day I took my 2001 Tacoma into Sam's Club to get new Michelin's put on and noticed a flyer for headlight restoration. For $40 and a 5 year warranty I decided to give it a shot. This is not just an application of 3M or turtlewax headlight compound which only lasts a month, but an application similar to this process in which the material alone would cost ~$40:

http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...ation-process/

My truck is parked outside in the sun and elements and really needed some headlight TLC. I thought they did a great job...taped off the front of the vehicle, used sandpaper in multiple steps with varying grits, then polish, then UV-activated clear coat.

Today, I decided to take in the wife's RX330 which needed the headlight restoration as well. Results below. I'll circle back in a year and let you know how they hold up.

BEFORE




AFTER

Alexbenz

i've done this myself, you need to touch up on the lights every so often or add a uv sealant every 6 months to a year

kickin8

iTrader: (1)

you can use this to seal after polishing

http://www.rustoleum.com/product-cat...a-cover/clear/

bagwell

Matte clear? uhh no.

Lexuswiz

iTrader: (1)

I would not use this, go for high gloss. The matte leaves a slight haze to it. I used the matte on my Camry and regret it heavily but I haven't redone it since its holding well, it the yellowing returns ill resurface it again and go with high gloss.

EthanS

I've had no luck with the UV sealants after cleaning up my headlights multiple times. Perhaps it's because I live in AZ, and there is PLENTY of UV to go around.
After polishing the headlights and applying UV sealant on the same car a number of times over the years, I finally decided to try a clear film/tint overlay. It has held up better than any sealant or spray coating thus far. Over a year later and its still perfect. Picked up 4 square feet of clear tint on Amazon for like $15. Easily enough to apply myself because LS400 headlights are flat and rectangular. Might not be quite so easy to apply on other models.
Just FYI!

EDIT: I am certain that if I ever have to remove the clear tint it will leave an adhesive residue on the headlight. However,
1) at this rate, I should never have to remove the film
2) Some Goof-Off or Goo-Gone should clean that residue right off.

cdnewton

It has been over a year, curious how the lights look ... thanks.

professorm

I have been using a product I just discovered Rustoleum Wipe New on my Trim. It says it can also be used to seal headlights. The reviews looks pretty good for headlights as well.