Notices

Cleaning/Restoring headlamps? Help!

Thread Tools
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Apr 1, 2010 | 10:44 PM
  #1  
absoluterx8's Avatar
Thread Starter
Better Rx-8, than never!
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore, MD
Cleaning/Restoring headlamps? Help!

Has anyone attempted to clean or restore their headlamps? I have seen/heard of people using kits that come with cleaners, sandpaper, resin, etc. I'm not too keen on the idea personally, and to be honest the lenses aren't that bad. There is a slight haze on what seems to be the outside of the lenses that I would like to remove to get the lenses close to being like they were new. The car is an 04 with HID if it matters; any suggestions/tips would be appreciated.
Reply
Old Apr 2, 2010 | 12:01 AM
  #2  
SARRAS's Avatar
Sydney, Australia
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 202
Likes: 1
From: Sydney, Australia
Originally Posted by absoluterx8
Has anyone attempted to clean or restore their headlamps? I have seen/heard of people using kits that come with cleaners, sandpaper, resin, etc. I'm not too keen on the idea personally, and to be honest the lenses aren't that bad. There is a slight haze on what seems to be the outside of the lenses that I would like to remove to get the lenses close to being like they were new. The car is an 04 with HID if it matters; any suggestions/tips would be appreciated.
Metal polish works wonders - I use this product:

http://www.5min.com/Video/Cleaning-a...olish-30112578
Reply
Old Apr 2, 2010 | 09:04 PM
  #3  
sanchezrx8's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: miami
i just did mines 2 days ago theres this kit buy turtle wax its the best 10 dollars ive spent came out looking like new as long as u do it right. took me about 20 mins on each headlight and its not hard at all
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2010 | 08:03 PM
  #4  
absoluterx8's Avatar
Thread Starter
Better Rx-8, than never!
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore, MD
Very cool. Thanks for the advice!
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2010 | 08:09 PM
  #5  
ZumnRx8's Avatar
RX8 & RX7 owner
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,172
Likes: 3
From: So. California







How to:

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...ad.php?t=20994
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2010 | 10:50 PM
  #6  
woogie_mcw's Avatar
Registered
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Sand Springs, OK
I use #m buffing compound but not everyone has access to a good buffer. The turtle wax kit does work very well just be sure you take your time and do it right
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2010 | 08:34 AM
  #7  
Lunacy's Avatar
Registered Abuser
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 346
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Mine were in bad shape when i bought the car.

I went to autozone and bought a $20 headlight restoration kit. All you need is an electric sander. Did the process about 3 times and it looks new.
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2010 | 09:21 AM
  #8  
kwikslvr's Avatar
Rotary User
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, OH
i think im going to do this soon, i've noticed mine are starting to look kind of crappy. thanks for the info :-)
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2010 | 09:24 AM
  #9  
heyarnold69's Avatar
Rotary wanabee
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,978
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
i got this buffer from a scratch kit fix ... helps with the process
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2010 | 10:43 AM
  #10  
cjkim's Avatar
^noob
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,340
Likes: 1
From: socal
be wary. polish/sand down too deep and you'll hit the UV coating.
I'd seal after just to be safe.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...lant-idea.html
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2010 | 11:03 AM
  #11  
J8635621's Avatar
Pew Pew Pew
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,344
Likes: 128
From: Waco
http://www.amazon.com/GlassyLite-Pre...0569783&sr=8-7 I recommend this one. Super easy and impossible to mess up. It also comes with a sealant to put on afterwards.
Reply
Old Apr 7, 2010 | 04:23 PM
  #12  
absoluterx8's Avatar
Thread Starter
Better Rx-8, than never!
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore, MD
Sweet! I wound up using Meguiar's PlastX and the results are near perfect! I understand that the headlamps will never look factory new after six years, but for what they looked like before they are 100% better. Thanks everyone for the advice.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
akagc
RX-8's For Sale/Wanted
7
Aug 11, 2015 07:07 PM
fray
Series I Exterior Appearance and Body Kits
19
Jun 25, 2008 02:12 PM
RX8dunn
Series I Tech Garage
22
May 20, 2008 04:51 PM
Aratinga
Series I Trouble Shooting
11
Dec 21, 2005 12:49 AM
Hammer
Mazmart
2
Feb 3, 2005 11:42 AM



You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:55 AM.