How to clean dirty headlights?
03-19-2010, 05:16 PM
#1
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How to clean dirty headlights?
my headlights are dirty, it has that build up of calcium or some sort inside.
it makes the plastic look kind of yellowish/green but the Hid lights are still bright white.
any solutions on how to clean it?
it makes the plastic look kind of yellowish/green but the Hid lights are still bright white.
any solutions on how to clean it?
03-19-2010, 05:34 PM
#3
You can buy the 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System this kit is about 14 dollars, http://www.amazon.com/3M-Headlight-L...9037772&sr=8-1. Or for even better results call around to your local auto detailers and ask them if the use the 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System, this kit is around 500 dollars. I had Monster Coatings Inc restore my headlights and they look brand new.
03-19-2010, 05:37 PM
#4
I have tried the Meguiars Headlight Restoration kit and it works but does not last long. Came across this thread as well https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tech-garage-22/headlight-restoration-%2410-192974/
Last edited by invasion08; 03-19-2010 at 05:53 PM.
07-24-2010, 03:18 PM
#9
I just ujsed the Meguiars Headlight Restoration kit. Yes it looked clean. But when i turned on my HIDs to really see how well it cleaned the lens, there was still little spots on the lens. Is that normal? Isnt it possible to make the lens 100% clear ? When i turned on my HIDS the speckles of w.e it is, were still there 
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07-24-2010, 03:59 PM
#10
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I had mine cleared (with clear coat) after having them cleaned. I used the 3M stuff on my Subie and it worked great for about 6 months. Now the haze is back. The clear protects the plastic from re-oxidizing.
07-24-2010, 04:58 PM
#12
Meguires also has a Clear PlastiX product. You use it just like wax on your car. It clears them up really nicely. Just like some other people have experienced, you will have to periodically re-apply the cleaner, but hey...it's quick, easy, and cheap. I have used it repeatedly without any complaints. It will last for over 6 months...at least mine did.
07-24-2010, 05:17 PM
#13
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Meguires also has a Clear PlastiX product. You use it just like wax on your car. It clears them up really nicely. Just like some other people have experienced, you will have to periodically re-apply the cleaner, but hey...it's quick, easy, and cheap. I have used it repeatedly without any complaints. It will last for over 6 months...at least mine did.
07-24-2010, 08:19 PM
#14
if you mean by spots are you sure its not pitting? look at your windshield and tell me if you see the same tiny spots. If you do its pitting from sand and debris. Those you wont be able to get out without some serious sanding and or polishing which I dont recommend. After you clean them, step about 8 feet away from the car and take a look. If they look good from that distance than your fine, try not to over sweat it and just polish them until they look good from a couple feet away. They will never be pefect if your 6 inches away and they are years old, and again look at your windshield to see if you see the same pitting. If you do its really not something you can fix.
07-24-2010, 11:12 PM
#16
if you mean by spots are you sure its not pitting? look at your windshield and tell me if you see the same tiny spots. If you do its pitting from sand and debris. Those you wont be able to get out without some serious sanding and or polishing which I dont recommend. After you clean them, step about 8 feet away from the car and take a look. If they look good from that distance than your fine, try not to over sweat it and just polish them until they look good from a couple feet away. They will never be pefect if your 6 inches away and they are years old, and again look at your windshield to see if you see the same pitting. If you do its really not something you can fix.
Actually i do have sorta the same thing on my windshield too. But i can only see it when the sun hits it directly. Theyre little tiny clear spots. IS this a common thing ?
07-25-2010, 12:56 AM
#17
its called windshield pitting. and your headlights have the same damage. Its not exactly easy to repair so don't fret yourself over it and dont let it worry u.
step back over 5 feet and look at them, see if they look ok, if you polished em good enough youll be fine.
step back over 5 feet and look at them, see if they look ok, if you polished em good enough youll be fine.
Last edited by DocBeech; 07-25-2010 at 01:01 AM.
07-30-2010, 05:42 PM
#19
Is it ALWAYS on the outside? I took mine to the only detail guy in town and he told me it was on the inside and no use worrying about it. (but he also seemed kind of like a d-bag.)
But it looks like ****. And my headlights are sealed good/no water in them so I wouldnt think it would build up inside.
But it looks like ****. And my headlights are sealed good/no water in them so I wouldnt think it would build up inside.
07-31-2010, 01:43 AM
#20
+1 on the 3m kit.
While rebuilding my engine I got some parts cleaner on the headlight. Normal parts cleaner wouldn't be an issue but this was the stuff you need to wear gloves to handle. Anyways it ate into the plastic after I got some on the headlight. I also had some yellowing, scratches, pits, etc.
After about 2 hours and allot of patience I got my headlights done and they look brand new out of the box no scratches or anything. the kit comes with 4 500 grit pads 4 800 grit pads a gray pad (Its magical) and rubbing compound with a foam pad, it has a drill bit applicator thing.
Im tired point is it works. if yrou get sick of rubbing your headlights for hours to no avail buy the kit.
While rebuilding my engine I got some parts cleaner on the headlight. Normal parts cleaner wouldn't be an issue but this was the stuff you need to wear gloves to handle. Anyways it ate into the plastic after I got some on the headlight. I also had some yellowing, scratches, pits, etc.
After about 2 hours and allot of patience I got my headlights done and they look brand new out of the box no scratches or anything. the kit comes with 4 500 grit pads 4 800 grit pads a gray pad (Its magical) and rubbing compound with a foam pad, it has a drill bit applicator thing.
Im tired point is it works. if yrou get sick of rubbing your headlights for hours to no avail buy the kit.
08-21-2010, 01:17 AM
#24
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1500 wet sand...just keep sanding until the water coming off looks like white foam (will be greenish while still dirty). To finish you gotta have wax and a waxing machine though. I did my own sanding and my pops waxed it for me...took about 10 minutes total and you will spend a couple of bucks on sandpaper...if you already have waxing materials.
