Yeap that's pretty much what the 3m kit has except they give you the sandpaper and polishing compound with applicator so its all handled.

But your solution is allot cheaper lol.

 

Try using the Eagle One NevrDull wads. It's a little tin can filled with petroleum soaked wads that you rip off and rub into the affected area, let it sit for about 5 minutes until it hazes over and then use a terry or microfiber to rub it off. The primary use of this product is as a metal cleaner but it really does work wonders on dull, hazy headlights!

 

nevr dull is great stuff

 

3M Restore kit.

before



aftur

 

RainX makes a restoration kit as well. I got busted by the cops in VA for tinted headlights lol. i used the RainX kit and it took the tint off with ease, also i used the same kit on an Altima with really bad yellowing and oxide on the lens. RainX also made these look brand new. The kit comes with 3 progressively finer sanding blocks with lubrication, plastic polish, and a sealer to prolong the finish. It cost me about 14-15 dollars at Advanced Auto.

 

Orbit?

 

Thanks Shady for the pix. All i needed to see. Buying kit today. My headlights look just like your "before" from the highway and all the suicidal bugs that have a vendetta against me.

 

No worries man, just make sure you polish the headlights every 6 months with plastic polish otherwise they will get slightly hazy.

 

I used Turtle's product & was very happy with the results. Its been 2 months since using it in the hot Florida & Georgia heat, no problems yet. Still clear & looks like new. Heard others with no success using Turtles lens cleaner but its relative to the amount of damage or work required. My 2 cents.

 

3m restore kit did well for me in regards to eliminating most of the scratches and what not, but the "fog" film that is easily seen at night with headlights on is still there no matter how often I used it. Trying another rubbing compound in hopes it's the exterior only and not the inside.

 

Hmm I have no fog on mine, if it didn't come off when you sanded them down it most likely is internal...

 

I saw this ad on tv, check it out... https://www.tryfastbrite.com/?tag=im...a_bid=26d6f896

 

Thanks for this.. Had some I used on my exhaust tips an worked great on my headlights..

 

apply (mother's) chrome polish...wipe clean...clear as air...

 

don't use a magic eraser with toothpaste. ruined mine that way and now have to get the 3m kit

 

I tried both the rainx kit as well as the turtle kit. Both had the same issue. When you apply the final wet cloth, the headlights get extremely clear and look great, but within an hour, they get extremely cloudy. Its very strange because I whiped it like a mother****** per the instructions.

Anyways I got frustrated and went to the meguiars kit because it was a bit of a different system with the polishing bit. Worked fantastic. I'd deff recommend that 1. Results looked pretty similar to the ones shady posted (although those kinda blow my mind how much of a restore that is). Only problem is no it doesnt last that long. I'd say every month I have to do it again.

 

Warning, Thread Revival..

There is one mention of a clear coat after they are cleaned. Is that the way to go? What would you coat it with? Clear touch up spray can? Or, would a set of the clear headlight bug protector film things do the trick?

 

I wouldn't clear coat headlights, waxing it lightly, maybe.

 

Just heard from a co-worker. Honda dealership "treated" hers and "cleared" them. Lifetime warranty on the work. Any thoughts?

 

UV Sealer-Helmsman Spar Urethane

Headlight Restoration-new UV sealant idea - Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum

Once you do a restoration that involves sanding, you'll need to protect the lens from hazing up again.

I did a full 3 grade sandpaper sand and polish then covered them in UV Sealer-Helmsman Spar Urethane about 3 years ago. They look perfect still.

 

I just use a bottle of Meguiar's Ultimate Compound and a rag. Works well and is pretty cheap too. I have to do it every so often...but it doesn't take long. My headlights were terrible when I got my 8...now they're crystal clear haha

 

@ Rickeo

Thanks, That is what I was looking for. The fact that I have half a gallon of clear urethane and a spray gun I am dying to use, makes this even better. I also have to pull the front bumper soon...

MIke

 

I'm sorry I did not take a before picture, but it was not my intentions to post the results in the first place. The last two pictures are a before and after, but the drivers side was in much better shape than the passenger. I just had some free time and decided to try the Mcguires I purchased back in March. I was very impressed with the results. If you don't focus on the edges they could almost pass for brand new. I am very pleased with this. I'm sure the other products probably work just as well. This one had the sand paper and the polish. It took about 10 minutes per side, so it's not even very labor intensive.

 

Anything that is smooth and plastic, you can wet sand with soapy water and then polish (paint is a plastic).

As you wet sand look very close, you will see what is coming off (chips,scratches,orange peel). Do it right, you will have a show quality finish. I have done 20-30 headlights and tail lights this way, Some I have tinted with a wet sand. Differently need a good buffer to bring out that shine.

I have spray bombed an entire car metallic black. After wet sanding it, looked better than a factory paint job. I have a pic if you would like to see.