What to use to clean the headlights?

[Motorhead350]

I was being followed by my own car the other night. GF was following me to Justbobs to take the K5 over. I notced the headlights looked orange almost and I have never cleaned the surface before. My passenger side light was replaced due to an accident years ago, but I have never changed the lights.

The lights seem fine, but I think I really need a good cleaning on the surface. I saw an ad for a cleaner that you use with a drill to literally buff the headlights. Is this worth it? Should I clean them in another way?

Is there anything to worry about?

Vision at night seems ok, but I bet a good cleaning would be a difference. No HIDs for me though... it would stand out. :cool:

Thanks in advance.

[hotford]

wet sand with 1500 and then polish with compound and make sure the buffing wheel is damp then wax, making sure not to apply to much pressure as you can burn the headlamp, just take your time.

[jerrym3]

I used toothpaste on my 94 TBird's headlamps.

[ctrlraven]

I use a rubbing compound, thin coat of wax and then polishing compound.

If I ever have to replace mine I will put Lamin-X on them first before being installed.

[vkirkend]

I used toothpaste on my 94 TBird's headlamps.

This works and is cheaper!!!!

[CrownVictorious]

there is a good how-to over at cv.net that has proven very successful for most the CV users who've done it including me:

http://www.crownvic.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1906516

ps: cool to see someone else from Chicago!

[4play]

you will notice that the factory headlamp has a clear coat on them. start with 400 gritt and wet sand like crazy, you will know when your through the clear coat because all of a sudden you will be getting white patches and the plastic will get soft. once all that clear coat is off, wet sand with 1000, then 2000 then polish it up to a shine with a good scratch remover, I use this http://www.autocare.es/WebRoot/StoreLES/Shops/62063137/4597/AB90/09C0/4110/C2E7/D44E/D1C6/F6B5/meguiars-scratch-x-20-_0020_swilrs-ara_00F1_azos-rayones-elimina_0020_rayones.jpg stuff for everything for faster results use a orbital buffer with the stuff, it will cut your time in 1/3

[ctrlraven]

you will notice that the factory headlamp has a clear coat on them. start with 400 gritt and wet sand like crazy, you will know when your through the clear coat because all of a sudden you will be getting white patches and the plastic will get soft. once all that clear coat is off, wet sand with 1000, then 2000 then polish it up to a shine with a good scratch remover, I use this http://www.autocare.es/WebRoot/StoreLES/Shops/62063137/4597/AB90/09C0/4110/C2E7/D44E/D1C6/F6B5/meguiars-scratch-x-20-_0020_swilrs-ara_00F1_azos-rayones-elimina_0020_rayones.jpg stuff for everything for faster results use a orbital buffer with the stuff, it will cut your time in 1/3
After all that sanding you will still need to put a sealant back on the headlight otherwise it will fade and dull again faster.

[bawazir]

buy a new one for $60 each

[sailsmen]

Crystal View kit only one I found that has the sealant. Did it a year ago and so far so good. Takes 15 minutes per head light.

[4play]

Well, I did mine last fall, polished them quickly and waxed them twice since then, still look great.

[GordonB]

Here's a second on the real answer: "buy a new one for $60 each".

Suggestion, when you put polish/wax on the body/paint, be sure to do the tail lights and the headlights as well.

GordonB

[Black_Out]

Ignore what everyone else says and use Flitz polish, either by hand or for best results with a buffer or a buffer head on a drill. You will **** your pants at the results. The stuff is great, it has a million other uses as well.

[4play]

Here's a second on the real answer: "buy a new one for $60 each".

Suggestion, when you put polish/wax on the body/paint, be sure to do the tail lights and the headlights as well.

GordonB

Linky please :beatnik:

[tbone]

Mine were ****ed up on the INSIDE!!!!! I spent $300 on 2 new OEM headlights and I LOVE them!!!!! I tried to buy aftermarket and I was not able to.........long story........and I'm very glad I wasn't able to.......

NEW headlights are one of the BEST upgrades for your car! It's the one of the FIRST things people look at as they approach your car, just like people always look you in the eye as they approach you......think about it.......

[MrBluGruv]

I think I will soon be picking up a new set of headlights myself, this way I can have the clean set and a practice set for the buffing/cleaning technique.

Is there any definitive way to try to seal the new ones to prevent the hazing? I saw mention of Lamin-X, wondered if there were any more suggestions as well as that.

[J-MAN]

I think I will soon be picking up a new set of headlights myself, this way I can have the clean set and a practice set for the buffing/cleaning technique.

Is there any definitive way to try to seal the new ones to prevent the hazing? I saw mention of Lamin-X, wondered if there were any more suggestions as well as that.

Polish-Sealant-Wax when you do the rest of the car. Treat them like you would paint. Don't forget your corner lamps and tail lights.

[Krytin]

I just tried a new product from Stoner - "Invisible Glass Headlight restoration Kit".
Two pretreated cloths in a foil package for $4 at the local AID Auto store.
Worked very nicely but the real fix is either wet sand and clear coat or replace.
I'll be wetsanding and clear coating mine before this winter.

[Marauder386]

... Never Dull Magic Wadding ... any good Marine or Squid knows this stuff...
... wipe it on ... again I say WIPE IT ON ... dry to haze ... buff off with microfiber or PowerBall ....



:cool4:

[JDC 302]

Any well known metal polish will provide Great Results.........Followed by a good coat of Ice Paste Wax.

[Rocknee]

Put some Brothers Polish on one of my headlight to ake bugs off and think some of the clearcoat came off. What is the best way to remove the rest and what kind of clearcoat to put back on?