hey guys, I could use some advice on headlight restoration.

The weak link with restoration always seems to be finding a suitable UV block product. I wonder what the OEMs are using? I wonder if anyone would talk?

 

Taco09 depending on who ya ask some people say there's no uv protection other than the properties of the plastic itself. Probably a dead end trying to get info from the oems. Best bet is treat with a sealer like some have suggested as preventive maintenance just like washing waxing etc with a quality product .

 

I bought a cheap Armor All kit from Walmart the other day- before:


After:


It comes with UV sealant wipes...if i can get a few months out of it then i'll be happy.

 

Yeah, thanks. I've just been curious why the OEM lasts for a long tine and the DIY techniques seem to need redone more frequently. If true what are they doing different? I suspect you are right.

 

I’ve done this as well, and the results were surprisingly very good! I used the headlight UV coating I had from another kit instead of wax, though. 6 months later and my headlights are holding up nicely with minimal “maintenance.”

 

I did the whole sanding and buffing kit , not sure from where , on my wifes Odyssey . It looked great for about four months then it started fogging up again. Im trying the ArmorAll wipes next .

 

3M kit from autozone worked great for me

 

Yes. Apply a sealer or coating to the headlight regularly.

The honest problem is, most people unkowingly abuse their vehicle by washing it improperly. A lot of people go through autowashes or use the self service bays or handwash at home with improper soaps.
Using any other method than the two bucket will increase the chances of paint damage while washing but more importantly the use of the aggressive detergents in the auto washes (or Dawn Dish soap) will strip nearly all products off a vehicle as well as lead to dehydration if plastics and rubbers.

So some people may wax or coat their headlights but the product dissapears the next wash. So always use pH balanced soaps and avoid autowashes like the plague.

If one were to use optimal wash methods a sealer would last 6-12 months on the headlights depending on climate and wash frequency.

Coatings are best as they are typically semi-permanent and last a couple years even with abusive wash methods. But they are expensive.

Because the more you buff down the plastic the faster it oxodizes.

Original is best. Thats why prevention is best with this.

 

Off Spray with high levels of Deet is a quick and easy fix if the lights are not terrible. Odds are if you are ridin’ dirty their not staying clean that long

 

I've had mixed results. I'm not saying it isn't worth a try. It will definitely make them better. the lens is plenty thick enough to take some off. The more you grind off with sandpaper the harder it can be to get them clear and shiny again. I like using the pad on cordless drill. And a good sealant is a mist no matter what. Don't get the cheap stuff and put it on every so often.

On the other hand some of the haze can actually be on the inside surface of the light and there is no easy way to resolve. My headlights are better than before but I'll probably just get some Depo lights soon enough for $150 or so it's probably worth it.

Agreed. I should do mine more often.

 

3m kit is awesome, went from yellow and pitted to new on my wifes car. I have never had yellowing. My wife did, and she never washes her car. I wash my truck, then hit with with 303 aerospace which has UV blockers.

You also said you have aftermarket lights. I wonder if those are the same quality as OEM ones. I hear they have a special coating. For some of the prices i see on aftermarket lights, i doubt they are made as well.

 

Same here.

 

Here’s a pic of my lights 2 1/2 years post Meguires Heavy Duty Headlight Restore. I just go over them every couple months with UV protectant.

 

I polished my headlights for a couple of years. But I got tired of repolishing them every two months. I bought new aftermarket headlights at a bargain price, but they started leaking and were fogging up. Also, the optics were not good quality. So they were not much of a bargain after all. I then purchased a new set of Toyota Headlights and what a difference. Fit correctly and did not even have to adjust the beam. They fit right and even came with new correct bulbs. Make my Taco look new. Lesson is always purchase Genuine Toyota Parts, just be sure you purchase them from a Olathe Toyota, as they offer discounts.

 

I was going to suggest 303 also it has uv blockers in it and it safe on plastic

 

My truck has had 3M on the headlights and hood, roof etc since new. I scratched the headlights' 3M with an old squeegee by mistake two summers ago. I was annoyed at myself that I did it but relieved after I realized it was the 3M I scratched and not the actual lights themselves. I had my 3M replaced and I was amazed my headlights looked brand new. Zero yellowing at this point and my truck is now 9 years old. I'd definitely recommend getting that film after they're restored to protect them.

 

I would get something besides 303 that will stay on the headlight after it rains. At minimum a quality sealant.