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headlight restoration

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by beefcake, Jun 16, 2010.

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  1. Jun 16, 2010 at 9:11 AM
    #1
    beefcake

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    beefcake [OP] J-rob

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    hey guys my truck had the typical oxidation on the headlight lenses and i want to get them cleaned up. Whats the best way of doing this? taking the whole housing off? whats the best brand of headlight restoration kits? i also found a set of four housings (marker lamps and headlights) on ebay for $93 im weighing options here, but would like some opinions! thanks
     
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    beefcake, Jun 16, 2010
    #1
  2. Jun 16, 2010 at 9:37 AM
    #2
    98tacoma27

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    98tacoma27 is going full "SANDWICH" Moderator

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    98tacoma27, Jun 16, 2010
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  3. Jun 16, 2010 at 9:44 AM
    #3
    motoxmann

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    motoxmann Well-Known Member

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    motoxmann, Jun 16, 2010
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  4. Jun 16, 2010 at 9:48 AM
    #4
    steve o 77

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    steve o 77 braaap

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    polishing compound and wax.

    IMG_2485_1da4bb5caa277558d996c103c402907144851160.jpg
     
    steve o 77, Jun 16, 2010
    #4
  5. Jun 16, 2010 at 10:00 AM
    #5
    sirsaechao

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    sirsaechao Well-Known Member

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    A lift, some wheels, some tires, some performance, some cosmetic and then audio.
    After you do that, I would seal it cause it will go right back to fogging or yellowing.
     
    sirsaechao, Jun 16, 2010
    #5
  6. Jun 16, 2010 at 10:26 AM
    #6
    beefcake

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    beefcake [OP] J-rob

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    do you just do the outside of them? or inside and out?
     
    beefcake, Jun 16, 2010
    #6
  7. Jun 16, 2010 at 10:37 AM
    #7
    Madjik_Man

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    Madjik_Man The Rembrandt of Rattle Can

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    Just the outside
     
    Madjik_Man, Jun 16, 2010
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  8. Jun 16, 2010 at 11:19 AM
    #8
    96er

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    96er Sport Rally'er

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    Depending on the severity, I'd even go to a wetsand with 800, 1200, 1500, THEN compound, polish, seal.

    Or you could buy a 95.5-97 and just buy new sealed beam replacements!
     
    96er, Jun 16, 2010
    #8
  9. Jun 16, 2010 at 2:52 PM
    #9
    Digiratus

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    Did you do your bug deflector too?
     
    Digiratus, Jun 16, 2010
    #9
  10. Jun 16, 2010 at 2:53 PM
    #10
    steve o 77

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    steve o 77 braaap

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    no, its only 2 years old.
     
    steve o 77, Jun 16, 2010
    #10
  11. Jun 16, 2010 at 2:55 PM
    #11
    Digiratus

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    Digiratus Adventurer

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    Mine deflector is looking very cloudy. I wonder if polishing compound would take the oxidization off of it too?
     
    Digiratus, Jun 16, 2010
    #11
  12. Jun 16, 2010 at 2:56 PM
    #12
    steve o 77

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    steve o 77 braaap

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    Probably. Or you could try a cleaner wax.
     
    steve o 77, Jun 16, 2010
    #12
  13. Jun 16, 2010 at 2:59 PM
    #13
    Digiratus

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    Digiratus Adventurer

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    I think I'm gonna do something. Right now I can't look at the front without noticing how dull its looking. :(
     
    Digiratus, Jun 16, 2010
    #13
  14. Jun 16, 2010 at 3:44 PM
    #14
    toycar18

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    toycar18 Well-Known Member

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    The 3M kit is the best kit. It has different grit sanding pads to use with a drill for wet sanding and finishes with rubbing compound.
     
    toycar18, Jun 16, 2010
    #14
  15. Jun 16, 2010 at 6:20 PM
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    shitroc

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    shitroc Master of War

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    i use the meguires headlight polish,works great just put some elbow grease into er. the boys on the show "Trucks" cleaned a set of headlights using just toothpaste.
     
    shitroc, Jun 16, 2010
    #15
  16. Jun 17, 2010 at 8:39 AM
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    Madjik_Man

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    Madjik_Man The Rembrandt of Rattle Can

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    Madjik_Man, Jun 17, 2010
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  17. Jun 17, 2010 at 8:42 AM
    #17
    98tacoma27

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    98tacoma27 is going full "SANDWICH" Moderator

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    Some stuff. Not a lot, just some.
    You should be able to get it at Walmart or your local auto parts store.
     
    98tacoma27, Jun 17, 2010
    #17
  18. Jun 17, 2010 at 8:59 AM
    #18
    01wrtaco

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    01wrtaco New Member

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    Thanks for the info guys, my headlights look pretty yellow.
     
    01wrtaco, Jun 17, 2010
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  19. Jun 17, 2010 at 9:02 AM
    #19
    Viet2100

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    Viet2100 Well-Known Member

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    What did you guys use to seal it?
     
    Viet2100, Jun 17, 2010
    #19
  20. Jun 17, 2010 at 9:11 AM
    #20
    steve o 77

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    steve o 77 braaap

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    wax
     
    steve o 77, Jun 17, 2010
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3M™ Headlight Lens Restoration System 39008, 4/Case
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