Clear coating headlights

1997tacomav6 · Jul 19, 2020

4xdog said: ↑

I've used the Griot's Garage headlight restoration kit on several cars, with excellent results. The sanding pad in that kit is a Micro Mesh Soft Touch sanding pad in 2400 grit. It does a terrific job wet sanding. The key to their system, IMO (as one who's worked in polymer science and coatings for forty years...) is their UV clearcoat spray. It lays down well, covers the sanding marks just right and probably with some "tooth" to the sanded surface at the same time, and cures well on a sunny day.

It's pricey for what it is, and the can of clear is definitely stingy, but the kit works extremely well.

Here are some images on my RX350 before, during, and after. A year and a half later they look exactly like the day they were refinished.

Click to expand...

FYI
I did this to my speed o cluster clear plastic lens, same concept.
It look like new now,

joe25rs · Jul 20, 2020

Apollo14 said: ↑

Lamin-x is great stuff! I had them on previous vehicles and it does wonders to keep UV damage to lenses. But I think they don’t make them for third gen tacos bc of the complex shape on the outer lens. You could get a universal kit but, again, you may have less than optimal results when making the corners. It has limited stretch ability
Click to expand...

@Apollo14

Cool, this was the positive feedback I was hoping for.
I went ahead and ordered a universal kit. I figure it’s worth a shot for the protection it offers.

suaveflooder · Jul 20, 2020

4xdog said: ↑

I've used the Griot's Garage headlight restoration kit on several cars, with excellent results. The sanding pad in that kit is a Micro Mesh Soft Touch sanding pad in 2400 grit. It does a terrific job wet sanding. The key to their system, IMO (as one who's worked in polymer science and coatings for forty years...) is their UV clearcoat spray. It lays down well, covers the sanding marks just right and probably with some "tooth" to the sanded surface at the same time, and cures well on a sunny day.

It's pricey for what it is, and the can of clear is definitely stingy, but the kit works extremely well.

Here are some images on my RX350 before, during, and after. A year and a half later they look exactly like the day they were refinished.

Click to expand...

Those look fantastic!!!!! Love that they are cheaper than a body shop!

crashnburn80 · Jul 20, 2020

joe25rs said: ↑

I recently purchased a new set of OEM lights ($!) that I would like to protect from UV damage. I’m considering applying Lamin-X clear film on the lights to help protect them. (The film also offers a small amount of protection impact damage from chips, so that is an added bonus.)

https://lamin-x.com/two-6-x-12-universal-film-covers.html

Does anyone have experience with this product good, or bad to share? @Apollo14 ?
Click to expand...

I'd refrain from any stick on film, you see just as many posts about how the coating has failed and won't come off destroying the headlight rather than prolonging its life. If using a UV stabilizing coating, look at some applied coating, whether spray on or rub on type of coating, but definitely not a stick on film.

joe25rs · Jul 21, 2020

crashnburn80 said: ↑

I'd refrain from any stick on film, you see just as many posts about how the coating has failed and won't come off destroying the headlight rather than prolonging its life. If using a UV stabilizing coating, look at some applied coating, whether spray on or rub on type of coating, but definitely not a stick on film.
Click to expand...

Eek! This is not what I wanted to hear. I suppose it is back to the drawing board and time to look into the coatings you mentioned. Hopefully I can cancel my order without penalty.

Fernando · Jul 21, 2020

Had this same thing happen to my retros. Guess i went to fine on the sandpaper. I bought a new set off Amazon. When i get around to it, ill separate both housings and re-install my retros

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Clear coating headlights

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1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

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Clear coating headlights

#61 1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

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#61
1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

#62
joe25rs Well-Known Member

#63
suaveflooder Well-Known Member

#64
crashnburn80 Vehicle Design Engineer

#65
joe25rs Well-Known Member

#66
Fernando Hammerdown

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