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No More Foggy Headlamps!!!

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by NelsonTacoma, Oct 14, 2011.

  1. Oct 14, 2011 at 5:40 PM
    #1
    NelsonTacoma

    NelsonTacoma [OP] This is my derpawayinator!!!!!

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    So I had some extra time at work today and after washing & waxing the Tacoma I was staring at my headlamps and was disappointed by the fogginess. So I talked to our paint/body guy and he showed my how to do it. Just got some very fine sand paper and wet sanded the lenses by hand. Then used a power buffer and some buffing compound from Meguiars. Very happy with the results. Took about 10 mins. Been needing to do this for over a year, should have done it sooner.

    Before:
    [​IMG]

    After:
    [​IMG]

    My advice on this would be to do the headlamps before the wash. I had to re-wash the front end after I was done with them.
     
  2. Oct 14, 2011 at 5:50 PM
    #2
    stmpjmpr

    stmpjmpr Well-Known Member

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    nice work. mine still good but will do as you did when I need it.
     
  3. Oct 14, 2011 at 5:52 PM
    #3
    jr114

    jr114 Well-Known Member

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    what grit did you wind up going with. planning on washing tomorrow and this needs to get done on my truck as well
     
  4. Oct 14, 2011 at 5:54 PM
    #4
    w8n4mud

    w8n4mud I'm back.

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    Looks good. I've seen many Tacomas with headlights in need of some TLC. Good call doing it now.
     
  5. Oct 14, 2011 at 5:54 PM
    #5
    NelsonTacoma

    NelsonTacoma [OP] This is my derpawayinator!!!!!

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    Bilstein 5100's , 6000k HID Hi/Low Kit, Magnaflow Muffler, 1.5 inch AP Wheel Spacers, Mudflap Delete
    To be honest I don't know the exact grit. It was VERY soft and smooth. Didn't really feel like sandpaper at all. And you don't have to worry about messing up the body/paint around the lens the sandpaper is way to soft to hurt it.

    Edit: I googled and found this video. Says 1600 or 600. I think it depends on how bad the fogging is.

    http://www.ehow.com/video_2327659_headlight-restoration-600-grit-sandpaper.html

    http://www.ehow.com/video_2327662_headlight-restoration-1600-grit-sandpaper.html
     
  6. Oct 14, 2011 at 5:55 PM
    #6
    707tothe907

    707tothe907 Superior Member

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    So like a 1500 or 2000 grit?
     
  7. Oct 14, 2011 at 5:58 PM
    #7
    yotamikez

    yotamikez Street glide or die

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    I need to do this... looks sharp.
     
  8. Oct 14, 2011 at 5:58 PM
    #8
    NelsonTacoma

    NelsonTacoma [OP] This is my derpawayinator!!!!!

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    I was just editing my above post. Yeah, 1500 or 2000 should work. Just depends on the severity of the fogginess.
     
  9. Oct 14, 2011 at 6:00 PM
    #9
    NelsonTacoma

    NelsonTacoma [OP] This is my derpawayinator!!!!!

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    Bilstein 5100's , 6000k HID Hi/Low Kit, Magnaflow Muffler, 1.5 inch AP Wheel Spacers, Mudflap Delete
    Thanks guys for the positive feed back. I'm VERY happy with the results. Kind of disappointed with myself for waiting for so long to do it. The headlamps were like this when I bought it last year.
     
  10. Oct 14, 2011 at 6:05 PM
    #10
    scott572011

    scott572011 Well-Known Member

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    could possibility be a wet paper what color was the paper?

    GARAGE SHOT DR SIDE FRONT TO REAR.jpg
     
  11. Oct 14, 2011 at 6:07 PM
    #11
    NelsonTacoma

    NelsonTacoma [OP] This is my derpawayinator!!!!!

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    06 PreRunner TRD Sport 03 4Runner Limited 4wd
    Bilstein 5100's , 6000k HID Hi/Low Kit, Magnaflow Muffler, 1.5 inch AP Wheel Spacers, Mudflap Delete
    It was a very light green color.
     

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