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Yellow headlight

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Newfiebruh, Jun 19, 2019.

  1. Jun 19, 2019 at 11:37 AM
    #1
    Newfiebruh

    Newfiebruh [OP] Well-Known Member

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    LED's, Tonneau cover, Fog lights, Front mud flaps, Cooper discoverer a/t3 tires, Tailgate reinforce, Cruise control, LED ditch lights, Bluedriver, 8-ball shift knob, Hitch, SR5 grille.
    Hey guys, I’m wondering if you know any good ways to seal the headlights after a polish. I’ve been doing the polish / wax method but it’s doesn't last too long. Here’s a pic of today, couldn’t find my orbital polisher so it’s about 10mins per headlight by hand
    AEA548F1-342C-46E2-83F1-838A513B87B9.jpg 2E31486D-F377-41B0-A4AE-A09A04D4CED8.jpg 99C5B3E9-4847-483B-AD08-CB728CB933DA.jpg
     
  2. Jun 19, 2019 at 12:20 PM
    #2
    b_r_o

    b_r_o Beef jerky time

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    3m makes a pretty good resto kit, its available at O'Reilly's. It should have the sealer compound that goes on after the cut/buff
     
  3. Jun 19, 2019 at 12:33 PM
    #3
    Todd_Kobell

    Todd_Kobell Well-Known Member

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    I used the Sylvania Headlight Restoration kit this past weekend, worked a charm. It includes the new UV coat that goes on after the sanding and polishing. $20, but it's the entire kit, and I didn't already have any of the stuff.'

    I can say I might've been a little heavy-handed with the 400 grit first step, as there were some swirls left over that I couldn't get out with the 1000/2000. Nothing serious though.
     
  4. Jun 19, 2019 at 12:36 PM
    #4
    will.i.was

    will.i.was Well-Known Member

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    Wet sand from 1000-2000 grit. From there you can do one of two things:

    1. Buff with plasti-x and aggressive pad on a DA or rotary buffer. I use a Makita rotary @ 5000 with a wool pad. Apply Meguiar's cleaner carnauba wax with applicator pad and let dry to a haze and wipe off with microfiber cloth. Takes a few passes to really clear it up. Lasts me about 4-6 months here in the extreme UV and heat we have in Texas.

    2. Reclear with Spraymax 2k clearcoat after wetsanding to 2000 grit. Utilize Spraymax by going light on first two coats and then 2-3 thick coats but do not let it run. Let cure overnight.

    I find re-clearing the headlights gives you more longevity with the lenses but may have to be redone in 2-3 years and any extreme weather conditions may present a situation where you will have to buff them once a year.
     
    2015WhiteOR likes this.
  5. Jun 19, 2019 at 1:48 PM
    #5
    Newfiebruh

    Newfiebruh [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yeah I’m not really looking for an entire kit, the polishing seems to be adequate, I’m just trying to find uv protectant coatings that I can put on afterwards
     
  6. Jun 19, 2019 at 1:53 PM
    #6
    will.i.was

    will.i.was Well-Known Member

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    Here's a picture I took after the plasti-x buffing and before wax. The wax really helps in keeping your newly polished headlight nice and clear.

    sketch-1560977542739.jpg
     
    2015WhiteOR likes this.
  7. Jun 19, 2019 at 1:59 PM
    #7
    coopcooper

    coopcooper certified youtube mechanic

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    spraying them with clear has the best results imo, I used to wet sand and polish but then switched to clear coat and its way better and lasts way longer.
     
  8. Jun 19, 2019 at 10:35 PM
    #8
    3Dog

    3Dog good boy

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    The BEST method to keep them looking good after you polish them, is to apply clear PPF (paint protection film). Your lens will not oxidize with film applied, lasts as long as the film. I am on 6 years so far on a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Xpel makes cut-to-fit kits specific to vehicles, so you can do it yourself. Just like applying window tint. I did not use a kit for my Tacoma, I had a professional put clear PPF film on the headlights and fogs when he tinted the front windows.
     
  9. Jun 19, 2019 at 10:47 PM
    #9
    TnShooter

    TnShooter The TacomaWorld Stray

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  10. Jun 19, 2019 at 11:24 PM
    #10
    runner05

    runner05 Well-Known Member

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    I used Opti Lens before and it worked great.
     
  11. Jun 19, 2019 at 11:54 PM
    #11
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 Vehicle Design Engineer

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  12. Jun 20, 2019 at 4:54 AM
    #12
    Newfiebruh

    Newfiebruh [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I’ve been leaning towards this, I’ve seen a few people mention this and there a few guys that apply ppf locally. Maybe buff them really good then apply it. I mean it shouldn’t oxidize if it’s sealed like that
     
  13. Jul 12, 2019 at 11:29 AM
    #13
    Newfiebruh

    Newfiebruh [OP] Well-Known Member

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    LED's, Tonneau cover, Fog lights, Front mud flaps, Cooper discoverer a/t3 tires, Tailgate reinforce, Cruise control, LED ditch lights, Bluedriver, 8-ball shift knob, Hitch, SR5 grille.
    Little update: decided to try plastx, the reviews don’t lie.
    9400D335-6419-4A02-B5F1-BFFFDA44F691.jpg
     
  14. Jul 12, 2019 at 6:34 PM
    #14
    gotoman1969

    gotoman1969 Well-Known Member

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    had my paint and body guy, sand with 1000 then 2000 grit. cleared with high quality automotive clear. if you take care of them like you do you paint they should last for years with no issues.
     
  15. Jul 12, 2019 at 7:37 PM
    #15
    winkel

    winkel Well-Known Member

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    On my Corolla, I used the Meguiar's clear coat afterward. Just mask off an area around it and spray it on. After polish, I wiped the lenses really well with alcohol to remove any wax or foreign residue.
     
  16. Jul 13, 2019 at 10:24 PM
    #16
    jtaco11

    jtaco11 Well-Known Member

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    All these headlight restore kit tend to go back again. Get a good set of oem off craigslist or if u dont mind aftermarket.
     
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