How To: Restore you hazed headlights.

Not going to be easy to wipe away the runs...


but seriously, you may need to wait for it to dry and repeat the process only you could start w/ a 2 or 3k grit wetsanding. No need to redo the whole process.

 

On another note. I don't know how much all of that material costs but uglyheadlights has a great kit for around 30 iirc that does the same thing and includes wetsanding paper, cleaner and sealant. Just another option for people who want to do this

 

reading this was worth opening this thread. damn, funny!! hahhaha.

the sig is amazing. bam just needs to post up to put his sig in the mix.

 

Subd

 

I have tried all sorts of the stuff they sell at the auto parts store to restore headlights, and all of them have fogged and yellowed within a month or two, even with using a UV protectant. I tried this DIY this past week, and I have to say, the initial results are promising. The headlights appear perfectly clear...it really is the best of everything I have tried. I will update as time progresses and add pics when I get some! Definitely recommend!

 

def need to do this spring.

 

Mine are awful, I even had a new one put in last year and its already getting bad too.

 

im assuming something like this would work too?

$20 RUST-OLEUM 250081 12 oz Outdoor Clear Gloss Spray

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VIX0B2/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Not sure if it would be the smoothest result via spray though

 

resurrection updates??

 

Yes. Updates please!!! And again regarding putting this on new housings, I assume nothing would need to be done except a good cleaning to remove oils and fingerprints and whatnot, then apply the sealer?

 

I did the Sylvania Restore kit a couple of weeks ago and am very happy with the results.

 

So here is my update...I started to see the top coat getting a little darker after about a year and a half. I just wet sanded them with 3000 and reapplied the top coat again. Super simple and they look brand new again. Totally worth doing this mod in my book. As for putting a coat on brand new head lights... I would just wait until they get bad to the point it bothers you and do this mod then.

 

Hey, I know this is an ancient thread, but the idea of using varnish kinda threw me for a loop.

I've used 303 Protectant on my vinyl tonneau cover, rubber and plastic trim, and my kayak deck and hull. I'm assuming that would probably work okay on the lens as well. Has anyone tried this?

For my part, I used some lapping compound and lightweight oil on a shop towel and applied some elbow grease. The results weren't as good as yours, but I didn't spend much time or work my way through the grits, either. (lazy!) Maybe in the spring I'll really polish them up nice.

Tom

 

Instead of restoring your headlights why don't you guys take it to a Toyota dealer and get a new set installed? You know there is a warranty extension if your DRL have melted the inside of the lenses and they just install a new set of headlight housings. FOR FREE!
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/336066-toyota-recall-melting-dtrls.html

 

Did mine the other day and turned out awesome

 

Tried... Wouldn't allow since past warranty expired and over 75000 miles or some bs like that. Trust me I would love a brand new set!

 

You can also just use toothpaste to remove the hazing from headlights. Just take a wet paper towel and apply a small amount of toothpaste and start working in a circular motion. I heard this on another forum and thought it was bull but decided to give it a shot since it didn't cost anything and I was very surprised on how well it did.

 

Interesting & depending on how long my current "restoration" lasts I may try this method.

Like some of you I've used the lens restoration kits and they work great for about an hour (sarcasm). This last time I restored them I used the "Wipe New" stuff (the stuff from TV that you can buy at Wal-Mart). So far I'm pleased and it seems to be holding a lot better than the kits. Apparently they sell a "Wipe New" lens restoration kit but I'm willing to bet it's the same stuff.

For the poster that asked about fixing the "runs" on his lens, the only way to fix it is to re-do it. Sorry but that's the only way.

 

Thanks... my car's look like crap. Going to try this

 

Looks like this method worked great! I used the Mothers NuLens kit and it worked fantastic as well and seems like it was a bit less effort than described here. If anyone wants to see my write up: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/detailing/341711-headlight-restoration-thread.html