Cloudy lens after 3M headlight kit

Yellow wax

 

For what you pay for those kits, you can buy the sandpaper and do multiple sets of headlights.

 

Fixed that for you guys.

 

What UV protectant and sealer Would you suggest? That’s in the kits also.

 

Yellow wax won't do much of anything. It has zero abrasives to polish with and if used as a protectant, won't last very long. It does provide a rather unique warm shine on properly prepared paint though.

 

I would recommend using Sylvanias kit and following instructions carefully. My results were very impressive!

 

I don't know what's in the kit but I've used the Meguiar's clear coat spray and had good results. It's an actual clear coat paint with the UV inhibitor built in. One can should do two sets of headlights.
I've never bought a headlight kit before, just used fine buffing compound, alcohol wipe and coat.
In my opinion, even with that light haze, you still have a better headlight than you can buy aftermarket.
Give it another buffing and it should clear up some.

 

Thanks. Some of the aftermarket ones look good, but I know the quality is nowhere near like an OEM part, usually. I'm going to give it another shot in a little while and see if I can clear up that lens some.

 

Nah I'll stick to my Chrysler they are the worst and kinda started the need for all of this.

 

YouTube is blocked at work so I hope this link works:


If it doesn't work, google 'how to restore headlights permanently - youtube - chrisfix'. It should be the 12:47 video. It'll show the sandpaper method.

-J

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/headlight-restoration.660133/

I used the Maguire's 2 step kit. Plenty of their solution left after one round. Just need to source more abrasive paper. May even do a 3 step and go finer for the last sanding. Remember, NO PRESSURE.

 

Ok, so I went back with the 800 to get back to a base, and then I followed it up with 3000 grit wet sand. I tried to use as little pressure as possible, with just enough to keep the drill pad steady. I used ample amounts of rubbing compound and buffed it out with microfiber clothes. I think it's about as good as it's going to get now, and I'm satisfied enough with it. It could probably be even a little clearer but I'm done messing with it.

 

Lol. They really just do suck, but Toyota is in the same arena as them. I don't call one worst than the other. Ours are just as garbage as theirs.

 

I just used this kit on my truck, with similar headlight hazyness to OP and it turned out really clear. While the sanding and polishing are important, the final clear coat applicator is really what made the difference. My headlights look brand new. OP may also want to checkout Project Farm's review on the different kits out there. Sylvania was the best:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDB5U4QUdD0

 

I’m lucky enough that I have an automotive paint supplier by me. When I do them I go have him put automotive clear in a spray can. 3 coats and polish and then customer can take care of like paint wash, wax etc .

 

I changed the fog bulbs the other day in the rain and now as you can see in the picture, they have condensation in them. I'm going to take the bulbs out on a clear sunny day here soon and let those housings completely dry out before replacing them.

 

Ok, so my last step for this restoration attempt was a wet sand with 5000 grit paper followed up with Maguire's Ultimate polishing compound. The results I've been looking for. That was the missing step in really bringing out the clarity that the rubbing compound could only take so far. Happy camper!

 

I just use this:



With polishing compound on my random orbit sander. Crystal clear. But clouds up in about six months again. No problem cause it takes like 5 minutes to do once a year or so.

 

which compound do you use?

 

I use McKees 37 headlight ceramic coating