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HeadLight Restore

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by baldy54, Feb 14, 2012.

  1. Feb 14, 2012 at 8:16 AM
    #1
    baldy54

    baldy54 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Orlando, FL
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    I know this has been answered. I have look but could not find anything. I have a 06 dbl cab. And the headlightss are starting to get a haze on them. How do I make them like new again?? And what things do I need to use to make them look new again.
     
  2. Feb 14, 2012 at 8:30 AM
    #2
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    Massachusetts
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    Look for 3M's Headlight Restoration kit.
     
    DrFunker likes this.
  3. Feb 14, 2012 at 8:32 AM
    #3
    friction

    friction Well-Known Member

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    That stuff did almost nothing for my GF's old Civic. Some folks swear by it though...good luck.
     
  4. Feb 14, 2012 at 8:33 AM
    #4
    CBrva

    CBrva Well-Known Member

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  5. Feb 14, 2012 at 8:35 AM
    #5
    sfoxwoody

    sfoxwoody Well-Known Member

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    none yet
    X2 on 3M
     
  6. Feb 14, 2012 at 8:36 AM
    #6
    jdtemple

    jdtemple Well-Known Member

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  7. Feb 14, 2012 at 8:49 AM
    #7
    Lurkin

    Lurkin Well-Known Member

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    Saw an eval in Consumer Reports that listed the Syvania and 3M kits as the best. Most interesting part though was that even the best kits above showed degradation of the outer treatment after only 3 months.
     
  8. Feb 14, 2012 at 9:18 AM
    #8
    fixer5000

    fixer5000 the logical one

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    ill suggest that after you polish them nice and clear to use a product called penetrol. its a paint additive you can get from home depot for about 9 bucks. if you do it right it will last about a year in most cases.
    to do it right start with clean clear lenses. using a foam paintbrush that isnt soaked to heavily apply to headlights. you have to do this when its warm enough outside so it has at least one solid warm day to dry. if you drip it on your paint wipe it off right away. this stuff also brings back faded plastic trim that has weathered. sometimes 2 coats are needed for trim. same deal let it dry. ymmv cheaper than new lights or trim. this stuff was widely used on the jeep boards with good success
     
  9. Feb 14, 2012 at 9:20 AM
    #9
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

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    Will
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    getting there....
    I like the new mothers kit specifically for headlights.....works great. And lasts a good while as well.
     
  10. Feb 14, 2012 at 10:05 AM
    #10
    boomer6

    boomer6 Well-Known Member

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    disabled DRLs disabled seat belt chime disabled the key in the ignition with door open buzzer Installed Illuminated 4wd switch circuit board Marker lights Flashing with turn signals Toggle switch ABS Disable Fog Lights on AnyTime Mod Changed to Yellow bulbs in the Fog Lights Converted interior lights to leds Installed oem roof rack Installed Firestone Ride Rite Air Bags and Daystar Cradles for the air bags Added oil catch can Relentless Tailgate Protector installed
    Same problem here. Got headlights cleaned up ,but as stated above only seems to last 3 months. Am going to try the above suggestion of a product called Penetrol from home Depot. Will wait until summer to give it a try. Thanks for the info.
     
  11. Feb 14, 2012 at 10:41 AM
    #11
    24medic

    24medic Member

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    Nor cal
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    No matter which product you use just keep repeating till lense is clear and u have to use a sealant after or it will fog quickly
     
  12. Feb 26, 2012 at 8:04 PM
    #12
    trdracing5

    trdracing5 Well-Known Member

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    Looking at a kit to fix the lights on my Sequoia.
    I tried the 3M kit. It did not work very well. I will say the lights are no longer faded, now they are all cloudy. I am going to try another kit and then might consider replacing the lights.
     
  13. Feb 26, 2012 at 8:12 PM
    #13
    oneBIGroom

    oneBIGroom SSS

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    I've heard about lots of restoration kits, but everyone says that they help a little at first but the haze comes back fast.
     
  14. Feb 27, 2012 at 6:01 AM
    #14
    hotrod45

    hotrod45 Well-Known Member

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    paul
    sarasota fl
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    what is the name of the sealant you are using and where did you get it? i've done several lights and they come back quickly in fla. maybe the sealant is the missing ingredient.
     
  15. Feb 27, 2012 at 6:09 AM
    #15
    disk_55FL

    disk_55FL Well-Known Member

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    Buckeye
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    Autogeeks.net had a discussion about headlight restoration and using sealant ( I can't find the post now.....:mad: )....but they were doing a long term evaluation on different post cleanup sealants.....and the one that seemed to be doing the best ( longest lasting ) was a home brew mix using Minwax spar poly.

    If anyone finds that post please share ! :D
     
  16. Feb 27, 2012 at 6:25 AM
    #16
    rhowell

    rhowell Well-Known Member

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  17. Feb 27, 2012 at 6:38 AM
    #17
    rhowell

    rhowell Well-Known Member

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  18. Feb 27, 2012 at 1:35 PM
    #18
    24medic

    24medic Member

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    adjustable coil overs, mb choas, 265/74 16 wranglers intake, mag light ,
    Sealant mequirs m20. One of my buddies used couple coats of clear coat it looks good. I'm not much of a painter
     
  19. Jun 28, 2016 at 6:44 AM
    #19
    dirtnsmores

    dirtnsmores A camping truck

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    OME885/5100, DAKAR MED-DUTY, SOFTOPPER
    I have just a little bit of haze on top if the headlights. Going to use this method and some sort of sealant on the entire thing. Thanks!
     
  20. Jun 28, 2016 at 7:22 AM
    #20
    Bajatacoma

    Bajatacoma Well-Known Member

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    Just buy new headlights. I tried the 3M kit on my mom's old Buick and was not impressed. Even putting some UV resistant wax on them only delayed them fogging again. Several friends have had the same experience including those who used different kits. Considering how important good headlights are I'm just going to suck it up and buy new OEM lights whenever I get back to the US (my '05's lights are fogging as well).
     

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