How to polish headlights so it lasts (re-adding UV protection)

[Daox]

I was at the store the other day and found this product on the shelf. I looked at the list of contents and it includes everything you need including: sand paper, rubbing compound with cloth, and a sealer. Not bad for $12, and less messing around for sure.

[KFM]

Nice find. I've never even looked at the list of materials in one of those, I always just assumed it'd be some compound, glass cleaner, and a few microfiber cloths, or something.

[2009Toyotoad]

I'm a big fan of the 3M headlight restore kit over anything else on the market. 500 grit,1000 grit sandings, then a water buffing and polishing. Lasts for years, in all kinds of weather conditions. Note It requires the same prep as painting, masking off the painted areas, paint protection, etc. I did my neighbor 2005 insight three years ago an they are still haze free. And she parks outside in the California sun 365.

[Daox]

The 3m kit has a sealer in it then?

[nemobuscaptain]

Originally Posted by jcp123

However, I bit the bullet and got a set of Sylvania XtraVision bulbs...night and day difference.

They do come at a price, much shorter life. Sometimes the problem is old wiring, and, especially on vws poor wiring, such as a lack of a relay.

I have had the same problems with an old CRV. Buffing compound does the trick on a buffer works best.

My autobody teacher said to spray it with clearcoat. I've seen it in a can. Don't know if that type works. (Most sprays are poor quality.)

[2000mc]

Originally Posted by jcp123

I tried cleaning my yellowed lens...it got better but still far from 100%. However, I bit the bullet and got a set of Sylvania XtraVision bulbs...night and day difference. Good headlights feel so luxurious...

I'll have to work on that lens some more. There may be no possibility of saving it. 15 years of neglect will do that...

sounds like a candidate for a 3m kit if you have a drill, very bad lenses will barely benefit from plastX alone, the first stage of the 3m kit is basically like taking your lights to a grinder untill the yellowing is gone, the rest of the kit is taking that rough lens back to to smooth and clear. the kit only comes with a foil pack of rubbing compund for the final stage. i use plastX with the foam attachment from the 3m kit to maintain the lights every so often

Originally Posted by Daox

The 3m kit has a sealer in it then?

no sealer, the masking is necessary to protect painted surfaces around the lights, especially for the early / aggressive stages

[worthrj]

I have a 1994 Corolla, parked outside in South Florida ever since new. I have never seen a lens as bad as mine....ever. I started with a 600 grit and spent lots of time with it. Then a 1000 grit, 2000, then 3000, buffing, then coat with a sealer. I usually get 4-6 good months and then it turns cloudy again. I have extremely deep cracks and scratches from all the scorching sun. I'm going to try again, but this time with a 320 grit, then 600, and on and on. I will do my best to post pictures.

[cowmeat]

Once you've stripped them down once (I use the Blue Magic now to strip them), you can keep up with them pretty easily.
I buffed Turtle's out back in the day, and they looked like new lenses. Now they just need a little maintenance every time the car is waxed.

I need to buff out Ron Burgundy's like I did on Turtle, I'm jealous looking at my handiwork from back in the day.

I agree with worthrj, the Florida sun makes anything you do to the headlights a temporary measure at best.

[2000mc]

Originally Posted by worthrj

...94 Corolla, parked outside in South Florida ever since new. I have never seen a lens as bad as mine....ever. ... I usually get 4-6 good months and then it turns cloudy again. I have extremely deep cracks and scratches ...

sounds like a possible candidate for...

Originally Posted by redneck

...sometimes it is easier to replace the lens assemble on some vehicles, especially older models.

I've found good prices here.

https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/catalog.php

off brand lamps start at $27 ona 94 corolla, i didnt go that route because i was looking at $100 ea, and they cleaned up pretty nicely

[worthrj]

Passenger side was worked on.
Drivers side was left foggy.

600 grit, 1000 grit, 3000 grit, then plast-x, then sealer

The last headlight service was done on the car about 4 months ago.

These are original headlights to the car