Reddit mentions: The best automotive headlight restoration kits
We found 344 Reddit comments discussing the best automotive headlight restoration kits. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 33 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System, 39008
- KIT INCLUDES: 1 - Disc Pad Holder, 3.25 in (8,2 cm) 6 - 3M Gold Sanding Discs 500 Grit, 3 in (7,6 cm) each 4 - 3M White Finishing Discs 800 Grit, 3 in (7,6 cm) each 1 - 3M Trizact Refining Disc, 3 in (7,6 cm) 1 - 3M Rubbing Compound, 1 US fl oz (29 m
- LIKE NEW HEADLIGHTS: Easy heavy duty kit solution help your headlights look like new
- REMOVE HARSHEST YELLOWING: Kit is powered by drill-activated sanding to provide maximum clarity
- RESTORE CLEARNESS: Improve the appearance of your vehicle
- SEE BETTER AT NIGHT: Enhances visibility and safety for night driving
- Features 3M abrasive technology and a polishing compound to restore hazy and dull headlight lenses, as well as other plastic lens surfaces on your vehicle
- System is intended to restore two headlight lenses
- Utilizes the muscle power of a common household (1200-1600 rpm) drill to do all the necessary sanding and buffing
- This item is not for sale in Catalina Island
Features:
Specs:
Color | Red |
Height | 0.84 Inches |
Length | 6.14 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | Drill Required |
Weight | 0.25 Pounds |
Width | 4.51 Inches |
2. SYLVANIA - Headlight Restoration Kit - 3 Easy Steps to Restore Sun Damaged Headlights With Exclusive UV Block Clear Coat, Light Output and Beam Pattern Restored, Long Lasting Protection
RESTORES HEADLIGHT TO A LIKE-NEW APPEARANCE & REMOVES HAZE: Headlight lenses on your vehicle can become yellow, dull, and hazy from the sun. Our Headlight Restoration Kit fully removes haze and corrosion and restores the clarity and shine you need to see downroad at night.RESTORES HEADLIGHT LIGHT OU...
Specs:
Height | 6 inches |
Length | 8 inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Weight | 0.3 Pounds |
Width | 2 inches |
3. Meguiar's G17804 Keep Clear Headlight Coating, 4 oz. – Maintain the Clarity of Your Headlights
- CLEAR LIGHTS: Maintains clarity on new or restored headlights
- UNIQUE FORMULA: Proprietary headlight coating provides durable UV protection
- A NEW LOOK: Helps keep new headlights looking like new
- LASTS ALL YEAR LONG: Provides headlight clarity for up to a year
- EASY TO USE: Convenient aerosol spray application
Features:
Specs:
Height | 1.86 Inches |
Length | 7.75 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | November 2016 |
Size | Keep Clear |
Weight | 0.39 Pounds |
Width | 1.86 Inches |
4. 3M 39045 Headlight Renewal Kit with Protectant
- For use on headlights, taillights, fog, and directional lights
- Kit contains sanding discs and polishing pad with compound
- Saves 100s versus purchasing a new headlight
- Improves the appearance of a car - with "like new" headlights
- Restores cloudy and dull lenses
- For industrial/occupational use only. Not for consumer sale or use.
- Easy, 5-step process requires as little as an hour to remove scratches and restore cloudy, dull lenses
- Includes 3M premium masking tape and 3M protectant for easy DIY repair
- May be used on most plastic lenses, including taillights, trailers, snowmobiles, emergency vehicle light bars, plastic motorcycle lights and more (System is intended to restore two headlight lenses)
- Features 3M abrasive technology and a polishing compound to restore hazy and dull headlight lenses, as well as other plastic lens surfaces on your vehicle
- Utilizes the muscle power of a common household (1200-1600 rpm) drill to do all the necessary sanding and buffing
Features:
Specs:
Height | 8 Inches |
Length | 5.9 Inches |
Size | 1 |
Weight | 0.5 Pounds |
Width | 3.5 Inches |
5. Turtle Wax T-240KT Headlight Lens Restorer Kit
- Kit includes: 3 restoration pads of various grits from 2400 to 8000 grit, Spray Lubricant (4 oz.), Lens Clarifying Compound (4 oz.) and Lens Sealing Wipe (4"x4")
- Can be used on all lenses, plexiglass and plastic surfaces
- Restores dull, yellowed headlights to like new condition in less than 5 minutes per lens
- Lens Clarifying Compound quickly removes surface discoloration and may be all that is needed to restore clarity
- 3 multi-stage wet restoration pads focus on deeper discoloration and scratches to restore the lens to like new condition
- New sealing wipe helps protect from future yellowing and discoloration
Features:
Specs:
Color | Multi |
Height | 6.62992125308 Inches |
Length | 2.1259842498 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | Single Unit |
Weight | 0.7 Pounds |
Width | 3.05905511499 Inches |
6. Meguiar's Headlight Restore 2step
- RESTORE HEADLIGHT CLARITY: Quickly and easily restores clarity to oxidized and yellowed headlights
- YEARLONG PROTECTION: Revolutionary coating protects against yellowing and re-oxidation for up to 12 months
- ONLY TWO STEPS: Simply apply the included cleaning solution, then the headlight coating – no drill required. Makes removing oxidation, cloudiness and yellowing fast and easy while providing brilliant, lasting clarity
- BETTER VISIBILITY: Enhances visibility and safety for night driving
- NO DRILL REQUIRED: Delivers crystal clear finish without sanding or the need for a drill
Features:
Specs:
Color | Two Step |
Height | 2.55 Inches |
Length | 9.12 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | November 2016 |
Size | Two Step |
Weight | 0.87 Pounds |
Width | 3.55 Inches |
7. Meguiar's G2980 Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit
- Megara's Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit Is The Easy Way To Obtain Professional Results Restoring Clarity To Uncoated Clear Plastics With A Standard Corded Drill
- This Inclusive Kit Comes With Everything Needed To Safely And Effectively Remove Heavy Oxidation, Cloudiness, And Yellowing While Delivering Crystal Clear Results
- Through Creativity, Productivity And Innovation - This Brand Continues To Develop The Finest Automotive Accessories
- Fit Type: Universal
Features:
Specs:
Height | 2.61 Inches |
Length | 10.62 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | November 2016 |
Size | Heavy Duty |
Weight | 0.88 Pounds |
Width | 4.61 Inches |
8. SYLVANIA - Headlight Restoration UV Block Clear Coat - Most Important Step to Restore Damaged Headlights, Surface Activator, UV Protection for Clearer Headlights - 1 Fl Oz
- Most Important Step In Headlight Restoration: Regardless of what product or brand you use to restore your headlights, Sylvania's UV Block Clear Coat is the difference that will keep your headlight looking clear and bright for years to come.
- Benefits Of Using Uv Block Clear Coat: Specially formulated UV blockers help provide UV Block Clear Coat sealing power that protects your headlights once restored, keeping the lenses clear for long lasting results.
- Easy To Use, Long Lasting Protection: The UV Block Clear Coat is easy to use and provides a UV resistant barrier that protects against hazing and yellowing of the headlights.
- Uv Block Clear Coat Kit Contents: 1 oz of UV blocking Clear Coat, 1 oz of Surface Activator, 1 blue lint-free UV Clear Coat applicator cloth and instructions.
- The Sylvania Standard Of Quality: With over 100 years in business, Sylvania is the world leader in automotive lighting for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and the aftermarket.
Features:
Specs:
Height | 6 Inches |
Length | 3 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | August 2016 |
Size | 1 fl. oz |
Weight | 0.22 Pounds |
Width | 1.5 Inches |
9. Blue Magic 730-6 Headlight Lens Sealer - 8 oz.
- Package Dimensions: 22.86 H x 5.003 L x 7.62 W (centimetres)
- Country of Origin : United States
- Package Weight: 0.295 kilograms
- Fit type: Universal
Features:
Specs:
Height | 8.19 Inches |
Length | 3.38 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | July 2012 |
Size | 8 Ounce |
Weight | 0.551155655 Pounds |
Width | 1.38 Inches |
10. RetroRubber OEM Grade Butyl Headlight Sealant, Black
- Self Cleaning
- Cleans in seconds
- New and improved design
- No electricity
- No filters
Features:
Specs:
Height | 0.3 Inches |
Length | 157.48 Inches |
Size | Small |
Weight | 0.7 Pounds |
Width | 0.3 Inches |
11. Mothers 07251 NuLens Headlight Renewal Kit
- Designed to quickly and safely restore, maintain and protect all types of smooth, shiny plastic and acrylic headlights to crystal clarity
- It easily cleans away yellowing and stains, and even buffs out unsightly hairline scratches, smudges, and flaws in a single step
- The included PowerPlastic 4Lights polish restores crystal clarity, leaving a tough protective, oxidation-inhibiting polymer layer to guard against future degradation from the elements
- Includes: 3-inch Backing Plate, PowerBall 4Lights Polishing Tool, Restoration Discs, 8 oz. Polish
Features:
Specs:
Height | 3.4 Inches |
Length | 9.4 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | November 2013 |
Size | 8 fl. oz. |
Weight | 2 Pounds |
Width | 4.1 Inches |
12. Opti-Lens Permanent Headlight Coating
- Perfect for hobbyists and home use. This basic kit will service most modern electronics.
- Handy storage pouch contains: 26 Bit Driver Kit, Driver Handle, Driver Extension, Tweezers,
- Spudger, Opening Picks, Plastic Opening Tools, Suction Cup, Ruler, and Anti-Static Wrist Strap.
- Does NOT include the Pentalobe bits for iPhones or Macbooks, see our popular 54 bit kit for those.
- iFixit Lifetime Warranty.
Features:
Specs:
Size | 10cc |
13. 3M Quick Headlight Clear Coat, Cleans and Prevents Lens Yellowing
Kits contain masking tape, light sanding discs, wax protectant and moreFor use on plastic lenses – headlights, taillights, fog lights, directional lights and more3M abrasive technology removes yellowing and buildup without damaging plastic lens surfaceEasy to use – choose a kit with no tools req...
Specs:
Color | 39173 |
Height | 4.438 Inches |
Length | 6.75 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | February 2018 |
Size | Headlight Clear Coat |
Weight | 0.05 Pounds |
Width | 4.875 Inches |
14. Blue Magic 725CD-06 Headlight Lens Restorer - 8 oz.
Easy to use formula
Specs:
Color | White |
Height | 7 Inches |
Length | 1.5 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | July 2012 |
Size | 8 Ounce |
Weight | 0.551155655 Pounds |
Width | 2.5 Inches |
15. 3M Headlight Restoration Kit, Simple Process to Restore Cloudy & Dull Headlights, Hand Application, 1 Kit (39084)
For use on headlights, taillights, fog, and directional lightsKit contains sanding discs and polishing pad with compoundSaves 100s versus purchasing a new headlightImproves the appearance of a car - with "like new" headlightsRestores cloudy and dull lensesFit Type: Vehicle SpecificNo power tools nee...
Specs:
Height | 5.5118 Inches |
Length | 3.70078 Inches |
Weight | 0.27998707274 Pounds |
Width | 2.99212 Inches |
16. 3M Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit with Quick Clear Coat, 39175
- Kits contain masking tape, light sanding discs, wax protectant and more
- For use on plastic lenses – headlights, taillights, fog lights, directional lights and more
- 3M abrasive technology removes yellowing and buildup without damaging plastic lens surface
- Easy to use – choose a kit with no tools required, or for use with a common household drill
- Save hundreds vs. replacing headlight lenses
- For industrial/occupational use only. Not for consumer sale or use.
Features:
Specs:
Height | 10.25 Inches |
Length | 4 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit with UV Protection |
Weight | 0.11 Pounds |
Width | 3 Inches |
17. 3M 39073 Headlight Lens Restoration Kit to Restore Dull/Faded/Discoloured Headlights
Restores cloudy and dull headlightsRemoves scratches and scuffsImproves visibility at nightContains all products for a full car repair
Specs:
Height | 5.905511805 Inches |
Length | 6.1811023559 Inches |
Release date | January 2019 |
Weight | 0.2866009406 Pounds |
Width | 5.2755905458 Inches |
18. Wipe New HDL6PCMTRRT Headlight Restore Kit
- Headlights guaranteed to pass inspection for the lifetime of your vehicle
- Easy to apply, lasts through hundreds of car washes
- Apply once and lasts for years while saving time and money
- Clear your lens in just seconds
- Made in the USA
- Headlights guaranteed to pass inspection for the lifetime of your vehicle
- Apply once and lasts for years while saving time and money
- Clear your lens in just seconds
- Made in the USA
Features:
Specs:
Height | 5.118110231 Inches |
Length | 5.511811018 Inches |
Release date | July 2014 |
Weight | 0.1984160358 Pounds |
Width | 2.362204722 Inches |
19. Rain-X 800001810 Headlight Restorer - 5 fl oz.
- Helps restore clear plastic by removing haze and discoloration
- Improves visibility with clearer headlight lenses
- Apply Rain‑X Headlight Restorer to a damp soft cloth or directly onto the headlight surface
- Rinse and wipe dry with a clean paper towel or cotton cloth
- Multi-step process provides a deeper cleaning process than single step products
Features:
Specs:
Height | 5.905511805 Inches |
Length | 2.755905509 Inches |
Release date | January 2013 |
Size | 5 Ounce |
Weight | 0.0028880556322 Pounds |
Width | 1.574803148 Inches |
20. Dupli-Color E00 Headlight Restoration Kit
- These Products On Exceptionally High Order Fulfillment Rates, Breadth Of Available Products
- These Are Complete Line Of Heavy-Duty Shop Products
- Through Creativity, Productivity And Innovation - This Brand Continues To Develop The Finest Automotive Accessories
Features:
Specs:
Height | 2.13 Inches |
Length | 5.69 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | October 2012 |
Weight | 1.5 Pounds |
Width | 4.25 Inches |
🎓 Reddit experts on automotive headlight restoration kits
The comments and opinions expressed on this page are written exclusively by redditors. To provide you with the most relevant data, we sourced opinions from the most knowledgeable Reddit users based the total number of upvotes and downvotes received across comments on subreddits where automotive headlight restoration kits are discussed. For your reference and for the sake of transparency, here are the specialists whose opinions mattered the most in our ranking.
It doesn't make you sound dumb, I'd rather see something unique and cool instead of the same mods that are done over and over again.
If you're looking into RallyX have you thought about swapping over to Forester suspension to raise it up a bit?
I'd go the Cobb AccessPort route instead of tactrix because of the simplicity and now that the V3 has come out, the V2 is around $100 cheaper I think. But if you're comfortable doing it that way do it.
I'm not sure if it's just the picture but the headlights look a bit foggy. I used this on my first car a few years ago and it worked great. Most of the other headlight restoration kits are bullshit. You could also bake them open and paint the plastic pieces black to spice things up.
If yellow foglights are your thing I used this on my Subaru and I love it. Just takes around 5 light coats on the outside of the fog lights and you're good to go. Much better than any of the tint overlays or light bulbs.
Here's some information on it. Daniel Stern is pretty well known as the lighting expert.
Another thing you could consider if you want to mix things up is plastidipping your car. DipYourCar has some wild colors, Sunset Orange and Tiffany Blue are my personal favorites. I'd stay away from the normal black though, it normally makes cars look pretty trashy.
Hopefully it doesn't sound like I'm telling you what to do with the car, just giving suggestions. Good luck!
I used the 3M headlight restoration kit on my MKIV, but this one is better rated AND comes with a sealant to keep the results. One of the biggest issues with restoring is that sometimes they become cloudy if you don't use sealant. (http://www.amazon.com/Sylvania-38771-Headlight-Restoration-Kit/dp/B00429NKWK).
Depending on how deep the scratches are you may be able to lightly sand down down the clear coat and buff it, unless its completely through the clear coat and through the paint and/or metal. Looking at those, they look pretty deep. I would suggest using OEM paint pens, blobbing paint on the scratches, and letting them set for a week. Then you sand down with 2000 or 3000 grit sand paper, buff, and repeat until satisfied. Then apply a clear coat, lightly sand down, and buff to a shine. Letting the paint set is pretty important. You could also look into Dr. Colorship, but thats really not for scratches and more for chips on the front hood, which I'm pretty certain you have (the hood pretty much asks for it on these cars).
As far as the mirror, I'd see if any junk yards around you have a mirror on a junked car. If a different color, plasti-dip both mirrors black.
The quickest and easiest temporary solution is to grab some Plast-X from a local auto store. Rub it in and wipe it off with a microfiber. It will help, but they won't look new and it won't last very long.
The more permanent solution is to sand the lights, 500 then 800,1500,2000,3000 etc. Then compound and polish with Meguiar's 105/205 or similar. Then you'll have to apply sealant (not wax, but something like Meguiar's M21) to protect from UV rays. This will bring them closer to new than any other method or product. If the lens isn't cracked and you spend enough time on each sanding step, they'll be near perfect.
3M also makes a nice little kit for a drill that you can find on amazon. If you don't already have a DA polisher, the kit is the way to go. It comes with an aggressive little pad, sanding discs, and polish. I found that 105/205 worked better than the single stage 3M polish, but it did work. The kit is nice as well because the orange polish pad it comes with is reusable, and with the right products (105/205) can be great for spot corrections on little scratches and swirls in the paint.
If you choose to sand, consider pulling the bumper off first. Our lights are tough because they are sunk in there so deeply.
Cool! It looks great. I picked mine up last year for a little over a grand and have been working on bringing it up to mechanical speed - mostly deferred maintenance stuff - but now I kind of love it and want to start upgrading.
For the headlights, I've had great luck with the 3M kit on amazon. There are a couple variants, all the same basic thing - sand down the worn plastic, put on a protective coating, looks good as new. Don't bother with stuff like PlastX unless you feel like reapplying every few weeks.
Assuming you have a drill, $13 for a 3M Headlight kit. I drive a 2001 Honda and just did mine, and the difference was quite noticeable. The headlights are much brighter now since it's not being absorbed and redirected by those cloudy-ass lenses.
I'd spend $15 on an OBDII Bluetooth adapter and ~$6 on the premium version of the Torque app so you can read fault codes and real-time engine data.
We're at $34 right now. I'd buy a bottle of rain-x, some microfiber towels, and some cleaning products for my car (glass cleaner, soap, wheel cleaner, etc.), and that might come to another $30, though you could easily spend more if you don't have any cleaning supplies or decide to get all the goodies. I would then spend a few hours and go to town on your car. The few hours I spent were totally worth it when I consider how much more I enjoy driving my car now.
Finally, I'd buy a nice cabin air filter for $15 or so and replace the old one that is probably long overdue (when I replaced mine I found it had never been replaced in the car's 185k service). That will increase the quality of the air coming in quite noticeably.
We're at $79 so far. I would go on your car's forum to see if there are any cheap fixes or improvement you can make to the car. I had a problem where sometime when the car would go over bumps or take a hard turn I would hear this squeaking noise. Turns out that the front suspension bushing can rub against the bare metal surrounding them when they get old, and a few bucks worth of lithium grease will quiet them down to where you can't hear them. Simple, cheap fix that made me love the car more. See if you can find something like that for your accord.
I also think minerdeity's Aux to bluetooth adapter would be great if you have an old car that doesn't have bluetooth.
It's almost always better to go with OEM replacement headlight units if you can. This will ensure the best fitment as well as ensure that the unit meets safety standards. This however, is expensive and takes a little bit of time. It's an easier route to restore your headlight unit if it has not been damaged other than weathering and oxidization on the surface.
I've used Sylvania's cleaning kit to great effect on my friend's 2007 CR-V. This was 3-4 years ago and the last time I saw him a few months back, the headlights have barely started to show any signs of aging.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00429NKWK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I can also really recommend the kit /u/schwartzd used. The kit includes sandpaper pads and a foam buffer that you can attach to a power drill. It was a long and kinda tedious process but the more time and care you take the better it will appear. Results also hold up spectacularly as well- previously I had used a Turtle Wax brand hand polishing kit that while did clear up the lens, the hazing was back in as little as three months. I used the 3M kit on my lenses last June and today they are still as clear as the day I bought them.
I've seen the kits go for around ~$30 at auto stores but you can get them much cheaper off Amazon.
They also sell kits for headlight restoration. 3M one is amazing. I've done about 3 so far and they are flawless. This one requires a cordless drill, and it makes it super super easy and less stress on your arm lol.
Also, for your rust spot, it's not coming through the back right? I know subaru's they like to rot behind, so maybe get behind there with some undercoating spray to make sure it doesn't come back!
I've never bought a set of wheels for a car. I've only had to replace one rim in a set when my sister drove the family minivan into a curb and broke a chunk out of one of the alloy wheels.
I still have the OEM Alloys on my Passat. If you are looking for a set of OEM Alloys you could check eBay, Craigslist, or a local junkyard and you may be able to get a decent set of used wheels without setting you back too much money. If you'd rather go aftermarket, I don't really know the best places to shop for rims but I'm sure many other people on this sub can help with that.
As far as the headlights go, i have used the Turtle Wax Headlight Restoration Kit and it works pretty decently. Just a little elbow grease and about an hour of your time and your headlights will look much much better.
You can also choose to just replace the headlight. A quick google search should give you plenty of options whether you want to keep the OEM look or go for something a little different.
Hope this helps!
The "fog" on the other light is really the plastic breaking down from years of exposure to UV rays after the clear coat wore off. It's actually quite easy to restore headlights with a kit like this. Do a search for headlight on this sub and you can see some pretty spectacular before and after pics. Good luck!
Edit: Forgot to mention...after you restore the headlights you should seal them or else they will just get yellowed again.
To build on my post: I've used this restoration kit with really good results. Your headlights may need some extra elbow grease to get rid of that outer crusty layer. But I noticed that my headlights were yellowing again within a few months, so I bought a pre-cut Lamin-X film kit. It is kind of expensive (roughly 50 bucks) but it was cut to my car's headlights exactly and sealed everything up perfectly.
In your quest to paint the car, I recommend checking out this build thread I read a while back. A guy on a forum I use completely repainted his car in John Deere yellow for pretty cheap and he documented the entire process with pictures. One of the most helpful things I have read when it comes to DIY automotive painting.
Are you sure you used the kit correctly? I restored my beater's headlights with Megiuar's G3000 kit and the turnout was pretty good. The thing is, the entire process took me about 30 minutes of sanding per headlight (I was a bit timid with it at first).
Additionally, headlights need to have UV protection on them or the hazing will come back. The gel stuff that comes with the kit will only last about 1 month before you need to re-apply it. Your best bet is to apply a longer lasting product like Opti-Lens to ensure permanant protection.
The last kit we bought worked pretty much like we do surfacing lenses for eyeglasses.. coarse grit, fine grit, polish. Pretty sure it's the same high-impact polycarbonate.
Just saying, if you follow the instructions and apply proper elbow grease, the 3M kit worked great for us. I recommend a kit you use with your cordless drill.
When what dried? Did you seal it? If you used a sealer before you buffed and polished the lens that's what could have caused this. What you need to do is restart. Sand the sealer off, and then take it easy with the sanding. And by sanding
I mean wet-sanding. I hope you weren't just using sandpaper and no lubricant lol.
Wet-sand it back down till it's smooth and hazy. Then take some rubbing compound and then buff the hell out of it till it's clear. I went crazy with mine and buffed them for a couple hours each, but i go overboard on everything. After it looks clear, wipe off the excess and let it dry. Then spray your sealant on it. Like spray paint if you get too close it'll drip, too far it won't cover fully.
I actually wet-sand mine with the 3M restoration kit: https://www.amazon.com/3M-39084-Headlight-Restoration-Kit/dp/B006VB8JTQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1493511799&sr=8-4&keywords=3m+headlight+restoration+kit
And for a sealer i used: https://www.amazon.com/Presta-137306-Headlight-Sealant/dp/B0082LFOFA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493512126&sr=8-1&keywords=renulite.
Expensive sealer I know. But I did research on it and a lot of shops use it. They actually give 3 year 30k mile warranties with it when they would redo headlights for people. So it's a good product. I used it on mine about 4 years ago and it's just starting to come off.
Hope this helps!
Let me start by saying i think i over did it, but I am happy with the results
Let's start with what I purchased:
Then this is the process I used:
I plan to touch up with the TurleWax sealant every 8 weeks.
Total cost: $31.70
Time: ~30 minutes.
Tools required: Hand drill
Now that it gets dark so damn early, I've been using my headlights a lot more, and I noticed that they weren't as bright as they used to be. So, on the advice of a coworker, I picked up THIS headlight restoration kit from amazon, as well as THIS sealer and THIS masking tape (to protect the paint around the lens). The directions were clear and concise and the whole process took about 30 minutes and was extremely easy. It comes with an attachment for your hand drill to which a variety of sanding/buffing discs mount. You start with a coarse grit sandpaper disc to remove the oxidation and then you use progressively finer grit discs to smooth out the surface. Finally you buff and seal the lens.
I couldn't be happier with the results. The lenses look brand new and there are enough sanding discs left over to do at least one or two more cars.
Refinish the headlights.
I have tried a bunch of different solutions, the best one is to sand the headlights, from 800 grit > 1600 grit > 2000 grit > 3000 grit, something along those lines. Finish up with a plastic headlight polish like PlastX, then mask the surrounding paint with a cut plastic bag + tape (use painters tape around the headlights during sanding, or even better take them off to sand and paint them), and finish it up by spraying Meguairs Headlight Coat on it, wait 5 minutes, and give it a second coat. Should come out close to perfect, and will last at least a year. Using just PlastX polish will last for maybe a few weeks before fogging again. I tried mixing spar urethane with mineral spirits, 50/50 and that only lasted a few months before fogging up, it dried yellowish as well.
I used this kit for the sanding pads, you can use the powerplastic polish instead of the plastx stuff.
I would heavily recommend a cordless drill for the sanding and polishing
This is the headlight spray
I've done the same using the 3m kit, which includes a drill attachment. Super easy and effective. Hardest part was masking the painted areas first. Most people recommend putting some sort of wax, so I picked a wipe on product too.
Headlight restoration kit
https://www.amazon.com/3M-39008-Headlight-Restoration-System/dp/B001AIZ5HY?th=1&psc=1
Clear coat
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B079QL8BYK?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
I used this and this
The 3M kit does the actual headlight restoration and the Sylvania kit finishes it off and seals it. The sealing kit reeeeeaaaaally makes it pop. Both companies make full kits that do both, but I went off of the recommendation of a guy on r/integra for these products and it worked like a charm 👌🏻
This is the one i bought and used, took about an hour for each headlight, you will need an electric drill and a roll of painters tape.
Pro Tip: Put lots of tape around each headlight at least 3 layers thick (because you WILL hit it with the sandpaper)
https://www.amazon.com/3M-39008-Headlight-Restoration-System/dp/B001AIZ5HY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1484940876&sr=8-3&keywords=3m+headlight+restoration+kit
I was skeptical before i tried doing this, but it actually worked really really well. Best of Luck.
This [stuff](https://www.amazon.com/Rain-X-800001810-Headlight-Restorer-oz/dp/B0049GI418/ref=sr_1_16?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1473464873&sr=1-16&keywords=headlight+restore
) is great. it takes a few coats to get it perfect. it last a good time too. did it on my f150 about a year ago and they still look good.
And it is less than 6 bucks on amazon.
3m kit - 14 bucks on amazon. It has a final rubbing compound after the sanding. Then seal it once again, and you are good.
I took some terrible forester headlights to perfectly clear and beautiful with it. AND it allows you to use your drill to polish. Which makes it WAY better.
You don't need to pull them out to clean them. I would just get [a headlamp restoration kit and use a household drill to clean 'em up.]
(https://www.amazon.com/3M-39175-Heavy-Headlight-Restoration/dp/B072FQMY3Z/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=headlamp+restoration+3m&qid=1563739382&s=gateway&sr=8-1)
Cleaning the headlamps is a great idea for a first car, and it's not just about looking good. Cleaned headlamps allow you to drive more safely in the dark. Last thing you need with a first car is an accident that will follow you around in the form of jacked up insurance rates. Insurance is already expensive for first-time drivers. An accident doesn't help. My friend got into an accident soon after he started driving and he's paying $3000 a year lol.
After you clean 'em, [you might want to consider much brighter bulbs if you drive a lot at night.] (https://www.amazon.com/SYLVANIA-XtraVision-Halogen-Contains-Bulbs/dp/B079ZCRVH6/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=9012+bulb&qid=1563739518&s=gateway&sr=8-3)
I got this headlight kit. Totally recommend it. Super easy to use. Just recommend reading the instructions so you seal it properly. Headlights have been clear so far.
You need to protect it somehow.
original headlights will typically have a protective layer above that you have sanded off now.
I like what the other guy said about clear 3M vinyl
my headlights I restored 2 years ago and they are fading already without any protectant other than 3x yearly application of collonite 845.
there's also a product by opti called opti lense that you apply a clear coat over top. https://www.amazon.com/OPT-OPT-OLC10-Opti-Lens-Permanent-Headlight/dp/B00GULJCUM
These two things and some tape are all you need for beautiful headlights. You go through the levels from coarse to fine sanding in alternating directions, vertical with one pad then horizontal with the next. You only need to use 4 or 5 pads, I went through the whole set the first time and found the last couple to be too fine to do much. Clear coat after they're sanded and dry and your good to go for years to come.
2 inch by 2 inch Micro Mesh Soft Touch Sanding Pads
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000H6EC4C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TuITCbWP205TA
Meguiar's G17804 Keep Clear Headlight Coating
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M4RVVX6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6wITCbNGG9B7W
I used this 3M kit on my WJ when I still had it, and it came out looking fantastic. If I spent a little more time and was less nervous on doing it, they would have been 100% clear, but they were probably 90% there anyway. Here's a comparison!
I know it's a little hard to tell, but the headlight on the left of the picture was done with the kit, and the other hadn't been done yet. It definitely was a big difference (for both appearance and brightness during night driving) and I'd recommend using it if you have the time, patience, and cordless drill for it!
I bought the Mother’s kit and use it once a year. Someone in here said polishing only lasts about 6 months and they are basically right so I do it in late spring generally and it’s good until the end of summer.
The Mothers kit is nice, it has a pad for polishing with a bottle of polish liquid, also some various sanding pads if it’s really bad. I tried doing the sanding one year but honestly just the pad did just as good a job.
Mothers 37251 37251 NuLens Headlight Renewal Kit
Make sure you cover everything around the area because even if you are careful polish will fly off and leave little drips here and there
Don't forget to apply UV headlight sealant after compounding her lights. I think this will offer the biggest improvement in effective visibility in terms of lighting. Then yes change the bulbs, they dim out over time as the tungsten vapors from the filament coat the inside of the headlight bulb glass. Personally I would just get some Sylnvania XtraVision bulbs instead of those 'high performance' burnouts like SilverStars and Osram NightBreakers. The way halogen bulbs work is, 10% overpowered from normal design decreases bulb life to just 1/3 life, and 10% underpowered from normal wattage will increase bulb life by 3 times.
if you have a power drill, get the 3m restoration kit. it looks like this.
http://www.amazon.com/3M-39008-Headlight-Restoration-System/dp/B001AIZ5HY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396424163&sr=8-1&keywords=3m+restoration+headlight+kit
i mean you dont have to have a drill, but it would make it easier.
this is what mine looks like before and after. haha
http://i.imgur.com/R78vYXY.jpg
The best method I've found is the 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System. It's easy and the results I achieved with it amazed me. I was able to do both headlights on my 17 year old cherokee in about 30 minutes or so and I only had to use one sanding disc of each grit for the entire thing. I even had plenty of polishing compound left. Just be sure to follow the instructions closely.
You did half of the work required to get your desired results. In order to remove the 2000 grit sanding marks you need to polish them out. You are basically using a liquid that has abrasives in it, think of it as liquid sand paper. You put some compound on the orange foam pad and then polish it out with a machine polisher. Like sandpaper, compound leaves scratches, although they are very fine. You need to use a less abrasive polish on a less abrasive pad, the white one. This brings back the clarity and then you can clear coat them. You can keep it simple and buy something like this which will attach to a power drill. https://www.amazon.com/3M-39008-Headlight-Restoration-System/dp/B001AIZ5HY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478747348&sr=8-1&keywords=3m+headlight+polishing+kit
I used a headlight restoration kit from the auto parts store and had pretty good results. It was this one here which had a buffing and wet sanding drill attachments and polishing compound. My headlights weren't bad so i only needed the buffing pad. If you get a kit, make sure it has drill attachments and that the sanding pads are wet sanding (not dry).
I use this stuff. Found it on Amazon looking for something to use after I buffed the headlights on my Mom's older Oldsmobile. They were 20 years old at the time and completely hazed over but they came out looking brand new. It worked so well that I use it on every vehicle I detail now.
A little goes a long way and it's important to make sure it's not going to rain for awhile because it can take 3-4 days to fully cure but if you do it right then it will last 6-8 months. I put it on Mom's headlights in the spring and winter and they still look new nearly 3 years after I started using the Blue Magic on them. I'm still on the same bottle too. Just an all around great product.
I actually restored my headlights on my own not too long a go. After reading reviews for several online, I decided on 3M's. Benefit to the 3M kit is you don't kill your wrist since you're doing all the sanding with a drill instead of by hand. Just be sure to apply the tape (not included) LIBERALLY, especially around sharp corners so you don't scratch your paint.
I used this kit with excellent results.
If you're open to it, projector headlights are pretty cheap now. Mine (halo style) were $280 and came with an HID kit.
Edit- I should mention that the quality of your result will 100% depend on how much work you put in to the wet sanding steps and how well you evenly sanded the entire surface.
Also clear head lights; the difference between clear and foggy lenses is amazing.
Cloudy vs clear and yellowed vs clear for reference; the sides with clear lenses look a few years newer.
My headlights were MUCH worse (long story). I used this (since its out of stock just get a similar kit on amazon):
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Gator-3-1-in-Headlight-Restoration-Kit/4747427
and this (plan to reapply this every year or so, heard about it on scotty kilmer youtube channel):
https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G17804-Clear-Headlight-Coating/dp/B01M4RVVX6
It was really easy and worked amazingly. IMO dont even waste your time or money buying sandpaper and doing it by hand, this is basically the same cost or so and much easier
EDIT: This on amazon should work well
https://www.amazon.com/Headlights-Taillights-Restoration-High-Precision-Waterproof/dp/B07KP8J7Q2/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=headlight+sandpaper&qid=1573631053&sr=8-9
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_k4NtNLAwY
I second the idea of just doing it yourself. The sylvania kit the other commenter posted will work just fine if you’re doing it by hand. If you have a powered drill then I’d recommend this 3M one instead. Worked great for me on two separate vehicles.
3M 39008 Headlight Lens Restoration System $11.04
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AIZ5HY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_65SxnkKBqipTr
This is a absolute great product for your headlights -
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0078IHJ1K?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00
All you need is a drill to attach it to and bobs your uncle. miracle stuff it just takes alot of time and elbow grease but it defiantly works great
I also recommend the 3M kit. It took about 90 minutes of work for both headlights, but they turned out great. I sprayed a Meguiar's Headlight Coating after I was done. I restored it only 3 weeks ago, so I don't know how long the coating holds up. They UV coating spray was only $9, so I gave it a shot.
You can use a headlight kit like 3M's. You should only need polish and a pad though to correct those. You can buy a hand polishing pad and some Plastx instead.
I prefer the 3M one because I like using power tools and I usually get better results.
You can probably fix that cloudy dust cover by getting some headlight cleaning fluid. You can find it pretty much anywhere you buy car parts, takes like 2 minutes and looks much better
something like this
I just did my headlight myself using a kit I got off Amazon. Worked amazing. Took me 1 hour.
Here is the kit if you are interested.
SYLVANIA - Headlight Restoration Kit - 3 Easy Steps https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00429NKWK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_k2CGDb2C87APJ
Edit: $20 bucks for this kit.
My dad had this for awhile and I decided to use it. But if I had the choice I definitely would have gone with this only because it's much easier. If you do end up going with the 3M one make sure you have some type of UV Protectant or sealant to coat the lights with afterwards so they don't get foggy again too quickly. The one I had included the sealant and the instructions were pretty straightfoward on the box.
I've personally used CarPro DLUX on black plastic trims and its fantastic!
The cars at home are basically new so I can't vouch for anything, but opti-lens is designed for headlights. That said, if you can afford the time and handiness, it would be better to just repaint a clear coat on them.
Have you done the previous maintenance intervals? i.e. fluid flushes (transmission, coolant, brake fluid, spark plugs)? Recommend using DOT 5.1 brake fluid, and long life coolant/trans fluid.
Not sure on the civic, but if it uses a timing chain (which it probably does) it's probably due for an adjustment. If it uses a belt you need to change that ASAP. Honda lists their belt replacement at 7 years or 110k miles, whichever comes first.
Might be a good time to replace the battery before it leaves you stranded.
For other minor things, I would:
I'm not sure what he used, but I have a 07 Mazda 6 and I used this headlight restoring kit from Sylvania, and it did an amazing job! It has a lifetime warranty and it has lasted over a year so far. It took about an hour to do both headlights and I got mine at an Advance Auto store if that helps.
I have a seething pet peve for yellowed headlights; use this headlight kit and follow up with this coating
I would apologize for unsolicited advice but I'm a little tipsy and tired and I love the subies, especially that blue on the Impreza. Idk which one you got first but they're both baller.
Clean headlights would be even more baller and it's surprising how much it de-ages a car
You can seal with wax as well when you wax your car. It is seriously worth the $25 to not have to worry about it for 3-5 years though by going the Spray Max route. I only got about 2 months between applications with Blue Magic before the oxidization would start coming back. Dupli-Color also makes a nice kit. Very very easy to use. It also comes with a UV resistant clearcoat but it doesn't have a hardener so only lasts 4-5 months. I own this buffing pad set but the Dupli-Color polish works so good you don't need power tools to get great results. Here is a demo video.. I hope I don't sound like I am nitpicking...it's just I have a lot of hours of frustration cleaning headlights that I don't wish on anyone else.
Same issue but I have a 2001. I replaced mine with these and they look fantastic, the difference is insane.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AX6NLS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Also, while you're at it, I'd recommend you polish your headlamp cover up if it looked anything like mine. Had phenomenal results with this kit.
https://www.amazon.com/Turtle-Wax-T-240KT-Headlight-Restorer/dp/B001TI5IIQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1480912079&sr=8-2&keywords=headlight+polish
I recommend applying this product after the polish. I have done two sets, the first one I left bare and it yellowed in just a year. The second time i used something like thisand it has been 18 months and looks great still
I used the 3m kit. Works really well, it's fairly involved but is the correct way to do it. You also will have to put some sealant or cover on it to prevent it happening again. I got the xpel kit. Ammonyc has a good guide.
XPEL H3804C Clear Headlamp and Fog Lamp Protection Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007X7R9C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_C47uzb6FAQ6TH
3M 39008 Headlight Lens Restoration System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AIZ5HY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_j07uzbTH2YH63
https://youtu.be/uqOKmZ9mMfc
I was in the same boat and waited just as long. I wish I took a before shot. I highly recommend adding a clear coat or else it will yellow again. https://www.amazon.com/3M-Quick-Headlight-Clear-39173/dp/B079QL8BYK/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=3m+clear+coat+headlight&qid=1559064919&s=gateway&sr=8-3
I used the Mothers NuLens kit which has everything you need except for the drill. Comes with the drill chuck attachment, 800/1500/3000 grit sandpaper attachments as well as the polishing ball and the plastic polish. I took my time, and it took about an hour per light. Well worth the $20 and 2 hours of my time, imo!
3M Headlight Cleaner System
Works amazingly well. I love it. Really cheap too.
Yes, the Wipe New kits are useless. They're essentially a Magic Eraser and some wax.
I would recommend the 3M restoration kit. It's a two-stage wet-sanding kit with disks and a pad that fits onto a standard drill motor. Comes with protectant polish and masking tape. Definitely more effective than the Rustoleum garbage.
I've had good luck with a kit like this: http://www.amazon.com/3M-39008-Headlight-Restoration-System/dp/B001AIZ5HY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381187321&sr=8-1
This is the best:
Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit
I have used it in two cars just as bad as your Fit and they both had perfectly shiny lenses for over a year.
Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit Amazon
C Light - https://www.diodedynamics.com/2015-2019-subaru-wrx-sti-c-light-switchback-led-halos.html
Halos - https://www.diodedynamics.com/hd-led-halos-for-2015-2019-subaru-wrx-wrx-sti-pair.html
Blinker Module - https://www.diodedynamics.com/led-flasher-for-2015-2019-subaru-wrx.html (Needed this because I removed my stock blinker lights. Could have wired in resistors, but this was easy and cheap)
LED Conversion Bulbs - https://www.diodedynamics.com/low-beam-led-headlight-for-2015-2019-subaru-wrx.html (Still waiting on these, so haven't tested them, but they'll be in this Friday)
Headlight Sealant - https://www.amazon.com/RetroRubber-Grade-Butyl-Headlight-Sealant/dp/B01N5PM29J
Harnesses to clean up wiring - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QFW8X9Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (Haven't installed yet, but planning on tomorrow)
Used to seal the hole of the old C Light bulb. Ran the C Light and Halo Harness through here - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Permatex-3-oz-Black-Silicone-Adhesive-Sealant-75150/302775053
Used to hold Halo in - https://www.homedepot.com/p/J-B-Weld-0-47-oz-ClearWeld-50114H/303710929 (There's other ways to do this, but this is what I chose)
Paint I used - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-Painter-s-Touch-2X-15-oz-Flat-Black-General-Purpose-Spray-Paint-25-Bonus-336099/304221900
I also got the Subispeed harnesses, but I didn't use them because I deleted the stock turn signal bulb.
​
And I think that's it. Be sure to wear nitrile gloves too to avoid finger prints.
​
Also take your time. Don't paint the high beam housing unless you have another plan for those like a second projector.
​
Any other questions or pictures let me know.
​
(Side note, this is probably not done for me and I'll probably post more if I do more with these. Thinking about changing the bumper cover holes where the turn signals were for instance)
Well, you have two options. You can buff the head lights clear. Either with sand paper or aluminum polish and a buffer. Then you'll have to reseal. What I used and it worked great. But only after you've buffed. Most of the kits are gonna be the same. Just make sure they have a sealant afterwards, or it'll be hazy in weeks.
Or, you can dab a little ATF (automatic transmission fluid) every few weeks and it'll be clear-ish. Just make sure you don't get any of that stuff on your paint.
I think this sort of damage is from those automatic car washes. Didn't have a problem, for years, until I started going to one for a bit.
If you have a cordless drill purchase the 3M lens cleaner: http://www.amazon.com/3M-39008-Headlight-Restoration-System/dp/B001AIZ5HY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1396048236&sr=8-2&keywords=3m+lens+cleaner
There are more than enough pads in there for 2 headlights. Take off your front bumper and put up your hood, this will make the task so much easier. Triple painters tape the paint around top and sides. Get a squirt bottle from Autozone, Homedepot, etc and fill it with water. Take your time, it should take around 45 minutes to do both.
Also do them at the same time, each step. Don't complete one and move to the other.
Afterwords protect and clean with: http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-PlastX-Plastic-Cleaner-Polish/dp/B0000AY3SR/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1396048450&sr=8-5&keywords=3m+lens+cleaner
Headlight cover polishing/cleaning kit. Uses 2 progressively finer sandpapers (2000 & 3000?) to wet sand out the scratches, then a buffing compound to polish back to clear. Works great. This is what I used.
Used this kit on my last car, took the lights from a yellow haze you couldn't see through, to a clear lens on one size, and slightly distorted but clear on the other (let it get too hot while sanding). I'd resisted using it, but afterwards felt it was well worth the purchase.
Turtle Wax Restoration
Worked great on my car, and I had enough left over to have two other people use it with the same results. Just be sure to read the directions carefully, and do it in the shade on a day that's not so hot.
Edit: Also, don't rub it into or let it sit on the paint.
Yeah, that would work to get some stuff out, but to shine them, albeit temporarily, spend the $12 and get this:
https://smile.amazon.com/3M-39008-Headlight-Restoration-System/dp/B001AIZ5HY/ref=sr_1_4
If you have an electric drill, this is more fun and you can do more parts of your car:
https://smile.amazon.com/Foam-Drill-Polishing-Inch-Buffing/dp/B076ZJMHB1/ref=sr_1_23
Used https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Two-Step-Headlight-Restoration/dp/B01M75GUJB . Was super easy and there is enough in the kit to do another 2 full cars.
The yellowing was pretty significant so I decided to go with a kit with the sanding attachments to get it clear again: 3M Restoration Kit
Took roughly an hour once i had the headlights out, its super straight forward and all you'll need is a drill. The ones with the wipes or sandpaper sheets were priced the same at the auto part stores around me but decided to go with that one(~$10-20).
I recently used this kit: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00429NKWK/
Worked great, and most importantly, it includes a bottle of the new UV protectant to put on the headlights after polishing. They look brand new now.
Thank you! I think they look 90% as good as new!!
I used the 3m restoration kit
3M 39008 Headlight Lens... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AIZ5HY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
And this Sylvania restoration and UV coating
SYLVANIA - Headlight Restoration... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KIVYE6G?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Try this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AIZ5HY/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_3FSCDb7XBRWXF
I've used it before, and it worked pretty well. However, make sure to tape around the borders of the headlights
I used this 3M kit to restore them (which I bought when it jumped to $15 for 2 days instead of the average $10 :/) and Meguiar's Keep Clear coating.
If I had to do it again, I'd probably go with this Meguiar's kit that includes the keep clear. I say this because my wireless drill cannot hold a charge and to do both headlights it took me a long time.
SYLVANIA - Headlight Restoration... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00429NKWK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I used to work in a shop and we used to have the gs guys do these.100% beginner friendly just follow the instructions.Everything is done by hand.
So was I. This is the one i bought , but they make several kits and even the in-page description is for a different one. 39084 doesn’t include the drill attachment or a sealer. I guess since the others do I’ll definitely need something?
After trying to find it on the Home Depot site I realized it wasn’t 3M, it was the Turtle Wax kit. The four little pads looked pretty hokey, and they’re not the kind you can use with a drill, have to do it by hand, but it really didn’t take much to get through all four steps before applying the last two wipes.
That said, watch the video for the McGuire’s protectant someone linked further down in the comments, sounds like a more sustainable approach.
Turtle Wax T-240KT Headlight Lens Restorer Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TI5IIQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_aBt7CbFAKVKPT
You need a plastic polishing solution, either a DIY like toothpaste and finer polishing pastes, or an off the shelf deal like a headlight restoration kit
http://www.amazon.com/3M-39008-Headlight-Restoration-System/dp/B001AIZ5HY
Is the kit I used and it works perfectly well and actually had enough to do my other car too.
Yep they say the sealer is good for a year.
Meguiar's G2970 Two Step Headlight Restore 2Step, 4. Fluid_Ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M75GUJB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_p0kwDb8NPH4Z0
Like VibeRaider said, use this.
https://www.amazon.com/3M-39008-Headlight-Restoration-System/dp/B001AIZ5HY/ref=sr_1_4?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1511332433&sr=1-4&keywords=headlight+restoration+kit
It works great and remember to use a sealant after you're done or your hard work will be thrown away.
Good tires. I like the General Altimax RT43. Regular oil changes. Regular tire rotations. Fresh fluids all around. The simple easy shit we all should be doing really.
You could also hit up your local walmart/auto parts store and buy the 3M headlight resto kit. Will get the haze off the lights and leave them shiny new for a bit. Helps a ton when there is no haze on the lenses.
https://www.amazon.com/3M-39084-Headlight-Restoration-Kit/dp/B006VB8JTQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504839693&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=3m+headlight+restoration+kit&psc=1
Here's what I did:
If you're patient and careful, it'll turn out great.
These kits are pretty good. Takes around 30 minutes per light.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004GFTC0E/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1395025061&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40
I'll apply wax, let it dry, buff out by hand then a quick pass with this stuff.
https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Magic-730-6-Headlight-Sealer/dp/B0051PJWQW
Every now and then or whenever I feel like the shine has dulled down a bit I'll go over the bare headlight with some Plastx before applying the wax and sealant and I'm good as new again.
I wouldn't say he got ripped off for the actual work that was done, which sounds quite reasonable - i.e. you got two new headlight units.
However, I wouldn't say that the work done was commensurate with the both the problem that needed solving and the value of the car - I'm guessing the total bill came to around £400?
As /u/NBALegend said, you could have polished them up with a kit like this one from 3M.
This is one of the reasons why going to a council-run MOT test station is a good idea - they won't try and push you into getting any failure points fixed there.
I'd add that if it's been sat for three years, he probably should (if he hasn't already) put some new tyres on and give it a good service (oil, filters, brake fluid etc).
I've heard that 3M's kit works pretty well. You'll want the one with the protectant otherwise you'll find yourself with foggy lights after a few weeks. I haven't tried the kit myself but others online and on r/autodetailing seem to like it.
Toothpaste if you feel like spending almost nothing, but unless you apply a protectant it'll oxidize pretty quickly.
this is what I use along with a wax every few months and headlights don't oxidize anywhere near as quickly
You can fix this long-term (but not completely permanently) with two steps: First, thoroughly clean the headlights using Meguiar's PlastX, which will restore them to brand new shine. Next, apply a layer of Meguiar's Keep Clear Coating, which will keep the headlights from fogging again for up to one year. You can probably use a different brand of coating, but I haven't found anything else that works as well as PlastX.
You may actually be able to find some pre-built projector housings for yours. I looked and looked and looked, and the only pre-built projector housings I could find for the Vue were for year models 07 and up. Mine's an 03.
So I had to build mine. And the parts I used were pretty cheap so you might save money just building your own anyways.
Here's the parts I used
Nilight 2.5" Mini HID Bixenon Projector Lens
2x 23inch Dual Color White-Amber Switchback Headlight LED Tube Strip Light DRL Daytime Running Light & Turn Signal Lamp For Audi-Style Headlight
RetroRubber OEM Grade Butyl Headlight Sealant, Black
Everbrightt 1-Pair White 70MM 60SMD COB LED Headlight Angel Eyes Bulb Halo Ring Lamp Light With Housing
2pcs 12V HID Xenon AC Car Ballast 55W HID Xenon Bulbs Lamp For Auto Headlights For H1/3/4/7/8/9/10/11 9005 9006
HID-Warehouse HID Xenon Replacement Bulbs - H1 8000K - Medium Blue (1 Pair)
The paint I used was just a can of Rustoleum semi gloss black I got at Walmart for a few bucks.
I also purchased a separate set of headlights to do all this with, as this was my first time. I wanted to be able to take as much time as I needed with it. I can also easily switch back to stock at any time for whatever reason. I would suggest you do the same, if you're planning on building them.
To get them apart, I preheated our kitchen oven to 220 degrees. I lined an old baking pan with a wet towel and set the headlight on it, then put it in the oven for 10 minutes. This will soften the sealant enough so that you can pry the light housing apart.
Then when you're done with all of your modifications, remove as much of the old sealant you can and then line the edges of the housing with the new sealant. Heat it up like before and compress it back together.
This is the exact one i bought, and it turned out really nice, as long as you take your time and do each step thoroughly you will be in good shape.
Yeah I researched this at one point but never got around to it. All I saw was Toothpaste + Baking Soda.. and sand paper.. but never a UV blocker. Prob is i'm 20 miles away haha. My car is 8 years old though and they are starting to fade.
I bookmarked these at one point but never got around to buying them
and https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GFTC0E/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I3L2KS0GBXFJH1&colid=1S9C9YTG1AAL9
If your headlights were as bad as mine, I can completely recommend the 3M headlight restoration kit.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AIZ5HY/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_Kc1SDbG9AHEW7
It worked insanely good and made the process easy, plus it was only $11. Just follow the instructions and it'll go well, plus a lot of people recommend clear-coating. I can't really do that because the humidity pretty much stays above 80% down here, but the kit has enough material and polish that it could be used a couple more times to do maintenance.
Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!
Here are your smile-ified links:
https://smile.amazon.com/Meguiars-G17804-Clear-Headlight-Coating/dp/B01M4RVVX6/ref=sr_1_1
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My headlights were much more hazy than that, so I spent a few bucks on this. Worked like a champ!
That's my most recommended kit. As long as you take your time and tape all the surrounding paint, you should be fine.
They do make a non-drill based version that will do an OK job. 3m 39084 Headlight Kit
Yep! Use this. Highest recommended adhesive I could find when searching for what to use and I have it at the ready for when I re-seal my own.
Mine were a lot worse than this and I've tried just about everything on the market. About a month ago I was at Pep Boys and found a new one from Sylvania. It is the best thing I have ever used, I really wish I would have done a before and after. Amazon link http://www.amazon.com/Sylvania-38771-Headlight-Restoration-Kit/dp/B00429NKWK
If you have a drill, get a 3M headlight restoration kit. Comes with all the sandpaper pads, compounds, etc that you need, and it's easy. $15 well spent, IMO - took me a couple of hours to do both headlights because I took my time, but they turned out like new.
Restored my headlights about 6 months ago using this 3M Headlight Restoration System (Works GREAT)
These Predator Orion V2 LED Angel Eyes w/ Remote angel eyes from umnitza (Would NOT recommend them! However the angel eyes are awesome)
Clear Corners (Clean fit and no problems)
Stealth Bulbs (A big pricey however they look AMAZING)
Have clear side signals on the way, along with some Langka blob removal for some touchups.
http://www.amazon.com/3M-39008-Headlight-Restoration-System/dp/B001AIZ5HY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410403758&sr=8-1&keywords=3m+headlight+restoration+kit
3Ms kit is amazing. It works wonders. The one "with protectant" isn't worth the $10 premium, they just include a packet of wax that you might as well just buy a whole bottle of separately.
I've had some luck cleaning up CA fog with headlight restoration kits. I used this one on some acrylic and it worked quite well. It works by "melting" the top layer of the acrylic, so it may not be ideal for a thin lens.
It just rained XD. And nope, factory headlamps, I cleared them a bit with Meguiar's Headlamp Restoration thingy
Go get this. Use as directed and your headlights will be as clear and shiny as new.
BTW, don't get any other brand. I've used them and they all pretty much suck. The 3m stuff I linked to is like freekin magic.
I'm with /u/pina_koala on this. It looks like surface damage of some sort. You could try this. It's pretty cheap and easy to try it out. It is also available at most part stores.
I had great results with this one: http://www.amazon.com/Sylvania-Headlight-Restoration-Kit-Pack/dp/B00429NKWK/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1345951109&sr=1-2&keywords=headlight+restoration
Took about 15 minutes a light and they looked brand new afterwards.
High five!
Its this kit here. http://www.amazon.com/3M-39045-Headlight-Renewal-Protectant/dp/B004GFTC0E/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1458948517&sr=1-1&keywords=3M+39045 Oreillys was getting rid of it and had a sale. I got it for $6, versus their price of $32. It works great!
Nah man just get that 3M kit for 20 bucks. Cleaned up my headlights like new and it has a protection wax so the issue hopefully doesn't reoccur for a while. You get a polishing drill bit too so no elbow grease required. I believe there are three different grits of sandpaper used and a sealing compound at the end. (including the MAGIC trizack disc!) its a wet sand.
https://www.amazon.com/3M-39008-Headlight-Restoration-System/dp/B001AIZ5HY
theres enough stuff in that kit to do at least 2 cars.
the most time consuming part is taping off the lights so that you dont scratch the paint with the sandpaper.
3M 39008 Headlight Lens Restoration System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AIZ5HY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Uwt2Ab1G3S8SB
I've personally used this kit on a dozen headlights and love the results.
for someone using a drill. I personally think the 3M kit is the best.
http://www.amazon.com/3M-39008-Headlight-Restoration-System/dp/B001AIZ5HY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412942109&sr=8-1&keywords=headlight+restoration+kit
Love this stuff btw
https://www.amazon.com/3M-39008-Headlight-Restoration-System/dp/B001AIZ5HY
I have an 2004 R32 and did the same thing on my headlights last year.
I used this kit: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00429NKWK (Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit) which was pretty inexpensive ($17 USD)
I spent about an hour on the restore total and was skeptical until I applied the clear coat. Both sides came out near perfect.
Before: http://i.imgur.com/73bGThr.jpg
After: http://i.imgur.com/7oeujnP.jpg
Didn't get before/after pics of the same headlight but they were both similarly rough shape prior. Made it through the winter and still are looking/feeling really clear/smooth.
https://www.amazon.com/Wipe-New-HDL6PCMTRRT-Headlight-Restore/dp/B00K889FCI
works like a charm
Picking up one of these kits was easily worth the money. My headlights were completely fogged over, so I used the toothpaste trick. Cleared it up a fair amount, but it was back to bad in about a month. Used that kit, took about an hour and some elbow grease, and they looked literally brand new when I was finished. 7 months later, they still look absolutely great.
Very nice.
This will make the headlights look brand new if you take about 30-45 minutes on each one, and you'll get a lot more light out of them as well. See videos on youtube showing how-tos.
I've used the kit a couple of times before, but this time it looks like theyve changed up the procedure. They still have the standard sandpaper that you use with the drill, but they no longer include the polish/compound or polishing pad. After using the highest grit, it gives you a coating to cover the headlight while it is still cloudy. After 2 coats the headlight looks crystal clear. The coating claims to last "4x longer!" but doesnt say how long it should actually last for.
https://smile.amazon.com/3M-39175-Heavy-Headlight-Restoration/dp/B072FQMY3Z
This one is cheaper http://www.amazon.com/3M-39008-Headlight-Restoration-System/dp/B001AIZ5HY/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1345951794&sr=1-1&keywords=headlight+restore
Worked great for me.
SYLVANIA Headlight Restoration Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00429NKWK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_qg7.zb7PTYDE7
Just used this kit with great results. Just follow the instructions or the video on YouTube.
https://m.imgur.com/a/Obj3N
Yes it does. Four steps total; 1000 grit sanding, 3000 grit sanding, plastic cleaner w/ drill operated buffing wheel, then sealer.
edit: Amazon link to the product I used https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G2980-Heavy-Headlight-Restoration/dp/B01M2D763D/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_263_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=JWS85HZN5XR0X4HH5BNY
With this! The reviews are pretty darn accurate. From my experience, be very liberal when you apply the masking tape around the lights, and you might have to break out the old elbow grease for some corners.
Otherwise, shit works like a charm.
Jesus, you went balls out. I was just going to use something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Magic-730-6-Headlight-Sealer/dp/B0051PJWQW
At this point i fucked up one of my headlights and like melted it sanding it with a disc that came in a restore kit. I donno wtf happened, but there are like burn marks in the drivers side. So it needs replaced anyways.
My only advice to you..
Look into this..
Beautiful car man.
If you're going to do DIY, I highly recommend Sylvania's restoration kit. I have used it on my daily and some of my family's vehicles as well. A headlight restoration kit is a huge waste of work if it doesn't include a clear coat! Here's the Amazon link to the product: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00429NKWK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_2W6uCb4YN50C1?th=1&psc=1
There are lots of kits you can buy to fix that up. e.g
https://www.amazon.com/3M-39008-Headlight-Restoration-System/dp/B001AIZ5HY/ref=pd_cp_263_1?pd_rd_w=lReEK&pf_rd_p=ef4dc990-a9ca-4945-ae0b-f8d549198ed6&pf_rd_r=G7AK7VZDBZA9FTQT3XXF&pd_rd_r=ca431d59-9ec6-11e9-b4a7-9b94a0a2c8b2&pd_rd_wg=tpSaC&pd_rd_i=B001AIZ5HY&psc=1&refRID=G7AK7VZDBZA9FTQT3XXF
​
Also a good idea to redo the UV protective layer once you have cleaned it
https://www.amazon.com/3M-Quick-Headlight-Clear-39173/dp/B079QL8BYK/ref=pd_bxgy_263_img_2/138-9026588-4146945?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B079QL8BYK&pd_rd_r=dd75f92a-9ec6-11e9-b48b-e3daa940e298&pd_rd_w=cm8Be&pd_rd_wg=QrjnZ&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=HRJKTHH90FR0Z25QW6ZX&psc=1&refRID=HRJKTHH90FR0Z25QW6ZX
I've been using Blue Magic as a sealant with some success after polishing headlights.
I use the Meguiar's Headlight Restoration Kit It does need to be redone about every 6 months or so, but it only takes 15-20 minutes to pop out the headlight assemblies, do the restoration, and reinstall them.
BTW, is that a 2004? Looks a lot like my front end, except I have a bug deflector.
https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G17216-Ultimate-Compound-15-2/dp/B001O7PNNM
it’s essentially a micro abrasive compound, which is used to buff out scratches, hazing and whatnot. it needs to be used after wet sanding to get rid of the hazing left behind from the 3000 grit. then you polish after the compound to get an extremely clean, haze-free result. it’s best to use a buffer to apply them but can also be done by simply rubbing with a microfiber pad.
basically you can get all of these products in a simple 3m headlight restoration kit instead of buying a bigger amounts of each separately. if you only need to hit the two spots left from removing your mudguards, i’d suggest just getting a kit instead:
https://www.amazon.com/3M-39008-Headlight-Restoration-System/dp/B001AIZ5HY
> What HID kit is that, and how easy/hard was the install?
It was a morimoto kit. Square D2.S model
It wasn't difficult. Just laborious.
Steps I took:
This took me 3 months to get done, mistakes inclusive. Because I live a VERY busy lifestyle. You could do it with my advice in two weeks and one dedicated day, shipping time included.
Those kits will work long term, but you have to treat them for UV. Use this after you polish them: https://www.amazon.com/Sylvania-Headlight-Restoration-Block-Clear/dp/B01KIVYE6G
I was reading the reviews on that, and it looked really good. Was this the one you were thinking of?
I park in a garage most of the time which helps a lot, but a couple times a year I use this stuff
It takes a bit of elbow grease but works well. Never heard of the brand but my dad randomly picked some up at Walmart one day and let me try it. Been using it ever since.
Maybe try the stuff you use on headlights? Obviously wash them really well before you put them back on your child's feet, but it's worth a shot?
Meguiar's G2970 Two Step Headlight Restore 2Step, 4. Fluid_Ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M75GUJB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_jf0nDbZ1D9DHV
has worked well on several cars in Arizona for me
I've used this on multiple tables. It works wonders, but be sure to put some masking tape over that little technics logo in the center. Plus you can shine up your headlights afterwards!
http://www.amazon.com/3M-39008-Headlight-Restoration-System/dp/B001AIZ5HY
Sure thing!
Caution: I'm an idiot and got a little overzealous when I first started. Though I placed tape on the paint around the headlights, I pressed a little too hard at one point and the sandpaper went through the tape and scuffed up my paint just a little. Be gentle and careful and you'll be fine. Use multiple layers of tape too.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AIZ5HY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I've heard really good things with Opti-Lens
I highly recommend this 3m headlight restoration kit.
It worked great on the one WJ headlight I did. It did all I could ask for, but the pitting in places was too deep. I bought a set of new ones on ebay for $80.
The quality is not OEM, but for the money they're spectacular and you would think they're OEM looking at the face.
The only issue is regular 9006 headlights won't go into the low beam housing. You need to use 9006xs bulbs which are a straight piece instead of having the 90 degree bend for the plug.
I finally got around to fixing the cloudy lenses on my 2001 VW Passat.
http://imgur.com/a/HvVe9
I used:
A couple notes for anyone considering doing the same:
Just stick with halogens. Sylvania Silverstar Ultra bulbs are bright as hell. Should be able to get them on Amazon or at any auto parts store.
But more importantly, are your head light lenses all cloudy and yellow? Because that dims the light output a lot. You can polish them yourself with a kit like this (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00429NKWK), or any body shop should be able to do it for you.
Try the Meguiar's heavy duty headlight kit Worked really well for me on my CRV's really faded lights.
Started with 600 grit, then followed the directions on the box, just changing sanding directions (up/down vs left/right) after every step in grit. Go slow, and use a lot of water, takes about 30-40 minutes per light to get it lookin right but its worth it. Before and After results with said kit.
If you have access to a polisher, avarax's method would provide good and longest lasting results. The PPF is not that hard to put on.
​
If you have a power drill, here is a headlight restoration kit that I used and lasts for a while.
https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Two-Step-Headlight-Restoration/dp/B01M75GUJB
Scratch resistant plastic is still plastic. It will scratch or gouge if hit against a harder substance with moderate force. I have cracked and chipped crystal watch lenses by hitting them on a door which just goes to show that scratch resistant doesn't mean scratch proof.
If you are really interested in restoring your Pebble's face, just get some Polywatch or something. If the scratches are very very bad, get a Turtlewax Headlight Restoring Kit (only use the 8000 grit sanding pads).
First, you’re going to need a drill with a chuck instead of a 1/4” bit holder. This is a good start:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AIZ5HY/
If you don’t have a good drill, there’s this one but you’re in for some elbow grease:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006VB8JTQ/
Amen, although there are cheaper and better kits IMO.
I read good reviews on forums about this one, so I bought that for $10. LINK
Try the toothpaste method mentioned in this article (Method 3 at the bottom). If that doesn't work well enough, 3M makes products like this one on Amazon that work.
I've personally used both methods, I always try toothpaste first as it is always the cheapest.
There's two 3M kits. The $14 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System and the $16 3M Lens Renewal Kit. Looks like the more expensive kit is a 4-step process rather than 3-step and you get maybe some different pads and some masking tape.
Have you just tried the toothpaste/compounds?
You need to actually sand them down progressively with something like this. Then hit it with a polishing compound, and then a UV protective coating.
You can buy headlight polishing kits at any auto parts store. It's a long process, sanding with finer and finer sandpaper and a drill. http://www.amazon.com/3M-39008-Headlight-Restoration-System/dp/B001AIZ5HY
Much easier to just order a new visor. Most helmet brands sell them. You can also buy visors with anti-fog coatings.
The easiest way is to buy a headlight polishing kit. 3M sell one.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001AIZ5HY
Same concept, better product. Be prepared to spend some time to do it right (~1 hour). However, the final effect was worth it for me.
AFTER TRYING SEVERAL, THIS ONE: http://www.amazon.com/3M-39008-Headlight-Restoration-System/dp/B001AIZ5HY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1450143916&sr=8-2&keywords=headlight+restoration WORKS REALLY GOOD BECAUSE YOU HOOK IT UP TO A DRILL. IT TAKES A WHILE BUT IT WORKS
Are you talking about this.
So do you recommend applying this after restoring headlights? If you don't apply something like this will the headlight just re-oxidize quicker?
Whatever method you use (toothpaste, wet sanding, rubbing compound, etc) make sure you seal the surface with some UV blocker and keep it sealed, otherwise it will just yellow again.
Here's what I apply a few times a year to previously cleared up headlights: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Magic-730-6-Headlight-Sealer/dp/B0051PJWQW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487098859&sr=8-1&keywords=headlight+sealer
I used this 3M Headlight restoration kit! It worked very well. After this picture was taken, I waxed the lights with plastic compounds.
The headlights can be repolished with sandpaper + paint polish. You'll find the 3M kits that give you all you need in just about any store or Amazon. They work good, and you will get your lights crystal clear like new, but it has to be redone about once a year due to UV damage. You can also clear coat them with UV resistant paint but thats alot of extra work.
Just used the 3M headlight restoration kit (with rotary/drill attachment) and also used this Meguiar's headlight coating
to seal it in a little. Been over a year and still lookin fresh!