Fogged headlight lenses...possible solution.

[Wilhelm_D]

Originally Posted By: deeter16317
You probably just buffed off the "scratch resistant coating" that all headlights have...I can easily remove my clear lacquer with a buffer.


Nope, I checked with my Hyundai dealer.

There is no coating on the headlight that would go opaque with a small splash of lacquer thinner.

This was a thin finish of some sort that was non-factory.

 

[ludey]

I heard from someone there is a headlight restorer kit with UV protectant replenisher for the lens or some long time solution for the headlight lens from fogging up again?

 

[Vizzy]

Originally Posted By: ludey
I heard from someone there is a headlight restorer kit with UV protectant replenisher for the lens or some long time solution for the headlight lens from fogging up again?



I would bet that a coat of plastic compatiable UV clear paint would do the trick...The qeustion is where to get it.

Could you actually use the same clear coat with a UV compound that you use on the plastic painted surfaces (like the bumpers)?

 

[hillclimber]

Originally Posted By: grampi
The lenses on my Corolla had gotten so cloudy, my night vision was almost nonexistant unless I used my highbeams. I bought some Turtle Wax rubbing compound (red can) and after a few applications, my lenses are clear again. This is a much less expensive way to clear up your lenses than the lense kits. Don't waste your money on them. The rubbing compound is less than $3.


Thanks, I just tried the rubbing compound and it has made a big difference on my VW's headlights. How well it will hold up is another question, of course.

I found this kit that includes a protective spray finish. I might try it this fall: http://www.doublehornproducts.com/product.php?productid=8&cat=6&page=1

 

[grampi]

Originally Posted By: Vizzy
Originally Posted By: ludey
I heard from someone there is a headlight restorer kit with UV protectant replenisher for the lens or some long time solution for the headlight lens from fogging up again?



I would bet that a coat of plastic compatiable UV clear paint would do the trick...The qeustion is where to get it.

Could you actually use the same clear coat with a UV compound that you use on the plastic painted surfaces (like the bumpers)?


You could brush on some Future (the stuff for floors).

 

[97tbird]

Originally Posted By: hillclimber

I found this kit that includes a protective spray finish. I might try it this fall: http://www.doublehornproducts.com/product.php?productid=8&cat=6&page=1


Interesting - do let us know how it works out...
It's the only thing that has a protective coating, afaik.

 

[moggi1964]

I just ordered some of that. Worth giving it a go at that price!

I'll let you know.

 

[97tbird]

Originally Posted By: moggi1964
I just ordered some of that. Worth giving it a go at that price!

I'll let you know.


Please take before/after pics when you use it. Thanks!

 

[Vikas]

Cordless drill with Meguairs Ultimate Compound

 

[HTSS_TR]

Very nice job, the headlight is like new now and the car is needed to have a good wax to match the headlights.

 

[Vikas]

It is my coworker's car. She was really surprised after we did this little experiment. I wanted to ascertain if Meguair's Ultimate Compound is almost as good as their M105. M105 is the best but UC is not bad at all and in a pinch, can be used as a substitute for it. I have oz or two left of M105 being saved now for "special occasion" and use UC instead. You can pick up UC at Chinamart under $10.

Incidentally, the same technique works pretty well to remove light scratches from paint. For paint chips, after applying matching touch up paint and letting it cure for one week, I use 1000 and 2000 grit wet sandpaper and then finish it off with UC to take off the sand marks. If you have an older car, try it.

- Vikas

 

[97tbird]

VIKAS:

Nice results.

Can the Meg UC be applied by hand or, is it only used with a drill?

I have no clue about drills or attachments to drills, etc - Can you post a link to your drill (or to a similar cheaper one) and most of all, the compatible ATTACHMENT ("pad"?) that needs to go on the drill? THANKS SO MUCH.

How long did you polish it for? Can you describe how you did it.

 

[Vikas]

Tbird,

Take a look at pictures from my picasaweb gallery. Meg UC can be done by hand and that is how I started it first. The drill just makes it easier and quicker. The pad attachment is widely sold at car parts store and local hardware stores. The one I used was purchased decades ago though and I literally found it in my attic while going through boxes of stuff!

I actually purchased speciality headlight cleaner on ebay and used that on the driver side light by hand. As I was running out of that cleaner, I thought I will try UC on the other side and given the efforts needed, I decided to try cordless handheld drill and the buffer. It took no more than 5 minutes to do the pictured light. This is my co-worker's car. My cars' lights were never this bad and the ebay purchase did not wow me. When I saw my co-worker's car, I thought I would try to see if I can make a dramatic difference on her car.

Buy UC, some terry towels and microfiber clothes from your local Target/Walmart and give it a shot.

http://picasaweb.google.com/vsontakke/NagaHondaCivicLightRestoration?feat=directlink

 

[97tbird]

Thanks a lot...
What do you call that attachment?

I am going to give Meg UC a try by hand, but would like to get a drill anyway, and the attachment..

 

[oilcoholic]

I just did the headlights on my truck with Mequires Ultimate Compound and a microfiber hand applicator pad. With good elbow grease the lights came out beautifully. I taped off the paint, rubbed, sealed with UV protectant, and cleaned up in less then 45 mins. UC does really well by hand.

 

[Vikas]

I have no idea what it is called. I will take more pictures and post it for you.

In the meantime, visit auto parts store / walmart /local hardware store tool section and see if you can find this contraption. It has a rubber backing plate, wool bonnet and round sandpapers.

Here is something similar from Autozone but does NOT have sandpapers (which you DONT need!!)

- Vikas

Autozone Buffer Kit

 

[jcwit]

Looks like it would be called a Buffing Kit, ya think?

 

[CourierDriver]

Remember when good headlamps where glass, and none of this nonsense of hazing and stuff, give me a break, o well.

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: CourierDriver
Remember when good headlamps where glass, and none of this nonsense of hazing and stuff, give me a break, o well.


Yeah, the good old days when my 1986 Jetta got a rock thrown at its headlight and it was $320 to replace it.

Ever since we have gone from sealed beams (and replacement units were less than $10) the cost has gone up.

But the amount of light and coverage is impressive. My Corolla on high beam has more coverage and its MUCH better than the 24vt landing lights on my Cessna that I used to own. And once you use a projector type unit like the Outback you'll accept the maintenance needed for plastic units.

Bill

 

[deeter16317]

I'm just going to add the following:

The headlights on this car were beyond what could be repaired with a headlight restorer...already tried it, the entire scratch-resistant coating had more/less been removed, and it was not possible to polish the softer plastic underneath.

This was just an ah-ha type of thing, and not intended to be a cure for all. It has worked well on my outback, and is still holding up well.