LOL. Yes, as I said before they likely could have been maitained better from day one. Point is though, they weren't and there are many foggy headlight lens' out there that could be improved by restoration. Just showing the CV method I used.
Headlight Restoration w before/after pics.
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Has anyone used this stuff on tail lites? Got a silverado that needs some work on the tail lites.
Originally Posted By: malibu jimbo
Has anyone used this stuff on tail lites? Got a silverado that needs some work on the tail lites.
Originally Posted By: Billbert
I polish my headlamps (and taillamps) with Mcguires PlasX polish (by hand) twice a year. Easy to do, and they always look like brand new.
Has anyone used this stuff on tail lites? Got a silverado that needs some work on the tail lites.
Originally Posted By: Billbert
I polish my headlamps (and taillamps) with Mcguires PlasX polish (by hand) twice a year. Easy to do, and they always look like brand new.
Originally Posted By: malibu jimbo
Has anyone used this stuff on tail lites? Got a silverado that needs some work on the tail lites.
I don't see why it wouldn't work with tail lights, they're made of the same material as the headlights. The CV2 (clear coat filler) would likely last substantially longer in the rear though, because tail lights don't see the bugs and other environmental factors as the headlights do.
Has anyone used this stuff on tail lites? Got a silverado that needs some work on the tail lites.
I don't see why it wouldn't work with tail lights, they're made of the same material as the headlights. The CV2 (clear coat filler) would likely last substantially longer in the rear though, because tail lights don't see the bugs and other environmental factors as the headlights do.
I don't see the CV kit at my Wally Mart anymore...Time to re-do the Elantra and the Tbird's lights...where do you guys get them?
Still at my local Wally's in the the area of the headlights, though sometimes they are out. Try a different Wally or can buy at Advance, but it is about $5 more(~$22). But, if you buy it online and combine it with another small purchase and BIG10 code, you can get $10 off with free in store pick up.
Other codes are posted on promo board if you want to combine it for a bigger purchase.
Other codes are posted on promo board if you want to combine it for a bigger purchase.
A couple of comments:
It is vital that the final product be UV stabilized. This is why those who have sanded or heavily polished find that theirs fog up again. Even with the UV protection from the factory, it's the UV exposure which clouded them in the first place (assuming we're not talking about heavy sand blasting from road debris).
To those who polish frequently - you may or may not have stripped the UV protection from the lights by your actions. Your regular maintenance may be all that's keeping them clear. Keeping on top of things is a great path to longevity, but be careful just what you are doing "regularly" as you may be harming things without realizing it right away.
For me, I feel that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I've been very happy with the application of an XPel headlight protection film on my cars. The applications for XPel have changed over the years - different thicknesses of film are available and I've been told that most shops are installing thinner films (i.e. 8mil) on headlights these days since the Lexan is so tough. I have 40mil XPel protection films on the headlights of my 1998 BMW. I've changed the film once in that time due to some pitting/sandblasting of the film. The film fogs less from sandblasting than the headlight plastic does. The lights behind the film are crystal clear like the car was new. I've had to disassemble the lights once to clean the inside since there was a "fog" buildup of some kind of offgassing over the years.
For anyone embarking on long term ownership of a vehicle, I'd recommend a 20mil+ 3M headlight protection film like that from XPel. It may prevent all of these problems and leave the factory UV coatings perfectly intact.
It is vital that the final product be UV stabilized. This is why those who have sanded or heavily polished find that theirs fog up again. Even with the UV protection from the factory, it's the UV exposure which clouded them in the first place (assuming we're not talking about heavy sand blasting from road debris).
To those who polish frequently - you may or may not have stripped the UV protection from the lights by your actions. Your regular maintenance may be all that's keeping them clear. Keeping on top of things is a great path to longevity, but be careful just what you are doing "regularly" as you may be harming things without realizing it right away.
For me, I feel that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I've been very happy with the application of an XPel headlight protection film on my cars. The applications for XPel have changed over the years - different thicknesses of film are available and I've been told that most shops are installing thinner films (i.e. 8mil) on headlights these days since the Lexan is so tough. I have 40mil XPel protection films on the headlights of my 1998 BMW. I've changed the film once in that time due to some pitting/sandblasting of the film. The film fogs less from sandblasting than the headlight plastic does. The lights behind the film are crystal clear like the car was new. I've had to disassemble the lights once to clean the inside since there was a "fog" buildup of some kind of offgassing over the years.
For anyone embarking on long term ownership of a vehicle, I'd recommend a 20mil+ 3M headlight protection film like that from XPel. It may prevent all of these problems and leave the factory UV coatings perfectly intact.
I 2nd what Carig in Canada said RE: polishing it.
Based on what I've seen so far, there are 2 main types of plastic lens out there: (1) polycarbonate clear; and (2) some form of polycarbonate with an additional coating of clearcoat of some sort.
While both of them will eventually becomes clouded, the one came default with an additional coating of clearcoat may becomes yellow (typical for inferior quality clearcoats). Polishing them to restore clarity makes sense, but by then when even the non clearcoated ones starts to cloud (meaning that the UV inhibitors within the plastic itself already spent), the lens will get worse over time, not any better.
Clear film to protect is still a very good way to keep UV at bay.
(for 2) Also: I just received a couple of cans of U-Pol 1K clearcoat spray and will give them a try on my wifey's Camry lens (also friend's parent 99 corolla) when the weather turns warmer next year.
Q.
Based on what I've seen so far, there are 2 main types of plastic lens out there: (1) polycarbonate clear; and (2) some form of polycarbonate with an additional coating of clearcoat of some sort.
While both of them will eventually becomes clouded, the one came default with an additional coating of clearcoat may becomes yellow (typical for inferior quality clearcoats). Polishing them to restore clarity makes sense, but by then when even the non clearcoated ones starts to cloud (meaning that the UV inhibitors within the plastic itself already spent), the lens will get worse over time, not any better.
Clear film to protect is still a very good way to keep UV at bay.
(for 2) Also: I just received a couple of cans of U-Pol 1K clearcoat spray and will give them a try on my wifey's Camry lens (also friend's parent 99 corolla) when the weather turns warmer next year.
Q.
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: greenjp
The last step with the Crystal View product is a sealant of some type that's advertised as being UV resistant to prevent (or at least delay) fogging up. This is the key difference between this kit and the single step headlight polishes.
+1 The CV#2 in the Crystal View packet applied twice at the end, provides the UV/clear coat protection. Likely not as good as original but longer lasting than a single step polish.
The last step with the Crystal View product is a sealant of some type that's advertised as being UV resistant to prevent (or at least delay) fogging up. This is the key difference between this kit and the single step headlight polishes.
+1 The CV#2 in the Crystal View packet applied twice at the end, provides the UV/clear coat protection. Likely not as good as original but longer lasting than a single step polish.
I've used PlastX and Future floor polish with good results on the Buick's headlights after wet-sanding with higher grits of sandpaper. It does need touching up every 3-4 months to keep up the appearance. Then again, they go from looking just a little cloudy to clear as new again.
This time I used regular Turtle Wax in between the PlastX and Future. It came out very well. Being a BITOGer, multiple coats of everything were applied to ensure they're clear!
This time I used regular Turtle Wax in between the PlastX and Future. It came out very well. Being a BITOGer, multiple coats of everything were applied to ensure they're clear!
I tried "Crystal View" and it did not last long. I emailed them about there "Lifetime Warranty!" deal...And they would not honor it..Poor business in my eyes.
Use a rubbing compound (fine) and seal with a clear coat. 1/4 the price and it works!
Do a search on here. I am not the only one.
Fixes like this are easy,
Use a rubbing compound (fine) and seal with a clear coat. 1/4 the price and it works!
Do a search on here. I am not the only one.
Fixes like this are easy,
And I'm not the only one who has had good success with CV, do a search. I take the lifetime guarantee with a grain of salt. Much like Harbor Freight's Lifetime tool guarantee.
Having used it several times now, with proper application based on my experience it's good for ~ a year minimum. Using a synthetic wax as recommended maintenance after, perhaps much longer.
Bottom line, satisfied with results for the cost.
Thanks for the tip about fixes like this.
Having used it several times now, with proper application based on my experience it's good for ~ a year minimum. Using a synthetic wax as recommended maintenance after, perhaps much longer.
Bottom line, satisfied with results for the cost.
Thanks for the tip about fixes like this.
wow that looks good.
My wife's Escape has one cloudy eye and maybe I'll try to clear it up whenever the weather breaks and I get the ambition to do it.
Weird that one cloud's up and the other stayed clear. Where it's parked, it's not that one gets shaded and the other doesn't - doesn't make sense to me.
I have some Meguiars Scratch-X I might try, then follow with something for some UV protection.
My wife's Escape has one cloudy eye and maybe I'll try to clear it up whenever the weather breaks and I get the ambition to do it.
Weird that one cloud's up and the other stayed clear. Where it's parked, it's not that one gets shaded and the other doesn't - doesn't make sense to me.
I have some Meguiars Scratch-X I might try, then follow with something for some UV protection.
Originally Posted By: grampi
I can't believe how many people are buying these expensive headlight kits when all you need is a $2 can of Turtle Wax rubbing compound. The results are the same so why waste money on the kits?
BINGO!!! I spent about $7 for a HUGE can of clear and some rubbing comp....People loves the kits since they are "user" friendly; but 400 mark up..
I can't believe how many people are buying these expensive headlight kits when all you need is a $2 can of Turtle Wax rubbing compound. The results are the same so why waste money on the kits?
BINGO!!! I spent about $7 for a HUGE can of clear and some rubbing comp....People loves the kits since they are "user" friendly; but 400 mark up..
Originally Posted By: snowmaker
Originally Posted By: grampi
I can't believe how many people are buying these expensive headlight kits when all you need is a $2 can of Turtle Wax rubbing compound. The results are the same so why waste money on the kits?
BINGO!!! I spent about $7 for a HUGE can of clear and some rubbing comp....People loves the kits since they are "user" friendly; but 400 mark up..
I think a lot of people actually believe the kits are going to do a better job for them simply because they're called headlight kits. Wet sanding the lenses would also accomplish the same thing.
Originally Posted By: grampi
I can't believe how many people are buying these expensive headlight kits when all you need is a $2 can of Turtle Wax rubbing compound. The results are the same so why waste money on the kits?
BINGO!!! I spent about $7 for a HUGE can of clear and some rubbing comp....People loves the kits since they are "user" friendly; but 400 mark up..
I think a lot of people actually believe the kits are going to do a better job for them simply because they're called headlight kits. Wet sanding the lenses would also accomplish the same thing.
Quote:
...I spent about $7 for a HUGE can of clear and some rubbing comp....People loves the kits since they are "user" friendly; but 400 mark up..
Congrats, good for you! I have no need for HUGE can for clear to sit on a shelf, extra sand paper or application tools. Yes, the CV packet as with any kit is user friendly. I don't have to buy anything else to apply the kit, everything is in the kit, including 2 different grits of sandpaper, compound, and clear coating formula. The similar 3M kit is comparably priced but requires a drill. And the rubbing compound or plastic X alone doesn't last long, positive the CV kit last sustantially longer.
And, I feel even better knowing that Wally and other places are charging $40+ using the same/similar method. It's all relative.
I'll try will to post up more pics of other satisfactory CV HLR results real soon.
...I spent about $7 for a HUGE can of clear and some rubbing comp....People loves the kits since they are "user" friendly; but 400 mark up..
Congrats, good for you! I have no need for HUGE can for clear to sit on a shelf, extra sand paper or application tools. Yes, the CV packet as with any kit is user friendly. I don't have to buy anything else to apply the kit, everything is in the kit, including 2 different grits of sandpaper, compound, and clear coating formula. The similar 3M kit is comparably priced but requires a drill. And the rubbing compound or plastic X alone doesn't last long, positive the CV kit last sustantially longer.
And, I feel even better knowing that Wally and other places are charging $40+ using the same/similar method. It's all relative.
I'll try will to post up more pics of other satisfactory CV HLR results real soon.
Originally Posted By: sayjac
Quote:
...I spent about $7 for a HUGE can of clear and some rubbing comp....People loves the kits since they are "user" friendly; but 400 mark up..
Congrats, good for you! I have no need for HUGE can for clear to sit on a shelf, extra sand paper or application tools. Yes, the CV packet as with any kit is user friendly. I don't have to buy anything else to apply the kit, everything is in the kit, including 2 different grits of sandpaper, compound, and clear coating formula. The similar 3M kit is comparably priced but requires a drill. And the rubbing compound or plastic X alone doesn't last long, positive the CV kit last sustantially longer.
And, I feel even better knowing that Wally and other places are charging $40+ using the same/similar method. It's all relative.
I'll try will to post up more pics of other satisfactory CV HLR results real soon.
Any kind of headlight kit does the exact same thing; it removes lense haziness using an abrasive. How long the lense stays clear after you've removed the haze has nothing to do with which abrasive you used to remove it. The only thing that's going to have an effect on how long the lense stays clear depends on what you put on it AFTER you've removed the haziness. I don't use anything because my lenses stay clear for at least 6 months. It takes me about 10 minutes to make them clear again using rubbing compound. Not a big deal, and the kits are a waste of money.
Quote:
...I spent about $7 for a HUGE can of clear and some rubbing comp....People loves the kits since they are "user" friendly; but 400 mark up..
Congrats, good for you! I have no need for HUGE can for clear to sit on a shelf, extra sand paper or application tools. Yes, the CV packet as with any kit is user friendly. I don't have to buy anything else to apply the kit, everything is in the kit, including 2 different grits of sandpaper, compound, and clear coating formula. The similar 3M kit is comparably priced but requires a drill. And the rubbing compound or plastic X alone doesn't last long, positive the CV kit last sustantially longer.
And, I feel even better knowing that Wally and other places are charging $40+ using the same/similar method. It's all relative.
I'll try will to post up more pics of other satisfactory CV HLR results real soon.
Any kind of headlight kit does the exact same thing; it removes lense haziness using an abrasive. How long the lense stays clear after you've removed the haze has nothing to do with which abrasive you used to remove it. The only thing that's going to have an effect on how long the lense stays clear depends on what you put on it AFTER you've removed the haziness. I don't use anything because my lenses stay clear for at least 6 months. It takes me about 10 minutes to make them clear again using rubbing compound. Not a big deal, and the kits are a waste of money.
As promised more pics of CV Headlight Restoration. This is daughters car which I don't get see that often. So, glad the kit includes the CV2 clear coat filler which makes the job last substantially longer than compound or buffing alone. Satisfied again with results, highly recommended.
Originally Posted By: sayjac
As promised more pics of CV Headlight Restoration. This is daughters car which I don't get see that often. So, glad the kit includes the CV2 clear coat filler which makes the job last substantially longer than compound or buffing alone. Satisfied again with results, highly recommended.
They look good, just like mine!
As promised more pics of CV Headlight Restoration. This is daughters car which I don't get see that often. So, glad the kit includes the CV2 clear coat filler which makes the job last substantially longer than compound or buffing alone. Satisfied again with results, highly recommended.
They look good, just like mine!
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