Best current headlight plastic polish
- Thread starter rwh963
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spartacus
Senior Member
ads2539
New member
I used this kit. It only comes with one wipe, but I did one headlight on my 4Runner (the other headlight was much newer) and a few months later did both headlights on a Corolla. I put the wipe back in its package after using it on my 4R, and it was still good to use a few months later. I forget if I bought it at Walmart or on Amazon.
After a year or so, it was getting cloudy again, so I bought a new aftermarket headlight.
After a year or so, it was getting cloudy again, so I bought a new aftermarket headlight.
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I use Meguires Compound. Clears them up, and takes away the yellow. It slowly comes back though after time...
Seymore Butts
New member
Yesterday, I used the 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System, part number 39008 as well as the 3M Quick Headlight Clear Coat, part number 39173.
The results exceeded all of my expectations. The plastic housing lenses are crystal clear, probably more so than when they were new. It took me about two hours to complete the job using all of the abrasive disks in the package and stopping every few minutes to wipe the dust off the lenses. If I had to do it again, I'll probably be able to do it in an hour.
Of course, the question now is, how long will it last. I'll know eventually, but I have lots of confidence in that 3M clear coat product, and I don't expect to have to do this again for at least a few years.
The results exceeded all of my expectations. The plastic housing lenses are crystal clear, probably more so than when they were new. It took me about two hours to complete the job using all of the abrasive disks in the package and stopping every few minutes to wipe the dust off the lenses. If I had to do it again, I'll probably be able to do it in an hour.
Of course, the question now is, how long will it last. I'll know eventually, but I have lots of confidence in that 3M clear coat product, and I don't expect to have to do this again for at least a few years.
3M is usually a safe bet. sounds like you have to "sand" the lenses to some degree?
ieatfish
Member
The kit I posted, also 3M, has a disc you put in a drill, removable pads, and UV coat wipes. You just sand/polish with the pads at 3 levels, then wipe on the UV coat. Quick and worked great.
Seymore Butts
New member
Not just to some degree. You have to sand and sand and sand. There are three levels of abrasives and a buffing paste in the 3M kit.
so, the majority of my hazing was on the top of the lenses (where the sun would hit most). decided to get out my porter cable random orbital polisher, an orange compound pad, and some Meguiar's ultimate compound. a minute or two on each lens and they look great! took the brown haze right off.
ieatfish
Member
I don't know that it matters, just something to protect the bare plastic. Some people use a clear coat paint.
J-Roc
New member
Did this the other day. Wish I had of taken a before and after pic.
I have a protection film across the front of the headlights(Put on before I purchased) but the top of the lens and side where the amber marker are not covered.
It was yellow,hazy and white, and couldn’t see through it at all.
Used this:
And it worked amazing. Headlights look brand new.
Used the pad with the compound and did it by hand. Didn’t have to press hard and it only took about 2 minutes per side.
After you sand it and wipe the compound off, you spray it with the coating. Came out crystal clear. Not sure how long it will last, but 10 min of work every year or two doesn’t bother me.
I have a protection film across the front of the headlights(Put on before I purchased) but the top of the lens and side where the amber marker are not covered.
It was yellow,hazy and white, and couldn’t see through it at all.
Used this:
And it worked amazing. Headlights look brand new.
Used the pad with the compound and did it by hand. Didn’t have to press hard and it only took about 2 minutes per side.
After you sand it and wipe the compound off, you spray it with the coating. Came out crystal clear. Not sure how long it will last, but 10 min of work every year or two doesn’t bother me.
