headlight oxidation

[Asmara]

I decided to go ahead an buy some of this. I've been using the Meguiars Plastix headlight cleaner but it doesn't last very long. I did a search for the CV restorer mentioned in the thread trying to find the cheapest place to purchase it. I noted that advanced auto sells it for $22.99 but what really stuck out were the reviews. Like our t4r colleagues, everybody loves this stuff.

The best price I found was from a new eBay seller: $15 shipped. I just ordered a kit.

So I used the CV headlight restorer over the weekend. Wow! This stuff works great and the headlights look better than they ever did using the Meguiars. I took a before and after pic. The headlights really do look new.
I think it is the sealant that really does the trick.

I followed the directions but here are a couple of tips.

• Open the hood and use tape to mask off the paint. A few times my hand slipped when using the sand paper.
• The CV #2 is a liquid comes out Fast! (CV 1 is a paste).
• You can get an idea of what the headlight will look like towards the end when you clean it with water. The CV #2 fills in the microscopic gaps like the water does when you clean the lens.

Before and after pictures

 

[034RUNNER]

I just took it to a friend of mines body shop. He used wet sand paper on a high speed orbital sander and did that with both headlights. He then used a high speed buffer with some type of polish and they were done in 30 minutes. they look brand new! And he said I shouldn't have to ever do it again.

This was done to my 4R but it's starting to happen again. It's not as bad as it was yet, it's been about a year, but it's getting there....

 

[Asmara]

So I used the CV headlight restorer over the weekend.

Before and after pictures

Just thought I'd post a follow-up. It's been more than 3 months and the headlights still look new with no change from when I took the pictures above. If anybody want's to solve the headlight oxidation problem permanently, this is the solution.

 

[hunton]

i used one and it only lasted about a month or 2 and ended up ordering new headlights

 

[Asmara]

Just thought I'd post a follow-up. It's been more than 3 months and the headlights still look new with no change from when I took the pictures above. If anybody want's to solve the headlight oxidation problem permanently, this is the solution.

A follow-up to my follow-up. All in all, the fix lasted about 1 1/2 years before I had to use the plastic polish. The 4runner was always parked outside and never garaged. Rather go the CV route again, I just purchased new OEM headlights and installed them - just a couple days short of the two year mark when I first posted my results from using the CV headlight restorer.

 

[Trob20]

This worked like a charm on my headlights Headlight Restoration Toothpaste - YouTube. IMO it worked better than the Turtle wax headlight restoration I used on my mom's Sequoia.

 

[craigmac75]

I also used the Turtle Wax Headlight Restoration Kit and it worked very well.

 

[5ontheFloor]

Man I miss the glass headlights like the ones I had on my old '98 Nismo Pathfinder

 

[Bografan]

Bumping an old thread: Just bought a CV kit from amazon, be here in about a week. (Disappointed in other kits purchased at auto parts stores-- One was turtle wax, the other was in a maroon box with a drill mounted sponge-- Never got more than 6 months of clarity out of either kit on previous vehicles) I should be able to post before and afters.

 

[MSRP.]

To solve it indefinitely, the cheapest option is to apply a clear film of sorts to offer UV protection as stated by a detailer in this thread back in '07-08.

Funny how everyone ignored it and decided to drop big dollars on new headlights.
Polish it out with whatever kit you decide, buy some clear film from amazon, and apply.

$20 in film, a sharp set of scissors, a heatgun/hairdryer, patience, done in an hour. (not including polishing--which is a 5 minute job if you have access to a rotary machine polisher at 1000rpm)

 

[Bografan]

I intended this to be a stop-gap measure honestly. Mine are yellowing, but due to some trail rash on the passenger side corner/lens assembly, the top plastic mounting tab was broken off. I intended on replacing the both lenses and adding film after I get a little more armor up front, probably this time next year.

To solve it indefinitely, the cheapest option is to apply a clear film of sorts to offer UV protection as stated by a detailer in this thread back in '07-08.

Funny how everyone ignored it and decided to drop big dollars on new headlights.
Polish it out with whatever kit you decide, buy some clear film from amazon, and apply.

$20 in film, a sharp set of scissors, a heatgun/hairdryer, patience, done in an hour. (not including polishing--which is a 5 minute job if you have access to a rotary machine polisher at 1000rpm)

 

[Urban4Runner]

I just picked up a 4Runner and the lights were in pretty bad shape. After cleaning them down with Meguiars ultimate compound for a few min, there was a noticeable change. I recommend it for an easy route that doesn't take long.

 

[EC3]

My 04 lights started hazing a few years ago. I use heavy compound once a month, and the lights look brand new. Cheap, easy, low cost solution that has been doing the trick for a few years with no damage.

 

[Bografan]

The CV stuff worked great, and judging by a lot of reviews it should last a decent while.

 

[Sifrk]

Can someone post a link to the headlight film for the 5th gen? Plannimg to nip this in the bud before it gets too late. Thanks in advance.

 

[aparker81]

Can someone post a link to the headlight film for the 5th gen? Plannimg to nip this in the bud before it gets too late. Thanks in advance.

I searched the site for "headlight film" and read this thread:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/214250-headlight-film-recommendations.html

It has links to InvisibleMask - Paint Protection For Your Car
and
Lamin-x Protective Films : Headlight, Tail Light and Fog Light Protection

 

[1ffej]

might want to consider some new aftermarket lights vs a repair.

 

[grave]

anybody ever tried 3M PPF film over their headlights after one of these repairs?

 

[Sifrk]

I searched the site for "headlight film" and read this thread:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/214250-headlight-film-recommendations.html

It has links to InvisibleMask - Paint Protection For Your Car
and
Lamin-x Protective Films : Headlight, Tail Light and Fog Light Protection

Thank you!

 

[drbyrdman]

Mequires heavy duty kit

I just bought this kit and did both lights in under a half hour. Headlights look brand new. Plus there is enough stuff in the kit for years of use.