Headlight Restoration

[Buckles]

Headlight Restoration w/ Pics

Just thought I would through this out there for anyone that might be looking for option with their old or oxidized headlights.

My 4Runner's headlights were not that considering their age, but my driver side light had some visible oxidation that made it look old and dingy next to the passenger side light.

After searching around for different cleaning/restoration options, I decided to follow the directions from this youtube video.

Ultimate Headlight Restoration - YouTube

I went out and purchased 600, 800, 1000, 1500, and 2000 grit wet/dry sand paper. The paper was about $4.99 per grit for a package of 5 sheets. I also bought some Miniwax Helsman Spa Urethane. All together I spent about $50 on materials. I already had some mineral spirits and blue shop towels.

Since my headlights weren't too bad, I started with the 800 grit and worked my way up to 2000. After sanding, I cleaned them again with soapy water then with mineral spirits. I then applied the mix of mineral spirits and urethane.

I was a little leery of sanding my headlights before I started, but now that they are finished Im glad I did. The lights look pretty scratched and hazy before you apply the urethane mixture at the end. But after its applied, the lights look brand new.

Unfortunately I did not get any before and after pics of the 4Runner, however I did get some of my Mom's Solara, as I did her right after mine.

Here are some pics. Heres were considerably worse than mine before the restoration.

Before passenger side:



After passenger side:



After driver side:



This was definitely a great outcome that did not take a whole lot of work. I would recommend this process to anyone looking to restore their headlights.

 

[tjhaf2007]

I can back you up on this one. I have used this method on a couple of cars, and i'll tell you, it looks awesome and the difference in light output is very noticeable before and after. i would highly recommend trying this out.

 

[JChiz]

Buckles, I saw this too but could not find the Miniwax Helsman Spa Urethane at either of our 2 hardware stores. Where did you buy yours? Those pictures are awesome.

 

[Buckles]

Buckles, I saw this too but could not find the Miniwax Helsman Spa Urethane at either of our 2 hardware stores. Where did you buy yours? Those pictures are awesome.

Got mine at Home Depot. I actually went to two different stores and both had it. It comes in a green can. There are several different finishes, but you want the one with the red label, clear.

Looks like this

I think the only thing I would change if I was to do it again would be to find a different applicator for the urethane. The shop towel worked ok, but it was really easy to get streaks if you werent careful. I may use a sponge brush next time. My brother has oxidized set of lights of his Mustang Bullitt so I will probably have a go at those next.
I was a little worried when I mixed it with the mineral spirits because it was not the same milky color as the guy's in the video. It came out more like a light maple syrup, but with a much higher viscosity.

 

[JChiz]

Thanks - Tucson Home Depot trip tomorrow. This is actually for my sister's RAV4.

 

[Kmvreter]

For those who have done this method, how is it holding up?

 

[tweak]

I had a friend clean my headlights on two cars a few weeks ago. They weren't terribly cloudy but could really see the difference afterward. He used toothpaste and a damp cloth. Buffed with dry cloth.

 

[bpowa]

I did this on my x5. It came out good but there was still a haze at certain angles. If you look at it directly they looked perfect.

I would only advise doing this method if the headlights are completely yellow and hazed with clearcoat completely destroyed in certain areas.

On my current 4runner the headlight was hazed and yellow but the clearcost was still intact.

All I did was use a rubbing compound or a 3m scratch remover and buff it out.
Then I applied klasse sealant protector and buffed it.

It now looks practically new.

 

[n210wagon]

Its held up for 2 years out in California sun on the cars i headlights i have refinished

The Helmsman clear oil based urethane is what works....

 

[iBison]

I got a set of 08s for my 04. Wet sanded them and had my son clear coat them with auto clear, look great. Make sure you get all of the old protective layer off.

 

[03_4R_LTD]

This is an old thread, one of many on this topic, but thought I would relate my experience with headlight lens cleaning.

I used the 3M kit about a year ago. Today, my lenses are quite cloudy again.
I wasn't aware of the need for UV protection, as the kit does not come with any UV protection or mention the need for it - this is it's major weakness. However, as far as sanding, buffing, and polishing, the 3M kit is quite good. I've now done my headlights twice and have lots of material left over to do them more if needed.

I would say the youtube video mentioned in this thread is a good start, if you want a total DIY approach. But it doesn't take the sanding as far as needed - I would go to 3000 grit. And there is no polishing step whatsoever, which is a pretty important step. Get some plastic polish if you are going to go this route. Overall, the 3M kit is probably cheaper. Also, I would not use the Minwax spar varnish, I would use a really high grade marine varnish like Epifanes or equivalent. Tests have shown significant differences in UV protection between the home center varnishes and specialty marine varnishes.

I just re-did my lenses with the 3M kit yesterday and they look great. I don't have any Epifanes handy, so I applied 303 Protectant to prevent any UV damage until I get some varnish. I'm also thinking about possibly ordering the Weathertech film, but that might be overkill.