Hey whats up? I've seen some ads for headlight restoration and want to know from any of the detailers here what they think of it. Is there such a thing as a headlight that just can't come clean because it's too trashed? Do they really come out as clear as they say? Does it last? What should I pay for someone to come do it at the office? Thanks!

 

I wet sand and buff them out.They last as long as you keep them waxed.Some of the places re-clear them.As for getting them new again,yes it can be done,on the outside,but if the inside of the lense is bad there's really nothing that can be done.

 

Not too bad yet - just some yellowy haze on them - shouldn't be through and through. There are some "kits" available out there and I was wondering what sort of magic chemicals or compounds they use? Anybody do this as part of your detailing services or for dealers reconditioning cars?

 

I would think it should run you about 50-100 bucks? I dont know. But there is not much to it. I have done a few with re clearing them. Just wet sand them down and shoot them with some clear they look new. But you should be able to wet sand and buff them and get the same result.

Josh

 

The problem with the DIY kits out there is they give you a compound and a pollish.If there really caked up with oxidation sanding them out might be your only option as the hand rubbing them with compound is only gonna do so much,not enough abrasives and not enough heat.Plus,sanding and buffing them gets all the scratches and bug damage out if cut down good enough.Or just have them cleared.Either way works like Josh said.

 

Wal-Mart sells a $20 headlight restoration kit that makes you wet sand the headlights first with either 1000 grit or 1500 grit sandpaper, then wetsand with 2500 grit, and then apply 2 different compounds to the headlights. I just used this kit a few days ago and it works amazing. My headlights were completely yellow before the treatment and completely clear after the treatment. The product claims that it has a lifetime warranty but I wouldn't believe that.

 

After seen some crap Billy Mays puts out for fixing scratches, i doubt anything from wal-mart or Walgreens. best way would be to re clear(must use plastic adhesion promoter) them or have them thermo-set to the plastic's temp to basically seal the scratches and pores. If not they remain open. I had a Paintless dent repair guy come to my shop and swear up and down ond his system, within 4 days they hazed up in the rain and sun we been having.

 

I just sanded my headlights down last weekend. I started "wet sanding"with 1000 grit then went to 1500 grit then 2000 grit. Then when I was finished I put a coat of wax on them. I need to go get 2500-3000 grit snadpaper to finish them up. The yellow is completely gone from the headlight that was bad. There is also a local guy that does both headlights for $50. I emailed and called and no response so I don't know what's up with him. His website is Headlight Medic, Inc. | Home . Hope I helped.