headlight restoration

[kenshinS14sks]

im NOT trying to figure out how to clean my dingy headlights...i already know how. gah i feel so dumb cuz i can't find a decent article on it.

but basically i've been using wet sand (2000 grit) + novus #3 + plexus plastic polish . . . but i dont know if its cuz im not using a orbital buffer or drill or if i need to use novus #2 and #1... the headlights do not look as clear as i'd want.

+ all the articles im finding dont have decent pics. anyone have any suggestions on what works for them??

btw ive tried this on a 96 zenki, and 2000 accord. it gets them clean, and pretty decently clear but... not diamond clear.

[Anto]

This is what I did:
After 2000 grit, I used 3m rubbing and polishing compound.

THEN I used the plastic polish.
The jump from 2000 grit straight to polish was too high, and wasn't getting out the imperfections.

[BoostedCoupe]

wow. i have done mine and never used sand paper. go get you some mothers mag and alum polish. put some on a buffer or a white rag rub it on the headlights until you think its enough. wipe off the polish if it is clear enough for you then put some wax on your headlights.It dosent matter what kind. the wax is to stop the build up of the yellow stuff again.

[JohnJohn86]

just spray a layer of clear coat. I wet sanded using 1000 grit and then spray. Looks perfect and you don't have to do it all over again in 6 months.

[kenshinS14sks]

from your guys experience, if you were to put it next to a brand new headlight...would it look as sharp?

[pbcstylez]

i dont think anybody here buys new zenki lights for comparison? maybe just use a stock photo?

[DriftinAndy]

This is what I did:
After 2000 grit, I used 3m rubbing and polishing compound.

THEN I used the plastic polish.
The jump from 2000 grit straight to polish was too high, and wasn't getting out the imperfections.


I have the same polish and I think its the best for this whole restoration!! It has those mirco grit in it so its like wet sanding without the sanding, I recommend that polish to EVERYONE!! ..Im not sure how your cleaning them but I took the whole light apart soaked the lens in a bucket of hot water for about 20 mins then used the polish on the inside and outside of the lens...(the reason for the soaking is because it warms up the lens so the oxidation is easier to come off) I wish i had pics of the before and after so you can see the difference...ill post them later..

[DunG HAB SP]

try this..on plastic foggy head lamps use old brake fluid from your master cylinder on a rag and wipe on head lights works well enough to see out of it...

[240sxdrifterS14]

auto aone sells some pretty awsome stuff for $20

[Anto]

It's not recommended to polish the inside because it shouldn't be exposed to the elements and therefore, not exposed to oxidation.

UNLESS your headlights have had sealing problems..

I have the same polish and I think its the best for this whole restoration!! It has those mirco grit in it so its like wet sanding without the sanding, I recommend that polish to EVERYONE!! ..Im not sure how your cleaning them but I took the whole light apart soaked the lens in a bucket of hot water for about 20 mins then used the polish on the inside and outside of the lens...(the reason for the soaking is because it warms up the lens so the oxidation is easier to come off) I wish i had pics of the before and after so you can see the difference...ill post them later..

[DriftinAndy]

It's not recommended to polish the inside because it shouldn't be exposed to the elements and therefore, not exposed to oxidation.

UNLESS your headlights have had sealing problems..

Yea true, but you didnt see my headlights..lol..It wasnt that bad on the inside but it still had a little oxi inside...