Refurbish existing headlights & turn lights

[LFloyd]

So I want to refurbish/clean my head lights. I sure there are topics up here about it but didn't really see what I was looking for. What is the best way to get the lens clean and clear? I know I read to wet sand and buff but what grade sand paper do you use and what should I use to buff it with? Sorry I'm kinda new to this stuff so I apologize.


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[shakedown067]

Have any photos of your lenses? That'll help see how aggressive of a paper you'll need. I like to start around 500/600 unless they are really bad. I haven't gone lower than 400 though. If you want them really smooth you can then do 800, then 1200/2000. Polishing compound to work out all the scratches, then you'll need a sealant to protect the plastic.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Blue-Mag...93696&wl11=online&wl12=19767427&wl13=&veh=sem

 

[Kenny D]

I bought the kit from 3M that they sell at walmart. I followed the instructions and my severely yellow headlights turned out great. I don't have any pics from when I did it because it was on my 99 burb.

 

[adventurenali92]

I do 1200-1500-2000, unless they are really bad, then I will start with 600 or 800 and go from there. Then I take my high speed rotary polisher on low speed with an orange hex pad with a polish I buy from chemical guys. Usually there V36 product has enough to cut through the yellow. If it's really bad, then I'll take either their V34 or V32 polishes and use my yellow cutting pad to clear the lens. After polish is done, usually takes 2 or 3 passes with my machine I take my heavy duty sealant product, and cover each lens in two thick coats to keep them from going yellow again.

 

[LFloyd]

Thanks for the replies and advice. I will try the 3M kit first and take it from there.

 

[TheAutumnWind]

The important thing is to seal them afterwards. You need a long term UV sealant or spray paint clear or something if you want to keep them clear longer than a few months. I did my brothers beater that was pretty bad awhile back...


this was my first attempt at a headlight restoration on my brothers college beater. I used a 1000 grit/2000 grit and horror freight da with black 5.5" hex logic pads m201 and m101. Protected with aerospace 303 and then collinite 845. Significant improvement in light output.

I should've used a more durable pad as the black ended up pretty worn out.





Aerospace 303 has UV protection, but its a short term solution. That might last 6 months with collinite 845 on top, Maybe, but it was just what I had on me.

 

[Danny3737]

I have had headlights professionally done and I've done them myself and have never had the results last more than 6 months. I've even waxed them afterwards. Time wise ( depending on the vehicle ) you can replace the whole assembly in the same time you take to restore them.

 

[TheAutumnWind]

I have had headlights professionally done and I've done them myself and have never had the results last more than 6 months. I've even waxed them afterwards. Time wise ( depending on the vehicle ) you can replace the whole assembly in the same time you take to restore them.

Its all in the UV seal. Shoot in my denali you could yank the headlights in 2 minutes. Probably takes me half an hour to restore headlights lol. The cost is much different though.

 

[Danny3737]

I think if I were going to sell my vehicle or just needed a quick fix then I'd do a cheap restore. Otherwise, I'd just replace them.

 

[RED TAHOE LS]

I bought the kit from 3M that they sell at walmart. I followed the instructions and my severely yellow headlights turned out great. I don't have any pics from when I did it because it was on my 99 burb.

Times two on the WalMart kits, including Mother's kit. It was supplied with pads, polishing ball to use in your cordless drill, and it will get you by but requires patience and work depending on your condition, JMHO and good luck.
David g.