headlight restoration works
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2013
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headlight restoration works
For all of you driving around with oxidized head lights , I`ve got good news. Just redid the head and tail lights on my `92 with a product from SYLVANIA, and I have to admit that this stuff works like advertised. The kit costs twenty bucks and contains everything you need except the water to rinse the product of with. Tail lights look like new, and the headlights have a improved by 90%. Took me about an hour. The only thing preventing the headlight to be a 100% is a dull coating/layer on the inside of the lens. But for the price you really can`t go wrong. Light output is noticeably better, plus it looks great. No need to go out and buy cheese MADE IN CHINA aftermarket headlights any more.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Cleveland, TN
UV coating is the secret ingredient....
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2013
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UV-block the key
The last step in the process is to apply the UV block/clear coat. You wipe it on with a special paper like towel. the thicker the better, with out getting runs. On the tail lights it is clearly visible once it` is dry. Looks like several coats of clear coat from a rattle can. Time will tell how long this treatment lasts. I doubt twenty two years like the factory stuff, bu we will see.
Since you are removing very little of the actual lens material, you can repeat the process many times.
Since you are removing very little of the actual lens material, you can repeat the process many times.
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
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From: Gilbert, PA
Ebay has OE ones(brand new) for $50 shipped
That is what I ahem in my truck.
New Ford ones are $90 each
That is what I ahem in my truck.
New Ford ones are $90 each
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,256
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From: NC
Yeah, but the 87-91 guys aren't so lucky, a quick look showed $100+ per headlight. and you can't buy the headlight separate from the black bracket and signal housing.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2013
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i heard of people having some success using plain old toothpaste. i tried it and there was zero difference. my son-in-law tried it and the improvement was very noticeable.
the difference is that i was at it for about 3 minutes ... son-in-law was rubbing away for closer to an hour.
the difference is that i was at it for about 3 minutes ... son-in-law was rubbing away for closer to an hour.
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Senior User
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Well if you are using toothpaste, then a least your truck got that fresh smell. The first step in the process is to spray a chemical on the lens that dissolves the remaining clear coat. I had a brown liquid form on the lens, and you rinse that off. The rest is just sanding and polishing to prepare the lens for the new clear coat.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
I just used some 800 grit polishing compound on my orbital buffer. Worked quite well 4 yrs ago. Took most of the yellow out, of course I never cleared them after so they need done again. Never got around to it last summer, have to wait til spring to try again. Only problem is you can't get to the inside of the lense and clean it too.
The buffer made it effortless. Just stand there and lean on it and it does all the work.
The buffer made it effortless. Just stand there and lean on it and it does all the work.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 292
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I used toothpaste on my headlights, I spent about 20 minutes on each headlight or about the time it takes to consume a 12 oz beverage. I noticed a difference, it wasn't brand new but it was a lot better than before. I will do the toothpaste trick again in the spring to freshen up the lights.
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
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From: Gilbert, PA
Pairs can be had for 175
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,394
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From: cincinnati ohio
I wont hesitate to, rather than messin around polishin my headlights every 2 years