Headlight Restore

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Sep 5, 2014 | 01:28 PM

guitarpicr

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 2,333

Likes: 1

From: St. Louis, Mo.

Headlight Restore

Hey all- Just restored my headlights - They were pretty faded on the top portion. Did not take pics as I am pretty lame at it, but they are about 95% like new. I used the Turtle wax cheap kit - Was 10 bucks. Took a little elbow grease, as the kit does not come with a drill buffing attachment, but after 45 minutes for both sides they look great. I was ready to pull the trigger on 2 new ones & thought for 10 bucks Id give this stuff a whirl. Could'nt be more pleased with the results. If you try this stuff just read the instructions & go step by step per them.

Sep 5, 2014 | 01:42 PM

SARDiverDan

Cargo Master

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 2,885

Likes: 778

From: SoCal/Wyoming

I have tried several and while they will look good for about a month, I have yet to find one that will last long term. I even tried the Maguire's high dollar kit and it did not last

Sep 5, 2014 | 01:49 PM

guitarpicr

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 2,333

Likes: 1

From: St. Louis, Mo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SARDiverDan

I have tried several and while they will look good for about a month, I have yet to find one that will last long term. I even tried the Maguire's high dollar kit and it did not last

Dan -Does it fade worse than it was before ?

Sep 5, 2014 | 02:09 PM

SARDiverDan

Cargo Master

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 2,885

Likes: 778

From: SoCal/Wyoming

I would not say that is makes it worse, I notice that the upper sections (where you get that frosty patchy look) comes right back in a relative short time. If someone would just come out with aftermarket lights made out of real glass (thick stuff) like back in the old days, we would not have this issue.

Sep 5, 2014 | 02:17 PM

whitetmw

Posting Guru

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 1,080

Likes: 10

wet sand them with 600 and then 1000 grit paper, then some tooth paste (wet), then use a good wax. Mine last about 18 months before needing to be redone.

Sep 5, 2014 | 03:12 PM

Justin03PSD

Senior User

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 497

Likes: 0

From: KC MO

There are UV resistant sprays / paints that can help keep them looking good. Krylon comes to mind.

I have also heard of people applying the clear bra material to headlights.

Sep 5, 2014 | 05:46 PM

Tugly

Hotshot

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 18,849

Likes: 179

From: Puget Sound

Anything that fills in the micropores on the plastic will make it look better. Rain-X will look nice, until it wears off. The clear paint has merit.

Trending Topics

My 1976 F-250

3.9k

263.4k
Another Crank no start -- sorry

27

447
VIN Meaning

17

314
This is prolly a 1 page thread at most

110.3k

6M
Header tube temp question.

14

193

Sep 5, 2014 | 07:28 PM

F350-6

Post Fiend

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 26,966

Likes: 50

From: Texas

I tried polishing compound on mine to see how it worked, but I only did one headlight so I could keep track of the difference.

Got it all nice and shiny and put a coat of wax on it. I do a bit of driving, and bug guts may not agree with the wax, but it was about 2 months before I had trouble seeing much difference between the two headlights.

I ordered some cheap replacement headlights (02 model) from Rock Auto and was amazed at how much brighter things seemed from the driver seat. I don't know for sure, but I'm thinking the difference wasn't from how clear the lens was, but how shiny the reflector was. I guess the old one might have dulled over the years and miles.