Notices
1999 - 2016 Super Duty 1999 to 2016 Ford F250, F350, F450 and F550 Super Duty with diesel V8 and gas V8 and V10 engines
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Real Truck

Headlight Lens Restoring

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 28, 2015 | 07:03 PM
  #1  
ligito's Avatar
ligito
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 2
From: Oregon
Headlight Lens Restoring

When I bought my SD, 2 months ago, the dealer polished the headlights.
They are getting murky, already.

I have seen many methods advertised to do the job, which is best?
 
Reply
Old May 28, 2015 | 07:12 PM
  #2  
clem1226's Avatar
clem1226
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,502
Likes: 2
From: Bend Oregon
Club FTE Silver Member

From what I hear OFF insect repellant is the way to go.

Spray it on, let it sit for 20 and 30 seconds and polish dry. Repeat 2 or 3 times and they look new.

No Personal experience but enough here have vouched for it so I believe.
 
Reply
Old May 28, 2015 | 07:19 PM
  #3  
Tedster9's Avatar
Tedster9
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
I'd just point out the reason OFF works in this application is that the "deet" (stuff that confuses skeeters) also dissolves plastic and harms synthetic fibers (Rayon). So be careful inadvertently spraying it on anything else, for example paint or clearcoat.
 
Reply
Old May 28, 2015 | 07:21 PM
  #4  
ligito's Avatar
ligito
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 2
From: Oregon
Thanks for the caution.
 
Reply
Old May 29, 2015 | 05:41 AM
  #5  
jsm180's Avatar
jsm180
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 110
From: Lakeland, Fl
Fine rubbing compound or swirl remover and a buffer @ 1000 rpm or less works for me. Follow with a good paste wax.
 
Reply
Old May 29, 2015 | 05:48 AM
  #6  
CollinsCD's Avatar
CollinsCD
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 16,281
Likes: 402
From: Odessa, Delaware
I have seen people use toothpaste with good results. Yes I said toothpaste.
 
Reply
Old May 29, 2015 | 06:57 AM
  #7  
Retreever's Avatar
Retreever
Cross-Country
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by ligito
When I bought my SD, 2 months ago, the dealer polished the headlights.
They are getting murky, already.

I have seen many methods advertised to do the job, which is best?
I used Off on my 2000 F350 headlamps and results were brilliant! I sprayed it on the rag then wiped down the headlights rather than spray it directly on the headlights and risk getting it somewhere it could do damage.

Roger
 
Reply
Old May 29, 2015 | 06:06 PM
  #8  
ligito's Avatar
ligito
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 2
From: Oregon
Originally Posted by Retreever
I used Off on my 2000 F350 headlamps and results were brilliant! I sprayed it on the rag then wiped down the headlights rather than spray it directly on the headlights and risk getting it somewhere it could do damage.

Roger
Sounds like a safer way to apply it.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

 Brett Foote
story-2

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-7

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 30, 2015 | 01:27 PM
  #9  
SGorman13's Avatar
SGorman13
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Using Off or any bug spray with Deet or even toothpaste will only be a temporary fix. The Deet will melt the plastic and eventually you will have no plastic left. For a more permanent fix try wet sanding the lens with a fine grit sandpaper a few times. After cleaning the lens then spray a couple of coats of clear coat. A video can be found online, just google "chrisfix headlight"
 
Reply
Old May 30, 2015 | 03:18 PM
  #10  
phillips91's Avatar
phillips91
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,724
Likes: 4
From: Rogersville, TN
Headlight Lens Restoring

A lot of the haze is also on the inside of the lens. I used to polish them inside and out with sandpaper or rubbing compound. It was only a short lived, temporary fix, so I just replace them now.
 
Reply
Old May 30, 2015 | 08:31 PM
  #11  
carl2591's Avatar
carl2591
Fleet Mechanic
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 87
From: North Carolina, Raleigh
I recently went through the same thing with my two Hyundai elantra and the 2003 f-250 headlights..

in doing a bit are research i found the Wipe New headlight stuff an amazon.

Amazon.com: Wipe New HDL6PCMTRRT Headlight Restore Kit: Automotive Amazon.com: Wipe New HDL6PCMTRRT Headlight Restore Kit: Automotive

423 reviews on amazon and a solid 4 star product. I used car buffing compound first scrubbing it hard by hand for a good 5 mins and then rinses with water. Let it completely dry and then use the wipe new stuff.. the headlight look like new. there is enough stuff to do 3 and i could have done 4 cars total of 8 headlights, if i had the last one ready to go.

some of the reviews had done updates and over a year still looking good.

it only like 9 buck and with prime free shipping.
 
Reply
Old May 31, 2015 | 08:16 AM
  #12  
AikenRooster's Avatar
AikenRooster
Freshman User
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
I bought the headlight restoration kit, by Sylvania, and had it shipped from Amazon. Works as advertised. I bought it for my minivan, because the headlamps were so hazy that you couldn't see at night. The headlamps look brand new now. I had some of the "magic liquid" left over and I used the wet grit sandpaper and restored the lights on my truck as well. They look brand new.
 
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2015 | 11:23 PM
  #13  
fixnair's Avatar
fixnair
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 3
From: Sapulpa OK
Club FTE Gold Member
I've used spackle with success. Just daub a rag in it & rub 'till clear. Wash off with water.
 
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2015 | 01:05 AM
  #14  
chronage's Avatar
chronage
New User
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
They'll need constant maintenance unless you get them re-cleared
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
silverbullet6oh
Appearance & Dress-Up
6
Aug 13, 2019 02:53 AM
allanGEE
Appearance & Dress-Up
5
Oct 20, 2014 06:31 AM
khadma
Appearance & Dress-Up
4
Jan 26, 2009 03:06 PM
midwestlj
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Dec 28, 2004 01:15 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:46 PM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE