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Old 09-29-2017, 8:19pm   #1
lspencer534
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Default What's the best way to restore headlight lenses?

My 2007 Jaguar has acrylic headlight lenses/covers that are in dire need of cleaning: They have cloudiness and discoloration. What is the best way to restore them to their original clearness? I've seen this kit advertised:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GZLMEPM...3-T1-LO-4DCJUB

I've also read that using wet sandpaper in increasing grades (1000 grit to 8000 grit) is the way to go, but that you must use an UV coating to keep them from clouding up again in a few weeks.

Help!
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Old 09-29-2017, 8:23pm   #2
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Ebay or Amazon; or Copart etc. Find a clean used set and bolt them in. Done, no sanding, scrubbing or buffing required. Avoid mechanical car washes where they recycle the chemical stew they call wash water and your "new" lenses will stay clear for years.
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Old 09-29-2017, 8:25pm   #3
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I’ve used a similar kit by 3M. It will restore the look, but it’s a neverending battle. Oddly enough, toothpaste works to an extent. Just depends on the state of things when you begin.
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Old 09-29-2017, 8:29pm   #4
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Old 09-29-2017, 8:29pm   #5
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I just used this kit and it worked well.
3M Headlight Lens Renewal Kit with Protectant 39045 | eBay

I used a hand polishing kit before and it made me wish I got the power kit.

Even with the protectant, they only last so long. You may consider purchasing brand new headlights.
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Old 09-29-2017, 9:25pm   #6
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Allright...

Half the battle here is maintaining them so they don't haze over to begin with...

I have been using either Turtle Wax One Step Headlight Restorer and Sealant or Meguiars Headlight Protectant on my '14 Tacoma since I bought it (new) and the headlights are still Crystal Clear. I wash the truck about every 2 weeks, and I simply use the product every time. Easy solution. It's an extra 5 minutes.

My approach is a bit more half assed on the wife's ride, but Meguiars Plast-X or Formula One Scratch Out cleans up the haze pretty good, followed by a coating of the Turtle Wax Product.

If they are hazed up on the inside, you are screwed. Otherwise, the trick is just keeping after them.
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Old 09-29-2017, 9:34pm   #7
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I was going to say just nut up and buy new, but crap.....a quick search indicates the Jaguar tax is really outrageous.
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Old 09-29-2017, 9:42pm   #8
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Believe it or not Larry, I use Autosol metal polish on mine. Use it sparingly on a soft damp cloth and it immediately takes all the oxidization off the lenses. You don't have to use a power buffer or take then out of the car. Buff with an old tshirt after, and WAX. You need to seal them with wax to make it last. Takes about 10 minutes a side.

I've even used that stuff on plastic convertible windows!....with no damage. I've used it to get scratches out of watch crystals, and it polishes any kind of metal. it's pretty amazing stuff. About 7 bucks a tube and you only use a bit at a time.

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Old 09-29-2017, 10:13pm   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kerrmudgeon View Post
Believe it or not Larry, I use Autosol metal polish on mine. Use it sparingly on a soft damp cloth and it immediately takes all the oxidization off the lenses. You don't have to use a power buffer or take then out of the car. Buff with an old tshirt after, and WAX. You need to seal them with wax to make it last. Takes about 10 minutes a side.

I've even used that stuff on plastic convertible windows!....with no damage. I've used it to get scratches out of watch crystals, and it polishes any kind of metal. it's pretty amazing stuff. About 7 bucks a tube and you only use a bit at a time.

Where to buy? Any pics of your lens?
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Old 09-29-2017, 10:29pm   #10
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Quote:
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Where to buy? Any pics of your lens?
We buy it up here at any auto parts place, but it's very popular with bikers for the engine cases....they come up almost like chrome. I've used it on stainless which also comes up great. Most bike shops should have it. It's got a sealing agent in it as well to keep it, but I wax anyway.

No pics of Honda lenses....maybe tomorrow. I was shocked that an 02 headlight came up that good.
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Old 09-29-2017, 10:50pm   #11
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This one: https://www.amazon.com/Autosol-Utoso...ywords=autosol
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Old 09-29-2017, 10:54pm   #12
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I say, you do not have a man to do that. How unfortunate.

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Old 09-30-2017, 12:13am   #13
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that's it.
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Old 09-30-2017, 7:28am   #14
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Quote:
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I think I'll get me some...



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Old 09-30-2017, 8:27am   #15
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I never saw those vids before. I thought I was the only guy using it for that!
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Old 09-30-2017, 10:03am   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bill_daniels View Post
I was going to say just nut up and buy new, but crap.....a quick search indicates the Jaguar tax is really outrageous.
Yep, like $400-$500 for each side...and you have to get a body shop to install them because the fenders have to come off.
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Old 09-30-2017, 5:02pm   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Waco View Post
Now that's just a dumb way to build a car.
Old joke in the C3 world was the factory suspended the Heater Core in mid air and built the car around it.
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Old 09-30-2017, 6:26pm   #18
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To restore headlights;

1 banana
1 jar of peanut butter, creamy works best
1 pkg 10 grit sand paper

Take banana, peel, and eat
Take PB and make a war face by smearing it all over, careful not to get it in your eyes. You're not Rambo, this time.
Take sand paper and rub the headlight, works best if you really lean into it.

No order since with these directions, you can start from the bottom, top, or middle.
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Old 09-30-2017, 8:09pm   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by boracayjohnny View Post
To restore headlights;

1 banana
1 jar of peanut butter, creamy works best
1 pkg 10 grit sand paper

Take banana, peel, and eat
Take PB and make a war face by smearing it all over, careful not to get it in your eyes. You're not Rambo, this time.
Take sand paper and rub the headlight, works best if you really lean into it.

No order since with these directions, you can start from the bottom, top, or middle.
You really don't need the 10 grit paper. You can just use a jagged rock. You're welcome.
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Old 09-30-2017, 9:55pm   #20
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You really don't need the 10 grit paper. You can just use a jagged rock. You're welcome.


I get a cut on 10 grit sand paper sales.
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