Clouded Headlights

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Eric0508

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I attempted to clear up my left headlight tonight. I used Meguire's "PlastX" which you can find at any local auto parts store. It certainly improved the appearance of the headlight, visibly reducing the amount of clouding. However its still not nearly as clear as the right headlight. Overall, not impressed with this product. I'm going to try a kit a friend recommended to me. Heres some before and after pics.

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I tried polishing the headlights on my '95 T-Bird. Forgot exactly how, followed the instructions from a website. It cleaned them up considerably, but within a couple of months they were cloudy again.:(
 
Try this method: http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2485084
I have done this on both my headlights and fogs lights as well as on my dads Solara. There is a dramatic improvement when you are finished. My driver side headlight was turning a little yellow and I took it out following the directions in the link. I didn't take pics of my driver side but have attached a before and after of my passengers. It takes the indentations in the plastic as well.
I recommend buying a mini buffer kit to fit in a power drill to apply the rubbing compound and polish. I purchased mine at Harbor Freight tools.
Hope this helps.

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You're gonna have to wet sand that out with very fine sand paper then polish it with a buffer. To keep it that way you'll have to polish them about once a week. There is a layer of protective clear coat on the headlights to protect the plastic from the sun. Once that protective coating is gone the sun will cause the plastic to deteriorate much faster than normal.
 
That PlasX product is amazing. I never had an issue with my headlights but i use it at least once a month to reduce and of that crap, leaves my lights shiny and 100% clear.

Again i dont have cloudiness or anything i just use it to reduce the possibilites.
 
I can do them professionally if interested. I do them all day long. They would have a new clear coat and look perfect. Let me know if your interested.
 
camthman said:
I can do them professionally if interested. I do them all day long. They would have a new clear coat and look perfect. Let me know if your interested.
Click to expand...

I'd love that.... alas I cannot forsee a time when i'd have the money for that. Thanks though.
 
camthman said:
I can do them professionally if interested. I do them all day long. They would have a new clear coat and look perfect. Let me know if your interested.
Click to expand...

Price? Turnaround time?
 
Eric0508 said:
I attempted to clear up my left headlight tonight. I used Meguire's "PlastX" which you can find at any local auto parts store. It certainly improved the appearance of the headlight, visibly reducing the amount of clouding. However its still not nearly as clear as the right headlight. Overall, not impressed with this product. I'm going to try a kit a friend recommended to me. Heres some before and after pics.
Click to expand...

I'm having this same problem with my drivers side headlight. I used the same product and it did ok. I bought an brand new headlight off of ebay about two weeks ago for $35 to replace it.
 
someone had a 3 step polish that said it worked well. All it needs is a good sanding and some clear coat and it should clear up great.
 
A pretty simple process that has worked for me, but wont solve the problem forever is...

Wet Sand with 800 grit, Then follow by wet sanding with 1000 grit, Then follow that by wet sanding with 2000 grit. After wet sanding is done, use a heavy duty rubbing compound (repeat 2-3 times), follow by using a medium duty rubbing compound (repeat 2-3 times), then use that plast-x (repeat 2-3 times) and finish with some wax to protect your work.

This process helps alot more on older cars that are prone to headlight fogging, jeeps, civics, mustangs, ect.

Hope this helps someone.
 
Anyone ever use/ heard of Permatex? While browsing Advance Auto Parts online I found this restoration kit for $15:

http://tinyurl.com/28z5pl

It has 3 different grades of sand paper, and polishing compound. My dad mentioned that, from his knowledge, Permatex makes quality products that is used in professional shops.

I'm thinking for $15 to give it a shot.
 
jinx8402 said:
Anyone ever use/ heard of Permatex? While browsing Advance Auto Parts online I found this restoration kit for $15:

http://tinyurl.com/28z5pl

It has 3 different grades of sand paper, and polishing compound. My dad mentioned that, from his knowledge, Permatex makes quality products that is used in professional shops.

I'm thinking for $15 to give it a shot.
Click to expand...

thats the exact kit my friend recommended me. He's used it a few times before with excellent success. My only worry is that with this kit you'll probably sand off the protective clear coat which is why Im trying to find out a good protective clear coat to buy.
 
Permatex makes anything and everything that has to do with gaskets, sealers and glues for cars. Google them. Kinda like 3M but not quite.
 
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