glazed over headlights, 99

[lestro]

Anyone know if there's anything you can do to clear up the headlights, other than replace them? they look like they've been sandblasted. thanks

[LMP]

You found the answer yourself. Indeed, in the good old times, for a few dollars you had a new bulb, a new reflector and a new lens all packed together and sealed, and the solid glass did withstand time, ultraviolet and sand.
These plastic POS are just that...and on top ot if they scatter the light everywhere so that to get some on the road you have to use 80 watt where 35 used to do, and all the remaining watts are thrown in the face of incoming drivers so driving at night is not fun anymore.

[Bart68]

I have had mine redone before at our local Autoshine/detailer and they didn't charge much (I think it was 40.00) and my lights looked like new and that was 2 years ago and they still look great...

[theaterlon]

I got some more light out of mine by using polishing compound & a buffing wheel, but finally I bought aftermarket replacement lens/reflector combos

[lownloud]

a buffing wheel and compunds works great,just be sure if you are going to buff them that you don't hold the buffer in one spot for to long or it will burn the face of the headlight.Someone also told me that they went too a glass shop a bought plexi glass cleaner and used a rag with some elbow grease.

[theaterlon]

Yes, I was able to get the lens quite a bit more clear, clear enough to see that the reflector was also covered in dirt and moisture, so less than effective.

I found replacement capsules (lens / reflector assemblies) for $38 per side on ebay, the seller is an auto parts place in WI & sells via buy it now only. The brand on the box is Eagle Eye. They came UPS just the other day, I haven't had a chance to put them in yet.

I was concerned that they were going to be difficult to install, but I see by another thread that in order to put replacement lamps (bulbs) in, you remove the capsules anyway, so it should be a simple swap.

Thanks for your reply
theaterlon

[slucas130]

Had the same problem w/ my Avenger. The best way to clean them up is to wetsand them with progressively finer wetsand paper. They'll come out show room new.

[theaterlon]

I am thrilled with my new lights. Before I polished out my old ones, they didn't even throw a beam, just a diffused glow. After polishing them, there was a dramatic improvement, however they were still not 'crystal' clear, and with the reflectors also grungy, I didn't even get flashed by oncoming drivers if I had my high beams on. With the new lights, the beam is better than when the car was new, as they have an improved pattern. Best $63 dollars I've spent on the car, not counting the last 2 tanks of gas (groan)

[rmcheat]

YOu should check out Headlight Restoration Service ( www.hrslights.com ). They were the only ones that could help me with my foggy headlights. I hope this helps.

[reb9201]

If you are in the U.S., you can go to Autozone, Advance Auto, Pep Boys and that kind of thing. There are several types of Headlight Repair Kits you can buy for around $20.00. Some are hand labor...using their pads and pastes. Others have a buffer pad in them that fit a drill... As a previous poster said...dont hold that buffing wheel in one spot too long! Definitely keep it moving or you will burn the lense or warp it!

There have been other methods I've read about. If they are dull, brownish in color, mask of the fender and painted metal parts off with masking tape to protect the finish. Then use a 600 or 800 grit wet sand paper and start rubbing with a little water flowing over the surface until you break the dingy brown layer over the whole lense...then start using a 2000 grit wet sand paper and smooth it out further. Dont worry, it will look worse!!! After the lense is consistantly milky looking...you will get a fine grit polishing compound say around 8,000 to 10,000 grit and you can use a drill and buffing pad to apply that... Keep polishing until it starts becoming clear and once its all nice and shiny, finish it off with a coat of car wax! Remove the masking tape and your done!

After that, about every 6 months or so, clean the lenses when you wash the car and apply another coat of car wax! They should stay nice and clear from then on!

But, in my opinion...the kits would be much easier to use! Also a LOT cheaper than having someone do it for you (and you know they would be using one of these kits anyway! Hehe...)

[danielsatur]

How about putting some clear coat on the Lens when done.
If the lens are kept clean, you don't need to use your High beams, which can generate alot of heat.

[reb9201]

Originally Posted by danielsatur

How about putting some clear coat on the Lens when done.
If the lens are kept clean, you don't need to use your High beams, which can generate alot of heat.

The clear coat IS what turns yellow and dingy after a while... It may work for a while I suppose...

[jwalker1970]

I have a 3m professional headlight refinishing kit. It works awesome, makes the worst lights look new again. My advise is to find someone who has this specialized kit (cost me over $300), It only takes about 10 minutes per headlight. Most body shops and auto recyclers have the same 3M kit. Retail price is about $50 per headlight to refinish.

[PKA1]

My 97 Intrepid also had glazed over headlights. I saw on a trucking show that they used
toothpaste and a rag and polished the lens. I didn't think it would work but I tried it and I can't believe it worked. That was 6 months ago and my lenses are still clear.
If I have to polish them again every year I will and use the 10 cents worth of toothpaste.