plastic headlight covers any ideas on how to clean them

[jph2424]

One trick I found. Toothpaste. Yes toothpaste. Just put it on a wet rag or towel and start rubbing. Works great!

[CDoasis]

^ Your method sounds awesome; I'll have to try that next. My guess is that it works simply because it's an *extremely* mild abrasive.

Alright. Here is the cheapest solution, period. You guys are gonna laugh.

Newspaper. Buff them out with newspaper! It works like a charm. Even better, so your arm doesn't get tired... clip some newspaper onto a palm sander, and go to town! Cleared mine up in minutes.

[rmcheat]

Yes, you should check out Headlight Restoration Service ( www.hrslights.com ) I used them to clean my Lexus SC400 and they look brand new! No one could touch thier price and they ship free.

[timd]

Anyone try rubbing compound?
Is it TOO abrasive?

[denisond3]

I dont think rubbing compound would be -too- abrasive, but it might not be what you want for the initial clean-up, nor for the final polishing.
I first used DuPont Chrome Polish. It made a nice surface, but was quite slow in removing the outer layer of yellowed plastic. The most recent headlamps I cleaned got: 1. 600 grit, 2. 1200 grit, then 3. 2000 grit - all wet sanded. Finally I polished them with the Chrome Polish. This made them 'almost' like new, but after 2 years they are showing signs of more fading.

Besides, cleaning the front surface of the lens doesnt clean the dirt from the inside surface of the lens and the reflector, plus there is some 'crazing' of the plastic lens.

[jpotter]

I have used 1000 grit and then 2000 wet sandpaper and then PlastiX brand clear lens cleaner/polisher. The lens will look hazy until you apply the PlastiX

[Cobra348]

I used the AutoZone kit from Scotch/3M - about $21 with tax. An hour with that plus a variable speed drill, soft cloths and water I had headlights that were clear as glass. Took about an hour - just follow the instructions - finest grit (with the kit) used was 3000.

That was 10 months ago and they're still in excellent condition.

[Oldsmobile Doctor]

Just did my 2001 with the Meguiar's® kit from AutoZone did a great job

[Yossarian50]

I have a 96 Geo Prizm with dulled headlight lens and found that there are several headlight restoration products on the market ranging in price from about $6 to $20. They are applied with a soft rag like rubbing compound and work in the same way. You can get them at Pep Boys or any automotive shop. They work pretty well, but you've got to be willing to invest some elbow grease. Pep Boys will also do it professionally for about $50. Although I was able to rub out most of the dullness, I wasn't entirely happy with the results so I went online and found brand new after-market headlamps for $25 each and installed them. Now my lights are clear and bright and I'm very happy with the results. I probably could've gotten the old ones looking pretty good, but I ran out of patience and elbow grease.

[ErickTR]

This is another option that does not involve elbow grease, or abrasive coompounds and polishes. http://www.ibc34.com/Caveman.html