Cleaning Faded Headlights

[RobertM87]

We have a '96 Mustang GT, and the headlights now have a thick cloudy appearance, not the clear transparent appearance I prefer. My uncle told me a while back that companies produce cleaners to remove the filmy appearance of headlights, but I can't remember any specific cleaners he mentioned. I was wondering if anyone knew of a headlight cleaner that works, and which would be the best, or best value headlight cleaner. Do they all work pretty much with the same outcome, or are some better than others?

[Jim D.]

I like the polishing method with a Mothers PowerBall Mini and PowerPlastic polish. If they're really yellow, use PowerMetal aluminum or mag polish for an initial cut (wash the ball between uses). Some people like to use a 1200-grit sandpaper first.

Mask off the adjacent painted areas with low-tack painter's tape (be sure to avoid any seams that might catch the ball while rotating clockwise), attach the PowerBall to your drill and go to town.

[BlackGT2000]

My suggestion in the case of this mustang, is to replace the headlights. Mustang lights are relatively cheap, and its easy to replace them with the cobra headlights. The cobra lights are clear instead of having that fluting in them and they look much nicer.

['97ventureowner]

We have the same problem with Chevy Ventures. The lenses fade with age and the interior of the capsule becomes dirty and hard to clean. I have found replacements at a very good price on eBay. That might be a good place to start looking if you go that route.

[72' Stang 351 H/O]

TOOTHPASTE. Put some on a rag whipe it on rub it around and wipe it off. It won't be brand new looking but decent.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by 72' Stang 351 H/O

TOOTHPASTE. Put some on a rag whipe it on rub it around and wipe it off. It won't be brand new looking but decent.

And it won't have cavities!!! Good idea. I read an article a couple years back on the "virtues" of using toothpaste to clean things around the house. It is mildly abrasive so it shouldn't damage anything.

[Precise Detailing]

What I do for my customers when they have faded, cloudy headlights I take a 1000 gritt sand paper for car buffing and spray showroom shine on the light and sand it alittle. Then take a buffer and use a compound such as diamond cut ( thats what I use) and buff it.....That bad boy will be shiny or alittle better depending on how bad the light is.