Foggy film on headlights? Help Please!!

[tylersevo]

Ok so a friend and myself both have a foggy film-like substance on our headlights. We have tried using toothpaste and a buffer. Also tried using some fine-grit sandpaper but this only left little scratches in the tiny area I tried it. If anyone knows what this is from the pics and can give me some tips to get it off we would be very greatful. As you can see from the pics...my nighttime visiblity is definitely hindered.

 

[Silver99OZ]

The foggy film is the factory uv coating coming off. I recommend picking up the 3M headlight restoration kit at any autoparts store or walmart. I used it when my headlights started looking like that and they came out looking like new. The kit is meant to be used with a standard drill. It comes with various sand paper grits, a wet sanding disk, and a buffing pad with a compound for polishing plastic.

 

[koryto2012]

Try using a clay bar on it. Then buff with stereo 3.

 

[Silver99OZ]

Try using a clay bar on it. Then buff with stereo 3.

Clay bar won't work. The rest of the coating needs to be sanded off before the plastic can be buffed.

 

[koryto2012]

Humm..at my work when we buff cars we buff their headlights too. Buffin it will make it more clear, but like silver99oz said, it'll need to be sanded off.

 

[tylersevo]

So just buy the kit and it's all good?

 

[mikeymike1]

Go get some very fine sand paper and a can of clear coat in a spray can..we have a guy come to our shop and he does it to all the used cars..they look awesome when he is done.

 

[white92talontsi]

To restore those headlights properly you are going to have to do some work.
All the UV coating must come off.

To do this use 1500-2000 Grit Wet sandpaper to sand the UV coating off.

After all the UV coating is gone then what I do is use A light duty rubbing compound and my buffer on low speed to polish the lights out. Be careful not to go too fast as you can actually melt the plastic lens.

If you do the above steps properly then they will look like brand new.

None of the kit's they sell are going to help with those.

Also for a buffer use one of these.

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Not one of the orbital ones.


The headlights in my profile picture and the one I am linking were worse than yours. They were actually extremely yellow with the UV coating all ate up.

It took roughly 15 minutes per lens to get them in the shape you see them in now.

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[tylersevo]

So no kits will work? And I only have an orbital buffer....so would the sandpaper and can of clear coat work?

 

[1997_GSX]

Lol this thread makes me laugh.... I have done 10 sets of lights at least.

This kit is an excellent kit to use, if you don't have a buffer or a drill I'd seriously give it a try. This is the only kit that I know that comes with clear coat to put back on the head lights.

Amazon.com: Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit: Automotive

If you sand and polish them they will get dull again without the clear.

 

[dsmboost84]

The 3m kit worked awesome on mine and they were worse than yours

 

[Pwrtrip75]

I just did mine after getting some brake clean on them (dont do that) 1000 grit, then 1500, then buffed them, All i have is rubbing compound so its a little rough, but it took all the yellowing off and the brake clean marks.

My dad used to use a propane torch once you wet sand it.. got to be very careful with that.

 

[awd4u]

or you can buy nice aftermarket tailights they will look good too if you got alittle money

 

[perks563]

I've used this kit on my car and my friends with excellent results (sorry no pics).
Cheap, easy, and excellent results:

Walmart.com: Crystal View Do-It-Yourself Headlight Restoration Kit: Automotive

Good luck!

 

[tylersevo]

I have drill..and that Amazon kit doesn't look like with wil lget that damn film off.

 

[Chief-72]

I have done 2 sets of headlights with the 3M kit with outstanding results. You will need a drill to run the disc that the sandpaper discs and buffing pad attach to.
I will try and get some before and after pics. I did this on my 99 Stratus and my 99 Eclipse. They both were a good solid yellow color when I started.The difference was night and day.

 

[tylersevo]

I bought the 3M kit but have yet to use it. Mine isn't yellowed, just has the UV film peeling off. Hoping to do it tomorrow when my Dad is home. THanks for all the help everyone

 

[4g63tc]

I bought the 3M kit but have yet to use it. Mine isn't yellowed, just has the UV film peeling off. Hoping to do it tomorrow when my Dad is home. THanks for all the help everyone

Tip: make sure to use plenty of water while sanding, to prevent galling.

Also The 3M kit is awesome!.

 

[NVR2LATE]

I went to Wal-Mart looking for the 3M when a random Wal-Martian says try the "As Seen on TV" Stand. The kit on there works better than the 3M. For 9 bucks I give it a whirl and was decently surprised with the results. All shoulder work no drill attachment, but cleared them up. About an hour, but would depend on how bad they are. Not sure if the 2nd stage is a true UV sealant, but guess I'll find out. Just another option for people looking.

 

[BigKnick]

I wet sanded mine with some 1500 and then buffed them, its been like 6 months and they look awesome still!