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Cleaning/Restoring headlamps? Help!

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Old 04-01-2010 | 11:44 PM
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absoluterx8's Avatar
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Better Rx-8, than never!
 
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Cleaning/Restoring headlamps? Help!

Has anyone attempted to clean or restore their headlamps? I have seen/heard of people using kits that come with cleaners, sandpaper, resin, etc. I'm not too keen on the idea personally, and to be honest the lenses aren't that bad. There is a slight haze on what seems to be the outside of the lenses that I would like to remove to get the lenses close to being like they were new. The car is an 04 with HID if it matters; any suggestions/tips would be appreciated.
Old 04-02-2010 | 01:01 AM
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SARRAS's Avatar
Sydney, Australia
 
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From: Sydney, Australia
Originally Posted by absoluterx8
Has anyone attempted to clean or restore their headlamps? I have seen/heard of people using kits that come with cleaners, sandpaper, resin, etc. I'm not too keen on the idea personally, and to be honest the lenses aren't that bad. There is a slight haze on what seems to be the outside of the lenses that I would like to remove to get the lenses close to being like they were new. The car is an 04 with HID if it matters; any suggestions/tips would be appreciated.
Metal polish works wonders - I use this product:

http://www.5min.com/Video/Cleaning-a...olish-30112578
Old 04-02-2010 | 10:04 PM
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sanchezrx8's Avatar
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From: miami
i just did mines 2 days ago theres this kit buy turtle wax its the best 10 dollars ive spent came out looking like new as long as u do it right. took me about 20 mins on each headlight and its not hard at all
Old 04-04-2010 | 09:03 PM
  #4  
absoluterx8's Avatar
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Better Rx-8, than never!
 
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From: Baltimore, MD
Very cool. Thanks for the advice!
Old 04-04-2010 | 09:09 PM
  #5  
ZumnRx8's Avatar
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From: So. California







How to:

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...ad.php?t=20994
Old 04-05-2010 | 11:50 PM
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woogie_mcw's Avatar
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I use #m buffing compound but not everyone has access to a good buffer. The turtle wax kit does work very well just be sure you take your time and do it right
Old 04-06-2010 | 09:34 AM
  #7  
Lunacy's Avatar
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Mine were in bad shape when i bought the car.

I went to autozone and bought a $20 headlight restoration kit. All you need is an electric sander. Did the process about 3 times and it looks new.
Old 04-06-2010 | 10:21 AM
  #8  
kwikslvr's Avatar
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From: Cincinnati, OH
i think im going to do this soon, i've noticed mine are starting to look kind of crappy. thanks for the info :-)
Old 04-06-2010 | 10:24 AM
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i got this buffer from a scratch kit fix ... helps with the process
Old 04-06-2010 | 11:43 AM
  #10  
cjkim's Avatar
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From: socal
be wary. polish/sand down too deep and you'll hit the UV coating.
I'd seal after just to be safe.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...lant-idea.html
Old 04-06-2010 | 12:03 PM
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J8635621's Avatar
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From: Waco
http://www.amazon.com/GlassyLite-Pre...0569783&sr=8-7 I recommend this one. Super easy and impossible to mess up. It also comes with a sealant to put on afterwards.
Old 04-07-2010 | 05:23 PM
  #12  
absoluterx8's Avatar
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Better Rx-8, than never!
 
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From: Baltimore, MD
Sweet! I wound up using Meguiar's PlastX and the results are near perfect! I understand that the headlamps will never look factory new after six years, but for what they looked like before they are 100% better. Thanks everyone for the advice.
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