I've been watching the headlight covers on my '04 gradually become hazy for the past 7+ years. Today, I impulsively applied some Meguiar's Mirror Glaze Polish and presto, they look like new. It took about 3 minutes per side - no circular motion, just side-to-side with a soft, terry-cloth rag, then wiped off with a clean towel.

I don't know if the Mirror Glaze was meant for polishing headlight covers, but it sure worked great for me.

-1.3L

 

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-show-shine-26/headlight-hazing-already-199474/#post4124775

It's a good idea to apply some headlight protection film on the renewed lights to prevent hazing again due to oxidation.

 

Thanks for that info. Mine is almost blurry and have been using just regular glass cleaner to clean it up, but the blurred is still there. I was planning to get it cleaned up and this time, i will clean it up with that product you've mentioned, thanks.

 

I just did mine this weekend with 1000,2000, and 3000 grit sand paper. Along with buffing and polishing. Your way sounds a lot easier XP

 

How are the results, any fine scratches on your headlights?

I used the turtle wax restoration kit with whatever grit sand paper comes with them a while ago and didn't bother to take the headlight assemblies off so I could work more easily. I now have fine scratches because I couldn't always go in opposite directions when switching between grits. But I plan to take them off over my month off from college in December and get them looking brand new!

 

I've been putting this task off for a bit. I need to clean up my headlights. I haven't been sure on which product to use but I might try the Meguirs.

 

For one tail light I started with 800 grit and worked my way up. I do not recommend this! ^On this headlight there are some minor scratches that you can see, and that may be due to the 800 grit or too hard of a touch. On the other headlight I just did 1,2, and 3000 grit with the compound and polish. Turned out perfectly.

Here is the original headlight:

This is 800 grit:

1000 grit:

2000 grit:

This is after 3000 grit and compound buffer:

Here is the final product after polish:


Headlight on the left was the after.
Just bought some new HID's too so it will look much better

For good measure we only used 2000 and 3000 grit with compound and polish on the Miata and it was miraculous. Looks brand new! (They were not nearly as bad as mine)

 

I just bought an 04 and the headlights have oxidation on the inside as well as condensation... anyone have any advice on how I could fix this?
If it comes to needing to replace them can I buy the halogen assemblies and just use the existing ballasts or are the hid housings completely different? (I have thehid lights)