How to Make Your Headlights Shine Like New

popularmechanics ^ | March 31, 2014 1:30 PM | By Michael Austin

[virgil283]

"Most headlights are made of polycarbonate plastic, which is durable and scratch-resistant. But over time polycarbonate clouds over, mostly due to UV rays that degrade the outer layer of plastic. .....

.....Good do it yourself project;

[VerySadAmerican]

I used that “sand paper” kit. Ruined one headlite. Didn’t use it on the other one. Those assemblies cost around $500 or so each.

[ourworldawry]

A cheap tube of white tooth PASTE will accomplish the same results. Been using it for years. Haven’t used the UV sealant.

[Rodney Dangerfield]

Yep. Toothpaste.

Pretty much any mild abrasive will do.

[Daffynition]

Heh. We like to think it is *quaint* and *funky*. More like an ugly duckling. It’s been great fun. We affectionately call it the *Ronnie Raygun* ...b/c he was still president when it was built. ;)

[maddog55]

Been using a medium then light cut rubbing compound and a high speed buffer for years.. works well.

[FreedomPoster]

Clark? Clark Griswold, is that you?

[outofsalt]

Buy Amish wood milk for the paneling. Available through late night TV. /s

(actually.., she’s a beaut’)

[right way right]

I’m a mechanic.
Those cars were actually pretty good for the times.
At least its not a Ford Fairmont, I had one of those,what a POS.
Now I drive an 86 Nissan Sentra for my eco car daily so I can drive my Ram 04 1500 4x4 with the hemi (when I can afford the gas that is) Man, that Hemi Sucks! I should sell it.

[al_c]

Different angle.

[visualops]

I used a kit once and it worked well on one but not the other. Also, it was very time consuming and used up a lot of elbow grease. I may try Soft Scrub next time. What I really need is a hubcap but I don’t want to shell out $35 for one :(

[yldstrk]

that is awesome, love tips like that

[Be Free]

Toothpaste! Yes - it works, is readily available, and cheap. I use the Arm & Hammer type, then follow it up with auto-specific Plast-X, which is a combo plastic scratch remover and wax. I don’t know if it has a UV protector or not, but they look great when done.

TIP: have a spray bottle of water, and use it when you’re doing the toothpaste step. You need to keep it wet so you can polish the lens. Not so much as to wash off the toothpaste, but not to little or the cloth drags. When done the polish step, spray and wipe all of the toothpaste off, and dry the lens, then use the Plast-X.

[Daffynition]

LOL.

The other day, a guy walking his dog flagged me down and asked if he could take a picture of the car. I stopped and he did....I could be an internet meme and not even know it! LOL

[Daffynition]

The guy who sold me the car restored the engine. He did a meticulous job. Others have told me to enter it in those *cruise nights* ...dunno if I will bother.

It runs like a champ .... over our severe winter I thought I might have a problem....but it was perfect [Knock on wood]. ;)

*S'UP?*

[FreedomPoster]

It’s not often you see a Woody station wagon these days.

[AirForce-TechSgt]

Never addded UV protection. Once they are clear, spray them with clear coat and they will last for years.

[AirForce-TechSgt]

See post 56.

[Daffynition]

Thanks for the tip ...I never heard of that product. :)

I see it has a lot of uses ‘round the house. Thanks.

[The Cajun]

Like that commercial when the old insurance salesman reaches in, grabs the keys and throws them as far as he can.

[Daffynition]

I like the fact that I can easily get our kayaks on the top and scurry around paddling all summer with my GD.