Sand : All of these products use an abrasive such as sandpaper to scuff away the outer layer of haze....
Polish : A fine polish cleans up the sandpaper scratches and makes the headlight lenses clear again......
Apply : UV Sealant There's a reason we tested only headlight lens restorers with a UV protectant. The sanding step removes any protective layer that was originally applied to the headlight, and if you don't reapply that shield your lights will haze over again in as little as a few weeks. ....
Best product - Rain-X Headlight Restoration Kit--$12-$20 ---[h/t instapundit]
Thanks for posting - my ‘95 Saturn is in desperate need of this
I just replaced my headlights and taillights and it made a huge difference.
I read the article and still am not quite sure whether they’re advocating the use of actual sandpaper or not, and if so wet or dry sanding. I’ve used the kits with abrasive paste before, they work so-so if the lens is not starting to get a rough texture. Improved appearance and clarity but not anywhere near being like new.
Maybe I could buff up an old girlfriend or two the same way.
Just take off a few lawyers of nasty.
later
I’m not sure what to think about that. I’ve seen the products before and have read about them ... but I’m thinking about just getting another assembly, instead.
And ... those two pictures look like two different cars, to me.
“Sand : All of these products use an abrasive such as sandpaper to scuff away the outer layer of haze....”
But what grit?
1000? 1200?
Take it from an old parts guy; Deep Woods Off.
Spray it on and let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe it clean. Yes, it does work.
good golly, folks - no longer need the buffer/sander/sand paper, the 3- piece kit - etc - just go to your auto supply and buy a small bottle of polishing cream made for it! - Takes about 5 minutes - to do both headlights!
BFL
Saw a display of these on my last trip to the auto parts store and wondered if they actually work. Something tells me it isn’t really that easy.
I used the Turtle Wax kit on my old car, and it worked.
One day I had my car parked in the driveway. My wife pulled out of the garage, didn’t see me and sideswiped my car. No real damage but she had black paint marks on her silver car. A friend told me to use headlight cleaner that I had instead of compound to take the paint off. Worked like a charm, much better than it did on my headlights.
I have done this with a couple of vehicles. Whatever kit you get, review the instructions first, don’t rush, and follow the instructions precisely for best results. It made a huge difference in both of the vehicles.
Getting ready to try the Wipe New as I also needed it for some sun faded plastic.
I found something that works for a few months. Used Mothers Brazilian Carnauba Cleaner Wax for a while on a car as normal. Somebody told me to try it on the headlights. Didn’t look as good as a kit but still was a great improvement. Tried it on other cars and it looked great also. Had better results than I did with Plastic X.
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.
A cheap tube of white tooth PASTE will accomplish the same results. Been using it for years. Haven’t used the UV sealant.