Head Light Restoration Kits

[jayincali]

I actually used PB's SSR2 and a LC polishing pad with a PC on #6. Then applied a coat of Zaino. I was surprised they came out as good as they did. lights seem ALOT brighter at night now LOL.

Before

After

Before

After

 

[heatgain]

Depends on the amount of hazing/scratches/yellowing on the headlight lenses. Some have to be wet sanded, some need only a plastic polish, some need a heavier polish.
I seal them after the final polish. I've used Collinite 845, Krylon UV Gloss Spray, NXT 2.0, PlastX. I have some Wolfgang sealant from the Geek kit I'll try also.
I also got my hands on a coating that seems very promising, but I haven't tried it yet. Claims: Durable, pliable, will not crack, chip, peel, or yellow. Waterproof, inhibits growth of mold/mildew. Cured coat can be cleaned with mild detergent & water. If applied to a high-traffic area and wear begins, wipe a new coat over the wear area.

 

[blk45]

I actually used PB's SSR2 and a LC polishing pad with a PC on #6. Then applied a coat of Zaino. I was surprised they came out as good as they did. lights seem ALOT brighter at night now LOL.

Nice turnaround! :bigups

 

[Brk4euros]

I prefer this 3m kit! Cheap and more than effective!

Comes with:

-Polishing pad
-Drill Adapter
-Sand paper (variation)
-Enough plastic polish for a couple jobs =)

 

[GearHead_1]

I prefer this 3m kit! Cheap and more than effective!

Comes with:

-Polishing pad
-Drill Adapter
-Sand paper (variation)
-Enough plastic polish for a couple jobs =)

I'm not too sure that it is more cost effective. It seems to me that most of the products listed are something that is already on hand and the results are evident.

 

[Beemerboy]

I'm not too sure that it is more cost effective. It seems to me that most of the products listed are something that is already on hand and the results are evident.

These kits are geared for those that don't have any product on hand...lets face it its not rock science cleaning plastic..just a process

 

[clone]

I prefer this 3m kit! Cheap and more than effective!

Comes with:

-Polishing pad
-Drill Adapter
-Sand paper (variation)
-Enough plastic polish for a couple jobs =)

:dcrules THA CLONE APPRECIATES YOUR PIC & INFO, WHILE THA CLONE ALREADY HAS MORE PRODUCT AROUND THAN POORBOY.:rofl:rofl:rofl:dcrules I,M SURE YOUR ADVICE WILL BE PERFECT, 4 THOSE WHO DO NOT DO THIS ON A FULL TIME BASIS. THANK YOU 4 YOUR TIME AND ADVICE.:dcrules

 

[Brk4euros]

Agreed. This kit is great imo due to the fact it comes with the exact paper you need. I don't use the product packet. I purchase these kits for around $12 and I can usually crank out two sets of lights with it. When charging $60 a headlight I think it's well worth the small investment each time. :yay

 

[JohnHenry]

I've tried three or four of the methods described in the thread, all with good success. I've come to the same conclusion as Gearhead and Beemerboy. Most of us have the necessary equipment/sandpaper/polish without buying a kit. (I do like the drill adapted backing plate for lots of other stuff.)

My problem is finding an effective headlight coating at a reasonable cost. I've been doing headlights free for about six months, just to learn the process and gauge my results. All of my lens jobs have re-yellowed within a couple of months (FL sun.)

If we're talking about lights on cars that we own, it's simple... just buff and wax monthly or so. But I can't bring myself to charge $50+ for a job that is so temporary. I don't want to experiment with clear on someone else's car. If I had time, I'd set up a "test lab" at the friendly local junk yard.

I saw some $150 per can headlight coating (~10 applications) at Detail Fest. Nice folks and probably good stuff. But if clearcoat works... the cost will be pennies per job.

Any suggestions?

 

[heatgain]

JH,
What have you used for a coating on the ones that re-yellowed?

 

[blk45]

I saw some $150 per can headlight coating (~10 applications) at Detail Fest.

That was at the Clearwater show wasn't it? You haven't been to DF yet!

$15 per application.....if it really lasted for a long time, that wouldn't be too bad. Tell them to give us a can and we will test it for them!

While a lot of these manufacturers claim uv protection in their sealants and waxes, I'm not aware of any that will last long enough and prevent it from returning unless you constantly maintain them, as you mentioned.

 

[JohnHenry]

That was at the Clearwater show wasn't it? You haven't been to DF yet!

Oops! Pardon my senior moment. Mobile Tech.

JH,
What have you used for a coating on the ones that re-yellowed?

Diamondite Clear Plastic Liquid Armor and Janvil Plastic Shine... both third steps of their respective kits.

 

[Old Pirate]

That one at the Expo, was using a spray can and to me look great , but the cost was a little too much. There was also another one there and he's out of Lakeland where your at Jay. Might have to give him a call soon for a sample to test out............:cheers:

 

[pcmech]

Use this formula for sealing the headlamps as a final step:

1/2 Mineral spirits and 1/2 urethane spar varnish. Keep the mixture in the dark when not using it for a period of time (say for more than an hour or so). Or just mix up what you need for the moment in a paper cup (the kind that are not waxed).

Apply with a blue scotts shop towel or equivalent (no lint). Just wipe on. Nothing fancy. Stays clear for a while. I use this formula on customers cars and my own vehicles and I can say that it's got staying power.

No need to pay the "stupid tax" by buying high priced stuff that does the same thing.

 

[Tuckermatic]

Sanding and polishing plastic headlights is really a last resort. You should deoxidize your headlights with a non abrasive acrylic lens deoxidizer.
As someone mentioned earlier the clouding does come back and you will have to clean them again.

 

[CharlesW]

The Solution!

The solution is obvious.
Either of these two products will take care of the problem

Sweep-Shine
Or
VaporWax Acrylic Paint Conditioner

If you don’t know where to purchase them, just be patient.
I’m sure someone is going to let us know where to get these “Miracle in a Bottle” products.
:notme:

 

[BlackBetty]

I hate to renew an old thread, but oldies are goodies!

I bought this kit for $120. Had free shipping too. Have done 2 sets and haven't put a dent in the product. Claims to do 20 pair, but I think I'll get 30-40 at this rate.

The Question is will they last??? I'll let you know. One of the vehicles I restored was my buddy's.

Here is the link:

Headlight Restoration Commercial Kit KL-4

 

[tuscarora dave]

My Buick has real thick lenses that were all yellowed when I bought the car 2 years ago and luckily they are still very clear after 2 years with zero maintenance other than wax or sealant everytime I wax or seal the paint on the car.