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Thread: Headlights

  1. #1
    Boolit Master

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    Headlights

    The plastic covering on the headlights of the wife's car are really getting so scuffed up from road dust, that the lights are dim. What's a good way to polish them out to brighten them up?

  2. #2
    Boolit Master

    RayinNH's Avatar
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    Auto parts stores carry buffing/polishing compound for headlights. I use one by Turtle Wax called "Renew RX Headlight Cleaner & Sealant. I use it three or so times a year to get rid of the haze.
    Proud member in the basket of deplorables.

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  3. #3
    Boolit Grand Master

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    There are several in the auto parts stores. Most are a cream or thin paste. a soft cloth, a dab of the polisher and a lot of rubbing and your good to go. I do it by hand so I don't get burns or swirls showing. Its not hard to do and definitely helps with the light out put.

  4. #4
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    I seen a youtube video using toothpaste.
    I tried it, when that failed, I tried automotive polishing compound, that worked good on the areas that weren't too cloudy, so I upped the game and used Rubbing compound on the worst areas, then finished it with more polishing compound. I didn't use a a power buffer, I did it by hand with a wet sponge, it took about 30 minutes, they aren't like new, but are much better.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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  5. #5
    Boolit Master kingstrider's Avatar
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    Makes me miss the old days when headlight bulbs were actual glass instead of plastic.
    Keep moving forward!

  6. #6
    Boolit Master
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    The kit is basically wet/dry sand paper and buffing compound follow link and scroll to bottom half. https://wetdrysandpaper.com/

  7. #7
    Boolit Master facetious's Avatar
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    Some Flitz polish and a cloth wheel in your hand drill will shine them right up.

  8. #8
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    "The remedy for evil men is not the abrogation of the rights of law abiding citizens. The remedy for evil men is the gallows." Thomas Jefferson

  9. #9
    Boolit Master



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    Cerium oxide

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by NavyVet1959 View Post
    Cerium oxide
    Wear a mask if using
    If inhaled will not leave your lungs
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  11. #11
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    The headlights on my daughters 2004 Grand Prix were just too far gone. I got a brand new set on eBay for $100, and it took 10 minutes to install them.

  12. #12
    Boolit Master

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    I polished the headlight covers for my wife's car with flitz.
    Soft cotton cloth in a circular motion will do it.
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    only to God and my own conscience.

  13. #13
    Boolit Man
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    Whatever you use you need to scrub off the top layer of plastic. Once you do that make sure you spray some clear coat with UV protectant otherwise you will just have the same issue again in a few weeks.

  14. #14
    Boolit Master


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  15. #15
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    Look on line for new ones. They can be had for so little now it really isn't worth polishing the old ones.

  16. #16
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    44man's Avatar
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    Dealer said the shop wet sands and clear coats them. Mine need done too, will try the kit Carol has or Flitz.

  17. #17
    Boolit Grand Master

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    Buy new headlights. Polishing doesn't do much. It ends up being wasted time. I'm glad I have e-codes on my VWs and they all have glass lenses. My truck is almost at the point that I need to buy new headlights for it.

  18. #18
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    M e to of course it is a big deal my old 1989 F250 just needs a new one run under it but that aint happning.
    Frank G.

  19. #19
    Boolit Grand Master
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    Try using OFF insect repellent. It is not perfect, but helps a lot

    Don Verna

  20. #20
    Boolit Master

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    Quote Originally Posted by kingstrider View Post
    Makes me miss the old days when headlight bulbs were actual glass instead of plastic.
    Indeed, The filaments would break on rough gravel roads, and rocks would take out a sealed beam in seconds. I used to carry 2 spare sealed beams in my '57 chev. Not fun to change in the dark but better than driving without any headlights at all.
    A neighbor had a stack of burnt out sealed beams headlights piled in a low corner of his yard. On a wet year, the area flooded and they floated out into the woods and onto the low parts of his field. Ah the 1960s.
    Go now and pour yourself a hot one...

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