DIY Restoring your glazed headlights!

[JDM-YML]

Well I just picked up this EK sedan and I didn't like how the headlights had that build up that had it all glazed. So I did some research and found 2 ways on doing it, which are use toothpaste and use sandpaper. Here's how it was for me.

What you'll need for the toothpaste method
-Crest/Colgate WHITENING toothpaste
-Cloth
-Spray bottle with water or hose
-A shiner or wax/polish

What you'll need for the sandpaper method
-1000-2000 grit wet sand paper
-A lot of water
-Wax/Polish
-Cloth
-Masking tape

First off is the toothpaste:

Ewwy lol
http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff448/ylomeli92/2012-01-11105726.jpg Add the toothpaste
http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff448/ylomeli92/2012-01-11105758.jpg
Than rub it off with a cloth and make sure to wet it while your wiping it off or else it will be difficult to take off.
http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff448/ylomeli92/2012-01-11110138.jpg
I than added some wheel shiner to make it gloss since I didn't have any wax
http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff448/ylomeli92/2012-01-11112940.jpg


Now on to the sandpaper

http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff448/ylomeli92/2012-01-11110533.jpg
Make sure to put painters tape around the headlight so you don't scratch your paint
http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff448/ylomeli92/2012-01-11110931.jpg
Now this is how it was after I used wet sand 1000 grit and 2000 grit (it's what I had laying around) Idk if I didn't sand it long enough or because it needed wax but I didn't like it.
http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff448/ylomeli92/2012-01-11111458.jpg
After me not liking it I went back to the toothpaste because it came out better.
http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff448/ylomeli92/2012-01-11112319.jpg
http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff448/ylomeli92/2012-01-11112323.jpg
Here's it after I wiped it off
http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff448/ylomeli92/2012-01-11112728.jpg
And I added the shiner
http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff448/ylomeli92/2012-01-11112933.jpg

http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff448/ylomeli92/2012-01-11112927.jpg


As soon as I buy some wax I will try the sandpaper method again. I probably didn't do it right but oh well lol TOOTHPASTE was much easier, cheaper, and better. LMK what you guys think, what I could have done better? What helped? etc. I'll take the criticism nicely lol no1's perfect and I'm not a detailer. :biggrin:

[BB6 SwAg]

Good job man. I did the 2000 grit wet sand, wax method on my teg. Looked brand new after. Just use the weight of your Hans to sand till the lenses fog up then wash, dry, wax. Boom :)

[Rufus]

Call Mr. Dunk.

/thread

[Dirt McGirk]

Hey my old hood bra.



I've restored a lot of headlights and wjlhat I do is wetsand with 1000, then, 1500, then 2000. You have to be very smooth with the sanding, use water with dish soap in it and go on one direction and constantly pour water/dunk the sand paper. You have to take your time with each grit, its not a quick process. And make sure between each grit clean the headlight with a clean towel and water. Then use rubbing compound and buff the headlight, then use plastix and buff the headlight again. They come out perfect.


Also, just take the headlight off, makes it so much easier.

[sungersoo]

Lol I just did this. Gotta make my car a little better before I try to sell it.

[a128farias]

a friend of mine does restoration in head lights and did mine he told me that the lights will always go back but to make it last longer he used a uv protectant spray a few coats of it to make it last nice write tho

[DarkAngel]

a friend of mine does restoration in head lights and did mine he told me that the lights will always go back but to make it last longer he used a uv protectant spray a few coats of it to make it last nice write tho

X2.

Also try using a polishing wheel with a drill or power tool and use Rubbing Compound or Meguiar's Plastx. Don't buff the lens too quickly though or you will burn it. Both always worked great for me. If you do sand you want to sand with the highest grit possible to minimize making deep marks in the plastic lens. The polish is what takes out the marks and makes the plastic as clear as possible. I have been doing this for years.

Great write up man.

[Broskiballa]

I need to restore mine badly. Great write up. I think I may find this project necessary this weekend.

[wheelguy]

i sand and reclear mine, will last much longer... polished mine 4 times in the last 2 years, now it will last years. and will do for you too :)

[Waffle_Taco]

now i know what im gunna do today.. dnt look bad for some toothpaste job

[robinsonbarba]

i did these for my buddy! before..http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae87/robinsonbarba/380725_423928477635287_100000544158268_1564693_160 6576543_n.jpg after...http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae87/robinsonbarba/544709_423929270968541_100000544158268_1564695_125 6043052_n.jpg