Headlight Repair Products!!!!!

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Robster

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I am looking for a product to remove the hazing or fading of my headlights on our 2004 Toyota sequoia. I have seen systems for 25.00 to 125.00. Anyone used one they loved. I want to spend as little as possible but do not want to waste my money. thanks
 
yes I do. I have many of the menzerna componds and polishes as well as black fire. I have a rotary and da buffer as well. Any ideas my friend.
 
I've used the meguiars heavy duty kit for $25 and it did an phenomenal job for me.
 
I did a quick look and it does come with sand paper.

So since you already have a rotary and a da, and compounds an polishes, why not just buy some sand paper and tape individually and just use the equipment you already have?

Just my opinion
 
I have used the sylvania kit. It worked good. Comes with sandapaper and clear coat which is applied by the applicator they provide.
 
I wet sanded using 1500 grit sand paper, then 2500 grit sand paper. Followed that with Menzerna1500 using my da, then Menzerna4000 with my da, and protected with CQuartz Dlux. Very happy with the results and that means you would only need to buy a couple sheets of sand paper and a roll of painters tape based on the supplies you already have.
 
Your kits come with 1500 and 3000 usually. I use 1500, 2000, 3000. then my DA w/ Buff and Shine blue or black pad and megs UP. then I clean with IPA and I used Megs headlight protectant. Its not as long lasting as opticoat, but it is good up to 3 months, so ill just reapply it then. Here is a before and after.
Drivers_side_b4_after.jpg
 
Here is what I did:
February 13, 2012

From Auto Geek Forum:
My process is basically already well known:

Wetsand-400, 800, 1000, 1500 and 2000 (Ed.: I added 3000)
Buff-System one polish or equivalent with a high speed drill with small wool pad attachment
But here is the "new" part......
UV Sealer-Helmsman Spar Urethane(Indoor/Outdoor)Clear Gloss mixed with Mineral Spirits
(1 part urethane to 1 part mineral spirits).

After you buff the lights out with your polisher, you wipe down the headlight with denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol (to eliminate any compound residue).
Mix the urethane and mineral spirits in a plastic disposable cup. Remember the dilution ration- 1 part to 1 part.
Then, take a blue 'scott' shop rag and fold it up into a 1 inch x 1 inch square(Ed.: I used a 2" wide foam brush). Then dip the rag into the mixture and wipe it on the headlight. Don’t use too much or it might run, but start at the top of the light and work side to side. It took me a few times to get my method down, so if you mess up with application, wipe it off with mineral spirits and start over.
This UV sealant dries in 10-20 mins usually and is far superior to any average detail product(paint sealant, wax etc.......)
Its like a clear cote, but you don’t spray it, not as messy.
Longevity-The original "creator" of this method told me that he did a headlight restoration with this method about 2 years ago for a customer, and he said it still looks good.


Editor: August 28, 2012 - I used this method on my wife’s 2003 Jetta back in February. She asked me if I installed new headlights when I showed her my work at that time. I must admit, they look that good, even after 6 months. I probably spent under $10.00.

Today is August 13, 2013 and the headlights still look good.
 
It's funny how some have had bad results with Spar Urethane lasting less then 3-4 months. Glad it's working for you.
 
I have not done any headlight repairs yet.

I have a few questions for you guys.

1. I have Griot's 3 inch orbital... is there a way to use sandpaper disks on that? If so where would I buy them?

2. I am planning on buying the 3M headlight restoration kit that comes with the backplate for a drill, sandpaper disks and sceallant. Have any of you used it and did you like it?

3. Do you repair plastic headlights the same way as older style glass headlights? If not what are the différences in methodology?
 
Robster said:
yes I do. I have many of the menzerna componds and polishes as well as black fire. I have a rotary and da buffer as well. Any ideas my friend.
Click to expand...

hernandez.art13 said:
So since you already have a rotary and a da, and compounds an polishes, why not just buy some sand paper and tape individually and just use the equipment you already have?
Click to expand...

Since you already have polish and polishers, as Art suggested, just get some sandpaper as others have detailed and use that in conjunction with what you already have.
 
If you get the 3M kit you can try just using the dimpled polishing pad and some Megs UC with the GG 3 inch polisher. This is what I just did to the headlights on my wife's 01 Focus as the lenses didn't need to be sanded this time and the results were great. I used Blackfire CS on them 'till I can get some Opti-lens. Hope this helps.
 
did you guys sand by hand or with an electric sander?
 
If you don't have a machine you can do it by hand just get a sanding block, I like the flexible ones made out of foam.
 
I'd do the least aggressive method before using sandpaper. If polishing doesn't work. Then move forword.
 
so sandblasting with metal balls as a first step would be a no no? :)
 
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