2003 tl headlight help?

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Old 06-04-2009, 07:47 PM
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2003 tl headlight help?

My fathers tl, a 2003 has a foggy sense to it on the headlamps. It is abrasive to the touch, and looks almost like oxidization.
I tried using meguiars plastX on it, but got nowhere.

What else can I try to remove this?
Old 06-04-2009, 08:00 PM
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Did you do it by hand? Most times, plastic polishes require a drill's speed to work.

And also, you have to sand off the oxidation before using the polish.
Old 06-04-2009, 08:05 PM
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check the DIY section...great stuff there for headlight rehab

oh and welcome to the site

LINK

Last edited by twistedwedge; 06-04-2009 at 08:07 PM.
Old 06-04-2009, 11:21 PM
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yea you need drill speed mine were effed and i was gonna buy new ones. I used a drill with a power ball and they look brand new again
Old 06-05-2009, 12:07 AM
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Is there ANY moisture INSIDE the lens?-
if so, there is a different job you need to do to save the housing, then buff the lens

powertools!!- 1500 and 2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper, plastic polish
Use claybar by hand first to remove surface crud, then sanding, then powerball with polish to get the scratches- that may take a few times too- each pass gets more out and filled with polish

Use synthetic car wax on the lens afterwards to protect them

go to the Off Topic link- Wash and Wax section will have headlight clearing tips from pro detailers
Old 06-05-2009, 12:38 AM
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x2. The original headlight has a special coating on it, like the clear paint coating. Once the coating is deteriorated, it will get dull quickly after you fix it; but it doesn't hurt to try if you'd like to try. I don't think you meant the headlight is having condensation.

Originally Posted by Blackfc
Even if you sand them, and polish them.. They will oxidize again.
Old 06-05-2009, 12:48 AM
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No, no. There is no condensation inside the lamp itself, it is strictly exterior.
Old 06-06-2009, 12:56 PM
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^^keep them waxed..you might have to eventually hit them with plastic-x again somewhere down the road..but the wax will keep them looking good in the meantime.
Old 06-06-2009, 07:37 PM
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Ok so im on the same situation, My 2000 TL headlights look like ass their yellow and gray. I've tried everything to remove the yellowness and getting them back to looking as clear as new. The first thing I tried was plastic-x I spend about 30 min each light applying buffing and repeating. The plastic-X worked they looked clearer but nothing shocking, although it was better than before. The second product I tried was called Magic Blue headlight restoration which claims to remove the yellowing. Well it did it and removed all the yellowness but it was still dull looking.

So I had given up for a while up until recently when I was polishing my car with NuFinish. Just for fun I applied it to the headilights and worked them in for about 30-45 continuously. The results were shocking, Nufinish took all the crud out, My headlights were looking and shining just like how they did when new. I was so shocked at the results, it really is that good. Give it a try its only about 10$
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