Wow Frailio your lights look like mine do, and you got them shining again! Nice! I managed to get the centers of mine sort-of clear, but the edges just weren't coming clean. Can't wait to try this tonight.

Are you guys using just sandpaper with no backing, or a pad? Or anything special as far as a block? I'm not familiar with sanding stuff really.

 

just make sure you do 800 or 1000 grit first followed by 2000 or 3000 wetsand paper, all by hand, no block. You don't want to gouge the plastic with an edge of a sanding block.

 

What rockstar said: no block, just a sheet of sandpaper. I used 1500 grit, 2000 grit and 2500 grit and it worked fine for me (autozone sold them in a pack for like $4 and change).


http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...Step-by-w-Pics)
I used this post pretty much verbatim and it was great. I can't remember if I found it earlier in this thread or a different one but here it is.

 

Great job!

Yeah, pretty much, longevity is the problem so we'll see how it holds up. The plastic lens stuff bonds to the plastic once you've polished it out, but I've been afraid to put it on my lenses...without it and just regular wax, I can go about 6 to 8 months without needing to repolish mine.

 

I have a Portercable sander/polisher. Where is everyone finding the circular sanding disc? I've done 4 sets of headlights (by hand) already.

Prep by opening the hood and masking off the headlight with painters tape. You may want to double the thickness for added protection. Park in the shade if possible, but not required (I prefer the shade for myself, I'm fare). Get a good stool or chair. Soak the sand paper for at least 5 minutes before using. Take your time. Sand in the same direction along the natural lines of the headlight, unless you're using a rotary sander. Wear a pair of rubber gloves to protect your fingers from the sanding. Surgery gloves work well. I rubbed a knuckle raw. Learned the hard way.

I started out with 600>800>1000>1500 and then 2000 grit sandpaper. Start sanding in the same direction. I usually go up and down. Once it gets milky, whip it off and sand again (3 times each grit). Once you're finished with all the sanding (whew), wipe dry. Clean residue with a cotton ball and alcohol. Don't be alarmed if this clouds the headlights. It did mine. Then the secret. Wipe with a mixture of 50/50 minerals spirits and clear polyurethane to seal it. I bought a pint of both and that will last you a lifetime. Only mix an ounce or so, very little is needed. Apply the sealant mixture with a folded up paper towel to about a 2 inch square. You only need a small amount. Start from the top of the headlight and work your way down, going back and forth. Don't take the applicator off the headset until you're all done to avoid any over laping lines. It should be dry in about 30 minutes or so.

It's been 3 months and it still looks great.

 

^^^Thanks for sharing that...I'm guessing the mineral spirits and clear poly have some sort of chemical reaction to the plastic and bond well and protect! Nicely done.
I'm going to drop down to a 600/800 combo to begin too...otherwise, too much sanding with the 1500.

 

Thanks for the info guys. My headlights are starting to fog up and I'm noticing the lack of lighting. I tried cleaning my lights with some headlight cleaner that my bro-in-law had but it didn't seem to work. I'm going to try to use Ilovemytl's method and hoping for the best. I just need to find a good stool/chair haha. Thanks again

 

Did you do it by hand?

Try using a motorized buffer ball or buffer wheel with the liquid.

I cleared the lights on our minivan using PlastX and a drill-mounted buffing ball-- no need to mess with different grades of sandpaper and compound, and the results were clearly different from polishing with PlastX by hand.

 

Bar Keepers Friend is what I did my headlights with..... and exhaust tips

 

it's pretty much a wood deck protectant. It forms a shell on top of whatever you put it on (do not get this on your paint..it wont damage it but it'll look like you put clear epoxy on it) You also don't need to fine sand the headlight super smooth because the mixture will fill in the gaps and is self leveling.

 

Glad I found this thread, cause I did NOT want to spend the $$$ for a new driver's side assembly. My wife's passenger side is perfect, but the DS is pretty hazed over.

 

Ordered a couple of the 3M restoration kits and some Blue Magic off Amazon and got around to doing my wife's car and my Expedition today....amazing results! My wife's now looks brand new.

 

Unfortunately unless you really protect it, it's gonna be short lived...see about a local headlight specialist to seal it up for you with a light final sand and 2k clear...