RysTL04

I need some help or need to be advised on how to clean/restore headlights on my 04 TL. I will try to attach photos but i'm a nube to this forum. I'm the third owner and my TL's headlight's have some kinda of scuff marks that I don't know how to fix. I used some turtle wax headlight restoration kit on my headlights and one came out cleaner then the other but still has a fogged look and some scuff marks. I need to know how to clean your headlights to a crisp/clear and clean showroom look. ps the upside down headlight is the right one. I used the wax on both but most of the scuffness was removed form the left which is also kinda foggy now, thanks!

Jesstzn

Might be a little more than a DIY. A lot of detail shops will wet sand with 2500 and polish out for a reasonable amount.

MilanoRedDashR

What kind of kit was it that you used?

I just recently did mine w a Mcguirars (sp?) kit and basically all it was, was sandpaper and some polish.

You're going to have to wet sand them and all that good stuff to get them to look new, but it's pretty easy and straight forward. Google that and they'll be step by step instructions and they'll tell you what to buy as well. It's easy

eastsideride

Your headlights are actually not that bad!

I'd hit clean the crap off them with maybe a clay bar (someone tell me if thats no good), then wet sand with 400-grit sandpaper, then either use 600-grit or 800-grit and wet sand again. Then finish with 2200-grit wet sandpaper.

After all thats done, clean them off again, followed by wiping with a light amount of rubbing alcohol. Then mask off your area around the headlights and apply clear coat in 1 light coat, 1 light/medium coat, and then the final coat a little heavier than the second.

You can wet sand with the 2200-grit sandaper if the clear coat feels bumpy after you've given them a full day to dry and cure.

Ultimately, finish your hard work off using wax!

And now you have nice, showroom headlights.

RysTL04

Yeah I was thinking the wet sanding but just thought it was easy to do it myself. How much do you think a professional job would cost?

RysTL04

I also used this kit. which worked better on the left then the right headlight but still had the left looking foggy.

RysTL04

Thats what I was looking for eastside! more along the line of a step by step process. all replies are helpful

eastsideride

Either way you'd save money doing it yourself. The clear coat is the most important step to ensure your headlights maintain their appearance. It's super easy. The Turtle Wax product isn't that bad though

Will Y.

Rather than rubbing by hand, use a drill-mounted small buffing wheel with a little bit of the clarifying compound.
Tape off the hood, fender and bumper first.

I used a drill-mounted cone buffing wheel with Plast-X; you can use any sort of mild abrasive, including toothpaste.

Welcome to AZ.

GoTTeMs

I would look at a Youtube video that ChrisFix did on restoring his taillights. I followed his process to restore the headlights on my 06 RSX-S and my headlights looks crystal clear now. It only costs a few dollars and should only take you about an hour if you want to do both headlights.

RysTL04

awesome guys thanks for the input!

Scottwax

Yours aren't that bad, probably a polish alone will restore the lights. Meguiars Ultimate Compound is designed to work well by hand and should have enough cut to bring the lights back.