okay.. i just bought my '01 CL and i guess its been sitting in the sun for the longest while without a wash or anything.. the headlights are oxidized.. not as clear as it was. anyone has a simple solution to this? what i could do/use? i'm new to all these brands or things i could use. and i don't know a lot of the acronyms you guys re using. leme know guys! thanks! please don't make fun of this newb

 

Removing Oxidation or scratches from Vehicle headlights, Fog or Brake lights (polycarbonate) In the late 1980’s, vehicle manufacturers changed the lighting lens system materials used for head lights from glass to Lexan (plastic ) to protect expensive lamps (headlight assemblies range from 500-$700+) from flying stones and road debris. The lens starts to exhibit an opaque appearance and then a yellow hue on the outside of the lenses and can severely restrict the amount of light reaching the road. Original equipment material (OEM) suppliers started to add a UVR protection to the surface of the lens in an attempt to reduce this condition and prolong the usable life of the lens.

The lens has a silicone-based coating applied to its outer surface, some manufacturers apply two different types of coatings to the outer surface of the lens, these coatings are mainly for UVR protection, but are also for impact and abrasion resistance, once the coating (s) fail the lens surface will occlude (clouding or yellowing)
While most of the cloudiness is on the surface, severely discoloured lens cannot be brought back to optical clarity. If you live in a southern state, this discoloration can become noticeable in as little as two-years. You could also use a metal polish (Reckitt and Coleman’s Brasso®)

Novus 1 - gently cleans all plastics without scratching, leaves a lustrous shine that resists fogging, repels dust, and eliminates static.
Novus 2 - removes fine scratches, haziness, and abrasions from most plastics (exceptional for removing scratches from Plexiglas). Use repeatedly and restore faded and discoloured plastics.
Novus 3 -removes heavy scratches and abrasions from most acrylic surfaces. Contains abrasives, not for use on eyeglasses, polycarbonate, or coated plastics, final finishing also requires the use of Novus 2 http://www.modernplastics.com.

Application Methodology:
•Use a solvent type cleaner (Klasse or Zaino All-In-One) if this does not remove the oxidation use a plastic polish
•Meguiar’s Plastic Polish (PlastX ) - http://www.autopia-carcare.com/meg-g-12310.html) that contains a microscopic diminishing abrasive, which requires a little pressure when applying it to enable these abrasives to remove the discoloured plastic and expose new plastic.

Call the site sponsor Exceldetail (Patrick) he will advise you on products, There are some How-To article's on his site they may help you with your detailing or ask your questions here we are always willing to help * * *

 

thanks. really appreciate it!