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Renewing dull headlights

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Old Jul 20, 2012 | 04:21 PM
  #1  
cdt12271's Avatar
cdt12271
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Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Alabama
Default Renewing dull headlights

I just wanted to pass on a tip that someone gave me.

The first time I saw my 99 GT Convertible there were only two things I didn't like about it. One was the small dent in the fender that I will be getting fixed and the other were the dull....no BEYOND dull headlights. These things were like a yellow. I just didn't understand how a car in such great shape could have headlights that looked that BAD. So I bought the car with the idea of replacing the headlights, and then I saw the price of new headlights (I know, I can get some for about $80 on ebay).

Well, my brother-in-law told me to use Mothers Aluminum Wheel polish on the headlights. Knowing how bad they looked, I didn't think I had anything to loose. Honestly, I wish I would have taken a before and after picture because the difference is like night and day. The headlights are clear and the only thing that remains are a few scratches that were already on one of the headlights.

Sorry for the long story, but if you have the yellow/faded headlights, give the Mothers Aluminum Wheel Polish a try. Less than $5 and 5 minutes and your headlights are looking good again.
Old Jul 20, 2012 | 06:01 PM
  #2  
Helgi's Avatar
Helgi
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 17
From: Iceland
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Originally Posted by cdt12271
I just wanted to pass on a tip that someone gave me.

The first time I saw my 99 GT Convertible there were only two things I didn't like about it. One was the small dent in the fender that I will be getting fixed and the other were the dull....no BEYOND dull headlights. These things were like a yellow. I just didn't understand how a car in such great shape could have headlights that looked that BAD. So I bought the car with the idea of replacing the headlights, and then I saw the price of new headlights (I know, I can get some for about $80 on ebay).

Well, my brother-in-law told me to use Mothers Aluminum Wheel polish on the headlights. Knowing how bad they looked, I didn't think I had anything to loose. Honestly, I wish I would have taken a before and after picture because the difference is like night and day. The headlights are clear and the only thing that remains are a few scratches that were already on one of the headlights.

Sorry for the long story, but if you have the yellow/faded headlights, give the Mothers Aluminum Wheel Polish a try. Less than $5 and 5 minutes and your headlights are looking good again.
Also you can sand the lights with wetsanding paper around p2000-p3000 depending on the polishing step. And therefor clear the scratches and leaving the glass like a new one.
Old Jul 20, 2012 | 06:05 PM
  #3  
Daehawk's Avatar
Daehawk
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,624
From: TN
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Well that's cheaper than the kits made just for that. Seems awful abrasive though. might want to go back over with with super fine grain wet sandpaper.
Old Jul 20, 2012 | 06:16 PM
  #4  
Helgi's Avatar
Helgi
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 17
From: Iceland
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Originally Posted by Daehawk
Well that's cheaper than the kits made just for that. Seems awful abrasive though. might want to go back over with with super fine grain wet sandpaper.
If you have access to polishing machine then p1500 wetsanding grit is enough for final sanding and a course compund followed by a fine one. As for hand polishing the finer you sand the less you polish and more shine will come.
Old Jul 20, 2012 | 10:18 PM
  #5  
cdt12271's Avatar
cdt12271
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 7
From: Alabama
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Thanks for the input. I don't know how abrasive it is. I used the small can of smooth cream like polish. Lightly rubbing with a terry cloth, felt rough until it cut through the grime. When I didn't feel any more roughness, I stopped and wiped the polish off. Headlight is smooth and clear now.
Old Jul 26, 2012 | 01:25 AM
  #6  
FrostByte's Avatar
FrostByte
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,307
From: NY
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Problem is that they fade quickly since there is no coating to stop UV damage now. Go for new headlights when u can.
Old Jul 26, 2012 | 02:32 AM
  #7  
SD 197's Avatar
SD 197
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 187
From: San Diego, CA
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They actually sell liquid UV protection for polished plastic. It's like $5 for a bottle, and will last you a long time.

When I would polish the headlights on our Grand Cherokee, they would turn yellow within a couple of weeks. After applying the UV protection, it stays clear!
Old Jul 26, 2012 | 02:36 AM
  #8  
bakerjd's Avatar
bakerjd
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,874
From: North Carolina
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Best $30 I've ever spent.

before:


after:


Night and day in person.

Old Jul 26, 2012 | 06:21 AM
  #9  
madjimmax's Avatar
madjimmax
1st Gear Member
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 89
From: Maryland
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This might sound crazy, but try some whitening toothpaste and a small brush. This will do wonders to them, just take a couple of minutes and try it out and you'll be amazed at how clean they'll come
Old Oct 20, 2012 | 02:15 AM
  #10  
jpbrockway's Avatar
jpbrockway
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 8
From: pdx,or
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I have been able to get most clear with mcguires plastic cleaner and plastic polish, I used to do it by hand but then I bought one of the ***** for a drill....way easier
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