Cloudy Headlights: Best $20 Ever!

[WCDAVE]

The fogging is really micro-pitting and then once pitted fine grit finds its way into the pits and depending on the plastic may stain it as well - especially if there is iron content. I was trying to find a website for one of these polishes that had photos under a microscope showing what was going on, but couldn't find it. Maybe someone else knows what I am talking about and can link it. In the end you are just removing a thin layer of the plastic comprised of this micro-pitted layer. Applying your favorite wax or sealant will help, but I would just repeat the polishing process next time you don't like the look of them. It would take you a month off Sundays to wear through the plastic with that fine of a polish.

 

[drfous]

Can you post details on this “film” you applied?

I can't find the product I used, but it was something like this.

Rshield™ Toyota Land Cruiser 2016-2021 Headlight Protection Kits | Protective Kits

Protect your Toyota Land Cruiser 2016-2021's headlights from UV damage with the effective Rshield Headlight Protection Kits, ensuring your car looks its best.

www.rvinyl.com

 

[afgman786]

Can you post details on this “film” you applied?

From the searching I've done looking up expel or others is they no longer offer the kits for the older style headlight. The options I've found are buying a kit that is close enough, ordering sheets and cutting up, or having a shop that does install for vehicles to see if they will do it for the headlights.

 

[paulunm]

Just have a tint/clear bra shop wrap the headlights with clear bra. There’s really no reason to install the thicker headlight material since the lights aren’t glass.

the problem with the pre cut kits is that they leave large parts of the headlamp un covered. On my 2010 LX it was the flat horizontal part on top.

so I removed them and had clear bra installed to protect from further sun damage.

the clear bra will turn white after a few years so you’ll need to have it replaced periodically, but the lamps stay perfect from sun damage.

 

[Karbon]

For the other curious souls out there, this is the XPEL H0114C headlight film. As stated previously, this is no longer available for the 09-11 lights. I haven't looked into later models.

It's fairly thick, at about .03-.04". Mine has been on for a bit over 3 years, outside year round. You can see the seam has become more pronounced over time with dirt getting in. I haven't done anything to clean it up since it doesn't bother me enough. The film has three "tabs", one which folds over the top side, one which wraps around the side marker protrusion, and one which wraps around the bottom. The exposed area of the light is around the perimeter, at the two seams, and the area directly under the side marker protrusion which isn't exposed to as much direct sunlight and hasn't faded/clouded. You can see where the film is starting to deteriorate along the top edge, with what looks like fine scratches.

Hope this helps if you're considering applying something similar to one of your vehicles.

 

[prharper]

I finally got around to ordering the XPEL precut headlight film for my 2018 LC.

Headlamp and Fog Lamp Kit (LE 10 Mil)

www.xpel.com

My LC sits outside 24x7. Figure it can help reduce UV damage and future headlight restorations.

Should be an interesting install given I have the Rhino bumper and the rubber gasket partially covers the lower LED bar section on each light where some of the film will need to be applied. Should have done this before installing the bumper

I'll post some pics before and after install.

Any pointers are appreciated.

 

[prharper]

I finally got around to ordering the XPEL precut headlight film for my 2018 LC.

Headlamp and Fog Lamp Kit (LE 10 Mil)

www.xpel.com

My LC sits outside 24x7. Figure it can help reduce UV damage and future headlight restorations.

Should be an interesting install given I have the Rhino bumper and the rubber gasket partially covers the lower LED bar section on each light where some of the film will need to be applied. Should have done this before installing the bumper

I'll post some pics before and after install.

Any pointers are appreciated.

Installed the XPEL headlight film over the weekend. it consists of 2 pieces for each light. Also came with film for the OEM fogs but I don't have those anymore.
Took a spray bottle with distilled water and a little alcohol. Sprayed the headlight and the sticky side of the film with the water mixture.
Getting the lower section under the rubber gasket of the bumper was a little tricky but once you get started, its not bad.

Someone pointed out that a one piece film would be better so there are no gaps in coverage. That makes sense but probably easier for a skilled installer. Part $118. Labor = $0.

Has a few air bubbles but expect those to go away once dry.

 

[swiss200]

I can't find the product I used, but it was something like this.

Rshield™ Toyota Land Cruiser 2016-2021 Headlight Protection Kits | Protective Kits

Protect your Toyota Land Cruiser 2016-2021's headlights from UV damage with the effective Rshield Headlight Protection Kits, ensuring your car looks its best.

www.rvinyl.com

Thanks for the link. I updated my wishlist with it

 

[JT4runner]

I'm a little hesitant to apply a coating because I have a feeling the coatings are often what start to fail. Not sure. You might be right, but I think I'll let it go and see what happens without it. I know some methods rely on a wax or other compound for the final step, but I liked that this method cleared the material without relying on anything being applied.

You need to have protection on them because that is what has caused them to be cloudy in the first place. That is where the sun/uv rays has damaged the headlight/plastic. I would suggest a clear film or buy a bottle of ceramic coating and protect them with that. If you don't they will get cloudy again quite fast.

 

[TFJ4runner]

I'd reccomend sealing it with this to prevent oxidation.

 

[prharper]

I'd reccomend sealing it with this to prevent oxidation.View attachment 2679405

Agreed. I've used this on my wife's car and holds up great after restoration.

 

[Reckless]

Just paid $80 at Delta Sonic to have them do this. They gave 2 year warranty on it. Done this twice before at $20 and $35 years ago. Now my headlights are full yellow. Before they couldnt get it pure clear, this time they were able to but took 2.5 hours.

 

[1world1love]

I’ve done this so many times now that my preferred method is to cover them in a thin layer of mud, followed by some sand, and then a light layer of pulverized granite. if they still seem cloudy, I will add some loam.