Headlight cancer - help!

[Makakio]

Okay all - need advice: the headlight covers on my 2007 are starting to cancer and get hazy/foggy/yellow. Next to a foot-sized dent and 22s I think this is the ugliest thing happening to cars since everyone went to plastic lens covers from glass. SO: aside from the polish kits (or buying an entire new headlight assembly complete with projectors, etc), can anything be done? Specifically, I cannot seem to locate a new plastic cover as a standalone piece of the headlight assembly - has anyone had luck finding it?
Kind thanks,
Maka

 

[Marc311]

I just used the Meguiars kit on mine (GX470) and it worked pretty well. There is still a slight yellow tint, but they are very clear now. Good enough that I don't think anybody else would think they look any different from new. Certainly worth $20 and an hour of time, rather than the $300 apiece to replace the light assembly. Even if I have to do it annually, it is pretty easy.

 

[IanB]

I think your best bet is trying one of the polish kits.

 

[2002tii]

If you do buy a polish kit, make sure you get the wax or aftertreatment (whatever it's called) with UV protection to prevent it from happening again. Or at least to slow it down from happening again.

 

[Makakio]

Thanks all - appreciate the feedback and suggestions!

 

[sdmca]

+1 on the Meguiar's kit. My GX doesn't need it, but I used it on another vehicle and was impressed. Not sure about other brands...

 

[IanB]

Yesterday I picked up the Mother's headlight restoration kit, I picked this kit because I liked the "powerball" buffer better than what the other kits had. Used it last night, worked really well. Used some headlight sealant that I picked up as well, headlights look years newer. Still need to do the fogs, and the wife's headlights.

 

[Makakio]

All good info! Thank you!

 

[808DA6]

A side note, the Meguiars Plastix works REALLY well with just a rag and some elbow grease. A friend just schooled me yesterday. Amazing results.

 

[rz470]

The best way is to tape around a head light and color sand them with 800 sand paper than change to 1200 than buff it with compound and than hand polish it

 

[Nothinghead]

What does everyone use to protect them from UV after you've sanded of the protective layer?

 

[470SNC]

Use some wax, try Meguiars NXT to seal it in

 

[rz470]

I Have had few detail shops in Arizona for past 30 years so I know a bout extrem heat damage the best thing that I know of as long as you continue polishing them head lights every 3 months they will maintain all polish, sealer, etc...... Have certain amount of oi

 

[rz470]

All wax and sealer have at least some% of oil which actually cause more harm In long run than protect as long as you maintain the surface the head light by keeping it smooth the will show you the way at night.

 

[Doc]

Buff them out, sand them, whatever you choose. Then: Get the headlight protective film ( available at your local tint shop as well as other places ) for long term protection.

 

[470SNC]

yup, look up Lamin-X, good stuff, I already got them for my fog lights, head lights are next

 

[TFJ4runner]

I used the Mothers kit and it came out way better than expected. Sanding and polishing is the only way to really fix this for good.

Final result all with what was provided with the kit.

 

[GXO]

Might have to try that. I have a new headlight on one side so the other is showing a BIG contrast!

 

[little_joe]

@TFJ4runner, did you seal them afterwards? If so, is sealer included in the kit, if not what did you use?

 

[nakman]

I used the Mother's kit today and did not get good results. I did this on a Taco once years back and had much better success. But these were really yellow to begin with- they're clearer now, but still no where near what they should be. I am tempted to just get new headlights, looks like $300 shipped for both.

Speaking of headlights, what HID kit is everyone using? I can't believe how dark this is... but maybe I'm just spoiled from what the 100 has.