wondering if anyone has reconditioned or replaced cloudy/scratched headlight lenses. I've got an lx570 , the lights might be diff than the lc200, but wondering what experience or advice others might have. Thx
Headlight lenses
- Thread starter chipsterguy
- Start date
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Yeah, you can do a lot of improvement with a product like PlastX or Meguiars 105/205. A rotary buffer and some polishing compound will help a lot on a faded lens. Make sure to seal, either with wax or clear vinyl to prevent rehazing.
Some condensation may be normal. Modern headlighting units aren't sealed so moisture can get in - but it should go away after the lights have been on for ten minutes or so. If there continues to have moisture in the unit then check for cracks and check the rubber seals in the back.
Have you ever swapped bulbs?
There are various products available to restore headlights - but - the UV resistant coating will also be long gone. What can you do about that? You can either try a speciality product that claims to provide UV protection or you can use a clear plastic film.
Technically, the plastic film is a better solution but it is also technically illegal although it is very unlikely that you will have issues.
The problem with most of the restore kits is the final coating which eventually comes off. The successful guys (YouTube) use a "clear" clear coat spray at the last step to give the cleaned up head light longer "newer" look.
About three weeks ago we took my wife's Lexus to Sam's Club here in Ohio where they restored both headlights for about $35.00 with a 5 year warranty from Sam's... They definitely sprayed the head lights with some strong type of sealant. So far so good, the lights were yellowed over after at least two rehab "do it yourself" kits from Autozone (they looked good for a month or two).
Figured we were probably going to replace the Lexus head lights for $$$ so why not give the Sam's treatment a chance. Maybe there's a Sam's Club near you offering the same thing. There's not much of a downside to giving Sam's a chance, since they were spent anyway... Amazingly, the cleaned up lights really help make the car look so much better.
Jeff
About three weeks ago we took my wife's Lexus to Sam's Club here in Ohio where they restored both headlights for about $35.00 with a 5 year warranty from Sam's... They definitely sprayed the head lights with some strong type of sealant. So far so good, the lights were yellowed over after at least two rehab "do it yourself" kits from Autozone (they looked good for a month or two).
Figured we were probably going to replace the Lexus head lights for $$$ so why not give the Sam's treatment a chance. Maybe there's a Sam's Club near you offering the same thing. There's not much of a downside to giving Sam's a chance, since they were spent anyway... Amazingly, the cleaned up lights really help make the car look so much better.
Jeff
- Thread starter
- #10
So reconditioning the lenses seems like a no brainier, albeit it might just be a temp fix. I will def looking into polishing and sealing.
How about new plastic? Is the only option a full headlight swap? I mean, the plastic, electronics, etc?
How about new plastic? Is the only option a full headlight swap? I mean, the plastic, electronics, etc?
I wanted to replace just the lens but I don't think that is an option with the 200. I found a nice aftermarket set for my 2000 Tacoma that look fantastic and cost around $80. I tried all the buffing methods with the Taco but they were just toast.
The assemblies are only sold as one unit and the LX assemblies, used on ebay will run 500+. The clear plastic is sealed on to the rest of the assembly with butyl rubber, so if you are retrofitting, they can be separated after a trip in the oven for 20 minutes at 200F- but unfortunately are not sold separately even when they are the most obvious wear item part of the whole thing. Luckily, you have little to lose trying a rotary buffer at low speed with a polishing compound and then sealing/waxing.
- Thread starter
- #15
I will go the recondition route. Trying to figure out how to seal. Anyone install laminex films on thier headlights? LC or LX? Would you also apply a sealant before installing laminex (UV protection?)
- Thread starter
- #16
looks like laminex doesn't make pre-cut films for my 2010 LX. I will look elsewhere...
Markuson
SILVER Star
Took my wife's 2010 LX to Toyota for brakes. While it was there I called and asked about headlight reconditioning. I don't have before and afters, but leave it to say they were really bad. $89 later they look like they did the day it was born. They resealed them as well. Did I pay too much? Maybe. But they were done right and shouldn't have to worry about it for quite some time.
Digging up an old thread but I just bought a restoration kit. Was trying to figure out which way to go for the uv protective coating. I like the idea of a laminex style film but I didnt see any available plus it seems more costly than the other options.
I came across clear plasti-dip spray which has uv protection. Opinions on that option?
How are others restored headlights holding up and what uv coating did you go with?
I also have some of that 303 uv spray. Would spraying and wiping them down every couple weeks be sufficient?
I came across clear plasti-dip spray which has uv protection. Opinions on that option?
How are others restored headlights holding up and what uv coating did you go with?
I also have some of that 303 uv spray. Would spraying and wiping them down every couple weeks be sufficient?
bloc
SILVER Star
A bunch of detailing pros online swear by “opti-lense” as a uv protectant. Pretty pricey.. I haven’t reconditioned and applied mine yet but will post when I do.
