Frosted headlight lenses UPDATE

tccox

What, if anything, can be done to clear up the frosted lenses on my 95 Ford F-150? It seems like every lens cover over a couple of years old has yellowed or frosted. Is there any polishing compound on the market that will cut the hazy stuff off down to clear plastic again?

Yeah, I know I can buy new replacements for 100 buck each but I would like to try something cheaper first! Thanks, Tom


UPDATE
I bought a tube of the polish from autogeek for 25 bucks. It works OK but you can get the same results from regular polishing compound. Get the coarse and fine. Get most of the oxidized haze off with the coarse and then hit with the fine. Use different polishing bonnets for each one.

I did mine and my neighbors and she said her light intensity doubled. I still need to do more polishing on both but it is certainly worth doing. OH Yes, I cut the little plastic bumps off to make it easier to polish without tearing up the p[olish bonnet. Tom

buddyb

Flitz or Semichrome polish and elbow grease.Some of the auto parts stores sell a product to clear them up but it cost 20 bucks and I am to cheap to buy it.

Grunt2

Give this a try....http://www.autogeek.net/headlight-lens.html

tccox

Grunt2, thanks. I just ordered the polish from them. I am hopeful that it will work but will have to see to believe. Will certainly make a report here.Another question, If there is a really good solution to this problem, why does not some bright guy get out there and polish headlights?/ I would gladly pay someone to polish and restore my headlights. I really want those blue bright as hell lights that blind everything comming gowards them. Tom

Highball

I was told by a professional mechanic that Bon Ami will cut it. Haven't tried it...but will one of these days...I bought the stuff and set it in the bench a while back.....[:D]

dheffley

quote:Originally posted by Highball
I was told by a professional mechanic that Bon Ami will cut it. Haven't tried it...but will one of these days...I bought the stuff and set it in the bench a while back.....[:D]


Yes, scrub with Bon Ami to get under the yellow, then use Mop n' Glo to clear them back up.[;)]

tlea

Try this site.

http://www.acura-legend.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1888

Tom

FEENIX

I had a similar problem last year. I wasted $$$ and time on one of those polishing compounds that an auto parts store manager recommended. It is not worth it. You'd be better off buying a replacement part.

john w

check e-bay and your local parts house. You can buy new aftermarket replacements for about 35.00 each.

tccox

Grunt, thanks for the link. I ordered a kit last night. It would be nice if it really works. Tom

iwannausername

Find glass lenses. I've got original factory lenses on a 41 year old car, no discoloration, cracks, etc. The plastic crap just don't stand up. And once you go glass, you should be able to put in a xenon bulb (or Hella or whatever) to get the lights you want.

oldemagics

havnt had to do lenses yet, but for the plastic windscreens on bikes i use super fine wet paper to get deep scratches, and then toothpaste to clear it up from the paper. works on helmet shields too, but does involve a LOT of elbow grease

agman1999

I had good luck using 2000 grit wet/dry to clean them up in a hurry, and Flitz to take out the sanding scratches. It's a whole lot cheaper than a new part.

Red223

I hate wasting time polishing them and use the quicker method.

600 grit brillo style pad to scuff them up and spray on automotive clear coat. 10 minutes and all your lights look like new.


Don't use those spray cans of clearcoat.....they don't work...no hardeners....don't stick well...look dull.

Got any autobody friends?

HappyNanoq

quote:Originally posted by Red223
Don't use those spray cans of clearcoat.....they don't work...no hardeners....don't stick well...look dull.


Yeah, spraypainting always catch the personality of the painter...

[:D] [;)]

I get the same results [:I]