I am using a kit from Meguiars. It comes with a buffing wheel, 4 different grit pads, and a polishing compound. I have done one light and it looks great from several feet. With the assembly in my hand I see a line of imperfections that run horizonally across in front of the bulbs. I have resanded an affected area with little, maybe no improvement. I used a magnifying glass and it looks like snowflakes or crystals. There actually is very little "clear" lens material when looking through a magnifer. The imperfections don't appear to be on the outside or inside surface but inside the lens material itself.
Is this typical or what is it? Will more sanding/buffing fix this? Some experienced comments would be appreciated, thanks.

 

~ once the lense starts getting the slight cracking... the compounds may fill the voids or mask them but most likely they will remain.

 

Which lens restoring manufactor do u think is the best? I bought some clear lens protective material (plastic sheet?) custom cut for our cars. Do u have any pros or cons using this type material?

 

Honestly, in my years on the forum, I've never seen a restorative process that brings them back 100%. I just ended up getting a n.o.s. replacement pair-just in case.

 

To restore the headlights, sand them down working from low grit to very high grit. Wipe clean with paint prep, and then shoot with automotive clear coat. Let headlights dry for a few days and bingo just like new

 

I used the 3M kit from Pep Boys, worked well. Like someone else mentioned, it won't be back to 100% like new, but rather around 95% clear. Still better than before though.

 

I used the 3M kit over 3 years ago. Still look good now. 99% clear. My car in is not new anymore, why would I want the headlights new? New headlights will do the same thing down the road....

 

I used a turtle wax kit , worked but after few days went back to the foggy look , I also have a feeling the condensation is Inside the lens , actually I noticed after a rain or snow if I wipe the lights down with a microfiber towel they look 10x better but of course It's only momentary
:/

 

One of my hobbies is woodworking, I turn pens from acrylic blanks, and then polish them. There are pen polishing kits which have pads with grits that go from about 200 to super fine that will work well on the headlights. A final pass with polishing compound will give good results. These are available from Penn State Industries and will last quite a while.

 

If wiping them down makes them better, then I would say your issue is still on the outside. To get best results with any of the sanding kits, it takes a lot of time and effort to make them look good, but worth it.

After using the 3M kit, I continue to hand polish them a couple times a year with PlastX and it has worked well for me. Detail spray on them while doing your paint won't hurt either.

James

 

I installed the headlights today. They look great compared to the before restoration. If I do this again I will probably leave the lights in the car and mask the area. They did go in easier than they came out. It took time to readjust for even gaps. I am happy with the results.

 

I may use the 3m kit since I already threw away the turtle wax kit , if that try doesn't work then I'll give up and just get new head lights.....eventually

 

Where are you located ????

 

Norfolk, Va.