2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Headlight lens won't come clean.

[MFranz]

Does anyone know of a way to clean the headlights on these trucks. Is there a special cleaner that will allow more light thru. Mine have a film over them that

doesn't wash off.

Thanks,Mike

 

[Bill Lins]

Try polishing them with one of those kits- I've used the 3M one & it works pretty good. Available @ WallyWorld for around $20

 

[BigDaddy]

Flitz



Yes, Flitz! The same polish you use to clean your wheels will work on your clear plastic and leave it scratch free.

 

[ed9824v]

I used the Harbor Freight ones $9. 99 and it came out perfect for the 97 Jeep cherokee, did the dodge a while ago and they are now faded again.

 

[MLee]

I used the Harbor Freight ones $9. 99 and it came out perfect for the 97 Jeep cherokee, did the dodge a while ago and they are now faded again.

Seal them with a good wax sealer like Carnauba, It will take longer to re-oxidise but with plastic it is expected. or not.

There is stuff that you have in your house you can use to do the same job. But the commercial stuff you buy might be better cause its designed for that purpose.

 

[mwilson]

Link to the 3M product here... Wally Mart does indeed carry it.



Restoring a Headlight with the 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System. Video instructions and product recommendations. 3M: US



Don't forget to mask off the black trim on top of your bumper, the paste does not come off of that very well... . Ask me how I learned that... ... .



Mike.

 

[ed9824v]

Seal them with a good wax sealer like Carnauba, It will take longer to re-oxidise but with plastic it is expected. or not.

There is stuff that you have in your house you can use to do the same job. But the commercial stuff you buy might be better cause its designed for that purpose.

I forgot to mention that on the Jeep when I was done and will continue to use about every 3 months is a spray and wipe of 303 Aerospace Protectant

303 Products, Inc. : Aerospace Protectant Uses



and the next time I do the dodge I will do this procedure ED

 

[B.G. Smith]

Anyone heard of using 600 grit wet sand paper to remove the oxidation then painting with automotiove clear coat?? I'd be scared to try it but I have heard that it works. bg

 

[cap-n-cray]

I just did my 10 year old headlights with the 3M kit, worked great. Basically it is 600 grit sandpaper on a mandrel powered by a drill motor, change to 800 grit, finished with rubbing compound on a foam pad.



But I lost one of the small clips that hold the adjusting screw. It popped off and disappeared into the truck. The only place I have found them they want more to ship it than it costs.



I was just about to list a want add when I saw this thread.



Cary

 

[Ram4Sam]

Link to the 3M product here... Wally Mart does indeed carry it.



Restoring a Headlight with the 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System. Video instructions and product recommendations. 3M: US



Don't forget to mask off the black trim on top of your bumper, the paste does not come off of that very well... . Ask me how I learned that... ... .



Mike.

I am guessing you learned the same way I did... .



Sam

 

[DavidC]

There has been a long running thread over at Autogeek.net

Headlight Restoration-new UV sealant idea - Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum



Dave

 

[ILIANBG]

Once you get them clean, buy the clear vynil lens protector from Geno's and stick'em on. I've had mine on since new and they are clear as new. Never had to do anything. I can see the glass on the outside edge yellowed, but the whole front of the glass where the protector is - perfect. I'm very happy with those. Will have it on any other future vehicle.
Ilian

 

[MFranz]

Thanks everyone. Some really great information . I bought the rain X headlight restore kit and will give that a try. It was $14. at Pep Boys.

Thanks,Mike

 

[GaryOwen]

Wife suggested Comet cleanser. I thought she was crazy, but gave it a try anyway. A couple of minutes with a wet sponge and Comet did pretty well. The price was right too. After cleaning the lenses I discovered a problem inside one of the headlight assemblies though. Almost all of the chrome plating had flaked off. I knew one headlight was dimmer, but hadn't really checked into it. Ended up going with the sport headlight conversion.

 

[Joe Mc]

Anyone heard of using 600 grit wet sand paper to remove the oxidation then painting with automotiove clear coat?? I'd be scared to try it but I have heard that it works. bg

My buddy Kelly 4463 had his sanded and clear coated about 6 mos ago. Looks good still.



Me, I start with tooth paste and a Mcquires miracle ball on my battery op drill, then go to a clear coat safe rubbing compound with the ball, then down to polish. That lasts for about 3 months or so. I'm about ready to switch over to sport (2 lamp) lights so I'll probably go one more time with the above method. It's cheap and takes about 45 mins or so. . .

 

[Rockranch]

I tried several of the kits and none of them worked worth a hoot. I ended up sanding the headlights with 1000, then 1500, then 2000 grit wet sandpaper. Then I used rubbing compound, polishing compound and finally cleaning wax. One and a half years later they still look like new.