Headlights on a 2004

[ACoyle]

Probably a dumb question, but.
Is there a trick to polishong headlights?
Im a pen maket and I have a great set of polishing wheels.

What is the latest word on coatings for the headlights after polishing.

Thank you very much. - Andy

 

[Ozymandias]

Nope, not for longer lasting results.
The plastic itself is degraded and the surface coating gone.
You can play around with some products but that's like using a shop towel with Diesel on old paint.
Good and shiny for a couple days and that's about it.

Good aftermarket lights are for example the TYC brand ones.

 

[slowmover]

$100 bux and up per new housing pair.

Got X-years service, now time for replacement

 

[bcbender]

I had good luck with wet sanding from 1000 --> 3000 then step polishing like you do a automotive finish... When you get them clear and translucent, I applied the same ceramic coating that I did the paint with. seems to be ok, and if you do detail work, you already have all the stuff so no real cost. They only last a few years but its a cheap way to get them back. I did that on my 2010 Honda that the headlights are $500 and no aftermarket options and the look great.

 

[GSP7]

I just used Dupont polishing compound #7 and damp cloth.

But like others said. Aint gonna last. Gotz to get new housings

My 99 has original headlights polished several times, the plastic is kind of yellowed now. Gonna convert to some "sport" housings and bulbs one of these days

 

[FOXY005]

Polished mine 3 different times with 3 different products and as others stated it did not take very long before they began to cloud again decided enough polishing, bought two new Depo units from Geno's and installed them 9 months ago and will see how they hold up. They still look as clear as when I installed them but only time will tell. Not relevant but sure made the front end look better IMHO.

 

[CharlesinGA]

I've had good luck with the 3M kits and their coating you apply afterward. New aftermarket headlights are junk. I had a set in the '03 when I bought it that were almost brand new, and the reflector over the front of the turn/parking light had already melted onto the bulb. A neighbor has a similar issue.

I threw those aftermarket ones in the trash and bought a set of OEM lights and used them from about 2019 to recently (truck rarely driven and stored indoors) and the lights were nearly perfect, but I installed a set of AlphaRex NOVA headlights. The price not being for the faint hearted. Really like them.

Charles

 

[slowmover]

https://www.genosgarage.com/product/dep-3341108lasn/lighting