Headlamp Cleaning

[xeron]

I know this is not related to just Camry, let alone gen 3 or 4.. but since this is the subforum that is best related to my car, I figured I'd post here. Haven't been here in a while, so for all those (if any?) who remember me, hi ;P

Anyways..
I have some headlights on my Camry (not the stock/OEM) that are basically the standard ones, except with black lining and halo (I think they are called JDM Halo Camry on like eBay, etc.).. I bought them like 2-3 years ago, if that.

I noticed a few weeks ago that they have become somewhat.. cloudy I guess you could call it. When doing an up close inspection, I noticed there is like little yellow/white almost furry buildup on the lights. I could not tell whether or not it was on the inside or the outside. I'm pretty sure the lights came "sealed" but... after trying to extensively clean it from the outside, my ocd got the better of me and I took out my left headlamp casing completely, and my dad popped it open. No, I didn't do the oven thing.. and im pretty sure the seal that holds it together is now destroyed. :/

Upon trying to clean it with a scrubby sponge, with warm water and soap, both inside and outside the actual contaminated part, it is STILL there.

I also tried using toothpaste and letting it sit for 10 minutes and that did not work.

anyone have any idea how to clean this.. if its possible that it is somehow in between/inside the plastic part (even though I have access to both the inside and outside parts?).. I'm really annoyed about this, and I'm going to most likely my stock light in on the left side of my car while keeping the right halo one in (I don't want to crack that one open if I don't have to).


any suggestions I am welcome to.. I paid around $130+shipping for these lights when I got them and if I didn't ruin them completely I'd like some advice on cleaning them as best as possible, and if I need to reseal them, etc.

Thanks!

[skuttduck]

More of a question for you rather than an answer.

Can you use one of those headlight cleaning kits? They sell them at walmart here and they are for yellowed headlights.

I've also used "goof off" for a wide variety of things on my car. Bad touch up paint, removed scratches from other items hitting me etc.. That might be worth a try.

[DxElite]

Use a headlight restoration kit, Meguiar's has a kit that I've seen worked or you can look for cheaper generic brand of the same kit. This should clear them up.
As for re-assembling the headlight back, as long as most of that sealant is still on there, it'll seal back up. Just apply some heat with a blow dryer to soften up the sealant while you push the lense back on and then put the clips on; it'll be just like before you opened it.

[felpz123]

these are my headlights, ive been reading around and some say the damage is permanent if not caught early.. if its not permanent, could someone give me some advice on what to do?

[BamZipPow]

I have wet sanded with a palm sander (spray as you go!) using 1000, 1500, and 2000 grit with no problems. Make sure you seal up the plastic or you'll be doing the process again.

Glassylite is supposed to be "the kit" to git...