Headlight Restoration 07 XLE

[LucentShadow]

Hi guys, I've looked through the stickied DIY under exterior maintenance and didn't notice anything about headlight restoration, the top of my 07 Camry's headlights have begun to form this foggy ugly layer that's driving me nuts, I was wondering if anyone had any tried and true methods to remove this. I am aware that you're supposed to buff it out with some kind of sandpaper and seal it afterwards, but since it's only a partial degradation does that mean I still have to buff out the entire headlight to keep it uniform? Thanks in advance for your time.

[BlackCam09]

Originally Posted by LucentShadow

Hi guys, I've looked through the stickied DIY under exterior maintenance and didn't notice anything about headlight restoration, the top of my 07 Camry's headlights have begun to form this foggy ugly layer that's driving me nuts, I was wondering if anyone had any tried and true methods to remove this. I am aware that you're supposed to buff it out with some kind of sandpaper and seal it afterwards, but since it's only a partial degradation does that mean I still have to buff out the entire headlight to keep it uniform? Thanks in advance for your time.

you can buy headlgiht restoration kits at your local autozone,pepboys store, etc. i use the meugiars one and it seems to work pretty good. I think on this forum you have to search for headlight haze.

http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/detail/MEG+G1900

[gabypr]

yeah i had the same problem with the yellowish layer on my headlights, i have meguiars and works great. the kit that blackcam09 gave is a very nice kit to buy cuz this problem will always appear on most headlights.

it would be cool if someone make a sticky post with steps and images/video on how to restore our headlights which are prone to this problem.

[Netforcer]

google it... best method and I know this by experience is to wet sand the headlights up to 1200 grit then polish it using ScratchX... use a buffer and a lot of elbow grease for best results

[njerald]

Try searching instead of scanning.

There are numerous headlight restoration threads. Another one is a waste.

http://www.mothers.com/02_products/07250.html

[eyezack87]

FYI guys, when you sand or buff, you are removing the UV coating on the thing. Meaning that if its removed enough, it will rapidly yellow again. Easiest and probably the safest way is to take some metal polish that is in paste form (I use Blue Magic), lightly rub it in by hand and let it sit for 30 seconds or so. The chemical reaction it has with only the yellowing part will make it easy to remove and you wont need a buffer. Just work it in with light pressure with a microfiber towel and wipe off. No need for the extra tool and extra expenses if you have it already

EDIT: Forgot to mention that you guys should ALWAYS wax after no matter what. That way it will slow down the yellowing process that will eventually occur

[Lauren]

Originally Posted by njerald

http://www.mothers.com/02_products/07250.html

Worked well on my headlights and it comes with a sealant so you don't get the haze back.

Originally Posted by eyezack87

EDIT: Forgot to mention that you guys should ALWAYS wax after no matter what. That way it will slow down the yellowing process that will eventually occur

Mother's comes with a sealant, but I waxed over it too. I wax all my headlights.

[Pawel062]

if ur real lazy u can just buff and add sealant and done.

[olympicgold]

Originally Posted by Pawel062

if ur real lazy u can just buff and add sealant and done.

Or just buy new headlights.

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by Lauren

I wax all my headlights.

+1

-

[lammydi]

Originally Posted by TrailDust

+1

-

+2 I waxed my headlights, foglights and taillights.
For headlight restoration, I used plastic X on my 03 Highlander.

[Netforcer]

Originally Posted by lammydi

+2 I waxed my headlights, foglights and taillights.
For headlight restoration, I used plastic X on my 03 Highlander.

Oh shoot, that's what I meant... PlasticX... I have both =P... ScratchX is for the door handle cups

[fondoo]

plastix works great! i've used it on my cloudy headlights and it cleared up immediately and its only $5.00 a bottle at walmart. if that doesnt work, sanding is a 2nd option.

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

Originally Posted by lammydi

+2 I waxed my headlights, foglights and taillights.
For headlight restoration, I used plastic X on my 03 Highlander.

That is what i used on my Gen 5. Works awesome.

I wax my whole car....windows and all.

[Netforcer]

Originally Posted by Punks_Not_Dead5

That is what i used on my Gen 5. Works awesome.

I wax my whole car....windows and all.

Don't forget the rims?