3M Headlight restorer - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

tylan71 · 07-16-2010, 06:10 PM

I know there have been other posts, but for those who are thinking about it, the more you read and see the better. Here's what I call "Grandma's old tooth," on the passenger side.

After using the 3M kit, this is her left "tooth," the driver's side...

Full frontal shot...I left the passenger side undone just for my own edification to see how much more light is cast at night.

Closer up.

Really looks a lot better I think. BTW, I had used PlastX several times in the past to limited benefit, including the last step of the 3M process today but it can't compare to the actual sanding process to remove all that old yellow discoloration. For 13 bucks, you can't beat it.

miib14 · 07-16-2010, 07:17 PM

wow that works wonders... good find

speedy25 · 07-17-2010, 11:59 AM

I have a bunch of cars that need that help. I've been perusing the boxes on the shelf to figure out which one could be better than the other.

Only ONE kit actually had a pouch of protectant. Does the polishing actually last or after you make them clear again do they just yellow again after a few months?

-SP

***PhatRoyale*** · 07-17-2010, 01:07 PM

That's why I have been vigorously recommending this kit for such a long time now.

Nice to see that it worked wonders for you.

Bitter · 07-17-2010, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedy25

I have a bunch of cars that need that help. I've been perusing the boxes on the shelf to figure out which one could be better than the other.

Only ONE kit actually had a pouch of protectant. Does the polishing actually last or after you make them clear again do they just yellow again after a few months?

-SP

thats the key there and what I need to know, how to keep them from re-hazing.

Rip The E Brake · 07-18-2010, 01:35 PM

You need to clear it with a plastic sealer.

Bitter · 07-18-2010, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rip The E Brake

You need to clear it with a plastic sealer.

where from? how much?

Rip The E Brake · 07-18-2010, 02:32 PM

There is a guy I know that does this type of stuff. I'll have to ask him what its called.

tylan71 · 07-20-2010, 05:19 PM

This is the 3rd of my cars that I have used this on. The first was a 2004 BMW which is just as notorious as Toyota for their headlight covers to yellow/haze up. That was 6 months ago and it looks as good as when I originally did it. I also did it on my Solara about the same time, with similar results that are maintained today. The only deviation that I made from the instructions and contents of the package was that on the first 2 cars I used the enclosed 3M rubbing compound AND then used Meguiar's PlastX to finish it. On the Corolla, I didn't use the rubbing compound (packet dried up). If I am not mistaken, the PLastX does "seal" the lens, so to speak, so other than normal washing for maintenance, I haven't had any issue with re-haze.

Steelballz · 07-22-2010, 07:24 PM

I have done a few headlights lately and brought them up to like-new look, and did in a cheap, cheap way

a machine polisher from a loacl supermarket (3300rpm max I believe) and normal polish to protect the car's paint.about one minute and they look like new