Cure for Headlight Haze

rhodesy · #1 05-10-2010, 11:59 AM

It has been a LONG time since I've posted/visited. Life tends to get in the way from time to time.

ANYWAY, the headlights on the '97 were starting to haze/turn. My brother-in-law had me try a sanding technique he used on some of his old cars and it worked like a champ. Don't know if this has been mentioned before, so sorry in advance if this is a redundant post.

Basically I just wet sanded the crap out of them. It took about 45 minutes for each fixture. With a modicum of carefullness, I was able to do it without taking the headlamps off of the car.

Just get a bucket of soapy water, and 320, 400, 600, 1200, and 2500 sandpaper. Use them in this order. Make sure to keep the paper and headlights wet and rinse both about every 5 minutes. I spent the most time with the 320 (about 15 minutes/headlamp), about 10 minutes with the 400, and about 5 - 10 minutes with the remaining ones.

Also, please keep in mind that as you go through this process, they will seem to get worse before they get better. But once you get to the 1200 and 2500, it will all be worthwhile.

When all of that is finished, we used a plastic cleaner (I will get the name if there is interest), and a wax applicating sponge to clean of the residue.

They look practically brand new.

NeedForSpeed · #2 05-10-2010, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhodesy

It has been a LONG time since I've posted/visited. Life tends to get in the way from time to time.

ANYWAY, the headlights on the '97 were starting to haze/turn. My brother-in-law had me try a sanding technique he used on some of his old cars and it worked like a champ. Don't know if this has been mentioned before, so sorry in advance if this is a redundant post.

Basically I just wet sanded the crap out of them. It took about 45 minutes for each fixture. With a modicum of carefullness, I was able to do it without taking the headlamps off of the car.

Just get a bucket of soapy water, and 320, 400, 600, 1200, and 2500 sandpaper. Use them in this order. Make sure to keep the paper and headlights wet and rinse both about every 5 minutes. I spent the most time with the 320 (about 15 minutes/headlamp), about 10 minutes with the 400, and about 5 - 10 minutes with the remaining ones.

Also, please keep in mind that as you go through this process, they will seem to get worse before they get better. But once you get to the 1200 and 2500, it will all be worthwhile.

When all of that is finished, we used a plastic cleaner (I will get the name if there is interest), and a wax applicating sponge to clean of the residue.

They look practically brand new.

Looks like you spent some time on the lamps,
Can you post some pics?

Freeman · #3 05-10-2010, 05:54 PM

Yeah I agree on the pics. Also could you post the cost of all the items needed? I got some sandpaper at autozone and it was pretty expensive for just 3 different types.

rhodesy · #4 05-11-2010, 05:52 AM

I'll try to get pics today or tomorrow (it's raining now). As far as cost, I was fortunate enough to freeload off of my bro-in-law, so I'm really not sure. I know that he couldn't get the auto parts store to break a pack for him either. Keep in mind, though, that the paper can be used over and over for different vehicles or re-applications in the future.

crazyhorse · #5 05-14-2010, 01:08 PM

I go a few steps further with the same idea. At your local hobby lobby, in the model car section you can buy a polishing kit for around $15. This will contain sandpaper ranging from 2400 grit, to 12,000 grit, yes twelve thousand. Keep it wet, and clean, your lenses will look like jewelry.

Yes it works on Legacies too,

XT6Wagon · #6 05-15-2010, 01:51 AM

I've done this on alot of different cars, I usualy start with 600 then 800 then 1500. Finish with 2000 if I have it on hand before using plastic polish. Though honestly my SVX could use some time with more agressive paper if I want to get a couple of the nasty dings out.

If you are lazy or just needing "clean" instead of perfect, chrome polish will quickly take the worst off. A finish with plastic polish will take the last of the haze off. Mind this will leave all the scratches, pits, dents, etc that arrive from road debris over time, it just cleans the surface of the hazing/yellowing.

If anyone cares I think I still have the photos of before/after.