Head light restoration

[rover67]

The bulbs he sold me work great in the Jetta. Same exact cutoff. No stray beams. He seems to know his stuff. He’s all about stock or near stock wattage and quality parts. His recommendations literally changed driving at night for us. That’s not to say he’d be able to recommend a setup for another vehicle that would be way better though. I am sure some have factory limitations and or flaws.

 

[gungriffin]

The bulbs he sold me work great in the Jetta. Same exact cutoff. No stray beams. He seems to know his stuff. He’s all about stock or near stock wattage and quality parts. His recommendations literally changed driving at night for us. That’s not to say he’d be able to recommend a setup for another vehicle that would be way better though. I am sure some have factory limitations and or flaws.

I see. Perhaps the Jetta has a halogen projector setup similar to the LX470. Driving at night without enough light can be very draining and stressful. I understand exactly what you mean.

 

[Corbet]

Bringing this back up to the top. Anyone have a new favorite headlight restoration kit? The new to us 4Runner is not bad yet but the tops are yellow and you can see where the OEM surface coating has a bad sunburn. Looking to find something to coat them with after I polish that will offer some longevity. I imagine I'll have to just source some newer take offs eventually but I need to recover from the upfront purchase first.

 

[Inukshuk]

Looking to find something to coat them with after I polish that will offer some longevity.

3M kit has the finish UV spray

 

[Hulk]

I use the 3M kit:
https://a.co/d/03CDajjo
$14.49 from Amazon.

Works well. Will purchase again.

 

[On the RX]

My wife has clear vinyl on her rx, which has hazed over. Im curious what it looks like under there if its good, probably going to get a fresh sheet applied. They were there when she bought it so I have to idea on longevity other than she has had this car for about 5 years and the night vis isn't terrible.

 

[Corbet]

The new vehicles we’ve purchased I’ve done the clear vinyl on the headlights. Oldest currently is a 2017 with zero signs of wear. I highly recommend.

 

[Corbet]

I spoke with my professional detailer today. Asked him if there were any over the counter products he liked. It was a definitive no. He said when he does headlights he wet sands by hand. Then buffs. And finally applied his professional strength ceramic coating product. The same he uses for painted surfaces.

This reinforces my experience with respect to longevity. He did approve my choice of the Amsoil ceramic spray I used on the paint. After reading the label felt it was as good as anything for a consumer level product.

So take that for what it may be worth.

 

[Inukshuk]

The new vehicles we’ve purchased I’ve done the clear vinyl on the headlights. Oldest currently is a 2017 with zero signs of wear. I highly recommend.

Where does one get this aftermarket? I got OEM new housings for my 100 recently.

 

[Corbet]

Where does one get this aftermarket? I got OEM new housings for my 100 recently.

Mine was done with the clear bra install. So see that guy/gal in your local area.

 

[Pz10420]

Where does one get this aftermarket? I got OEM new housings for my 100 recently.

There are kits you can get on Amazon if you search headlight ppf, it looks like you can get some vehicle specific kits as well but I doubt for our older rigs. I may give it a try myself on the 100 as I just put in new headlights as well.

 

[On the RX]

My 3rd gen 4runner has glass lenses.... just saying

 

[74fj40]

There some good information here. Instead of wasting my time buffing. I’d wet sand them, 800, 1000, 1500, 2000, then spray with a 2 part aerosol clear coat from the parts store. You won’t have issues for many years to come. I did this exact process on my wife’s old car and they still looked great a year later!

 

[LARGEONE]

I used by rotary buffer and then did a 2X clear as well. Works about as good as anything. (on a 2014 Subaru)

 

[Telly]

use Meguiars Plastx

I used to use the 3M kit that lasted an okay amount of time. Now I buff the lens with this stuff for 2 minutes a few times a year with the same results.

 

[gungriffin]

I used to use the 3M kit that lasted an okay amount of time. Now I buff the lens with this stuff for 2 minutes a few times a year with the same results.

I agree with you. It isn't a long fix, but it is a really quick fix. It always surprises me because it really does take only about 2 minutes to accomplish.

The only other fix is to wet sand the lenses to get rid of the failing clear coat. You then have to recoat them with a clear 2K paint. The 2K paints are super toxic though so I don't like using them. This solution would likely last for several years though as it's essentially what the OEMs use. For anyone who wants to try to clear I put a link to the product but I would recommend. A respirator is 100% a requirement though. Ideally P100.

https://a.co/d/0fMu4PhU

 

[On the RX]

A respirator is 100% a requirement though. Ideally P100.

I will modify this recommendation to p100 (for the dust) with an organic vapor cartridge (for the fumes), i would use a full face to protect my eyes from the vapors instead of a half mask.

 

[gungriffin]

I will modify this recommendation to p100 (for the dust) with an organic vapor cartridge (for the fumes), i would use a full face to protect my eyes from the vapors instead of a half mask.

Good catch. I thought P100 also filtered vapors. I still have so much to learn

 

[On the RX]

I thought P100 also filtered vapors.

Anyone is welcome to reach out with PPE questions. I have been working with Hazardous waste for 16 years and if I don't know the answer, I know where to find it.

 

[74fj40]

Did my wife’s gx today. Wet sanded with 800, then 1000, then used a 2k clear coat. Hopefully good for another few years!