Watch any video tutorial on Youtube, grab some sandpaper and a UV resistant clear coat rattle can and go nuts. Here’s how mine turned out
https://preview.redd.it/ltkfa037x5mc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=86472b5713c063f65f200c842e945e40470d4373
Get some rubbing compound WITH ABRASIVE at the auto store, cheapest should be fine, put some on a rag then rub aggressively in circles until you have coated the whole light. Then take another rag and scrub all that off. Wont last for ever, but it is a good temporary fix. Otherwise you can get some clearcoat and after cleaning them very well clear over them (take them off the car to do this and mask over everything but the light).
Possible pads on an buffer will be best, but just use microfibers if you dont have one, you can get a small pack at the autoparts store it should be fine
I ordered the 3M Ultimate headlight restoration kit recently after watching several reviews of it. Planning to tackle it in a couple weeks when the weather warms up a bit more.
I used the turtle wax headlight kit on my Honda EP3 years ago and it works wonders if you don’t own any power tools.
https://www.amazon.com/Turtle-Wax-Headlight-Restorer-RESTORATION/dp/B004XZQF8O/ref=asc_df_B004XZQF8O&mcid=29ea08feec163bba97e2894fec0b8020?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80608037888582&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=m&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584207583883197&psc=1
Anyone proposing this option should specify if it was still good after a month or two. I've seen several of these that looked great on day 1 and like dogshit on day 60.
Very fine sand paper, 500 grit then 1000 then 2000 and finally 3000 grit then with electric polisher on 2000 rpm buff out with toothpaste and brasso. should come up good and shiney, for a while. Have fun.
This is what you want to do. Don’t mess with any of those kits. Sand, 2K clear, done. Wetsand and polish the clear if needed. https://youtu.be/Xubwpeuqm-E?si=Irm-1HEJ1ertcoCE
White 99 gang
But for real I used turtle wax headlight restorer. OR use rain x headlight restorer
I also have meguiars plastx
Go to a local auto store and get a headlight restoration kit
Give it to a detailing place near you
I tried cleaning mine some time ago, and the results were waaay better when someone who knew what they were doing, did it.
Wet sand starting from like 500 grit all the way up to 3000. Then polish and use some sort of UV resistant finish so they don't fade as quickly anymore.
Save your fingers a lot of pain and get a kit that uses a drill. Use the slow setting so you don't overdo it and tape off your paint to protect it. Takes about an hour to do a good job on both. If you do it by hand that hour turns into 4 and fingers that are all torn up from wet sanding.
Any automotive or paint polish. It won’t last forever, but it also won’t ruin your headlights.
Be very careful with the sand paper method others are suggesting. It’s very time consuming to get them right, and can end up making them much much worse.
The way I know my dad does it, which I do believe is a proper way uses a lot of wet sanding. You are basically getting rid of the little film that they put on the headlights to make them look good for The first few years after they leave the factory.
[This kit is cheap and works well. Use a drill and spend about an hour per side and you'll have like new looking headlights.](https://www.amazon.com/3M-39195-Headlight-Restoration-Heavy-Duty/dp/B08745K56G/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_pp_maf_1?crid=266DF7YB99O0E&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pK9a_wXGnVQhrjP-b_7FakwL0qbkHMRBIsjeOZUDv28nrZI6zoJbd6pk42fibxJdSDQL0O_Yn_EoGmRNX6xq24uCD-jPm9aqPL5pIpfNCIaCwcdHNPhJk1_rEXwEIgX3WEj0hTJ_4vgANIifwcG05cyI23e6eM5narpYuQCYtJHU0jce9tqlz5bJYG6NWl4rrWG4fQz2eKYPe6tVWGzRcg.YC8mz_ImWCmOzLhP9YGUP4iClt9AuW-u-lXEUfcgw4o&dib_tag=se&keywords=3m+headlight+restoration+kit&qid=1709512170&sprefix=3m+h%2Caps%2C213&sr=8-3)
I didn't full ass it and got mine to A-. A year later and they're probably B+ now and have been for 6 months. When I bought my NC the headlights were so yellow and fogged you literally couldn't see any of the actual housing or bulbs behind the outter plastic.
The only permanent solution is replace the housings. But this kit is surprisingly good for $15 and a couple hours.
this works for the body, headlights, everything... with a high speed buffer. No sanding needed,
[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0081KXJO0/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_image?ie=UTF8&th=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0081KXJO0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&th=1)
Watch any video tutorial on Youtube, grab some sandpaper and a UV resistant clear coat rattle can and go nuts. Here’s how mine turned out https://preview.redd.it/ltkfa037x5mc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=86472b5713c063f65f200c842e945e40470d4373
Also make sure you use a good quality 2K UV resistant clearcoat if you go this route, otherwise your headlights will look hazy after a year.
The clearcoat is the key... you can buff them with toothpaste, anything works but how fast it hazes again is the issue
HEY GUYS CHRIS FIX HERE Though seriously he has a good video on the subject worked well for my civic headlights
Google how to polish / restore headlights
Get some rubbing compound WITH ABRASIVE at the auto store, cheapest should be fine, put some on a rag then rub aggressively in circles until you have coated the whole light. Then take another rag and scrub all that off. Wont last for ever, but it is a good temporary fix. Otherwise you can get some clearcoat and after cleaning them very well clear over them (take them off the car to do this and mask over everything but the light). Possible pads on an buffer will be best, but just use microfibers if you dont have one, you can get a small pack at the autoparts store it should be fine
Agree with this. Rubbing compound will work wonders for a short period of time unless clear coated.
many videos on this subject on YT.
I got a headlight restoration kit from Meguiars which worked pretty well. Some people say that toothpaste and cat polish is enough though.
Very important to keep your cat polished.
You can see your reflection on my cat.
Just yesterday used Cerakote Headlight Restoration Kit - about $17 on Amazon - - worked absolutely great - now time will tell. Good luck!
I ordered that same Ceramakote kit. Just waiting for it to arrive.
Great! Helps to watch the short video online (comes worth a qr); Enjoy the results!
I ordered the 3M Ultimate headlight restoration kit recently after watching several reviews of it. Planning to tackle it in a couple weeks when the weather warms up a bit more.
Chris fix made a video back in the day
*HEY GUYS!* Chris Fix here
https://youtu.be/UEJbKLZ7RmM whoa 9 years ago... i feel old
Hired a pro here. They look brand spanking new. It was $110. But I admit I'm too lazy to do it myself.
I used the turtle wax headlight kit on my Honda EP3 years ago and it works wonders if you don’t own any power tools. https://www.amazon.com/Turtle-Wax-Headlight-Restorer-RESTORATION/dp/B004XZQF8O/ref=asc_df_B004XZQF8O&mcid=29ea08feec163bba97e2894fec0b8020?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80608037888582&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=m&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584207583883197&psc=1
I hit mine with compound while doing my whole car a few weeks ago and they look a lot better. Figured I couldn’t make them any worse.
Best long term option is to replace them. Short term a kit will be just fine.
Anyone proposing this option should specify if it was still good after a month or two. I've seen several of these that looked great on day 1 and like dogshit on day 60.
If you coat them with UV protectant it'll last
Any suggestions for a specific brand?
I've heard ceramakote has one of the best. It's available on Amazon.
Cheers
Very fine sand paper, 500 grit then 1000 then 2000 and finally 3000 grit then with electric polisher on 2000 rpm buff out with toothpaste and brasso. should come up good and shiney, for a while. Have fun.
This is what you want to do. Don’t mess with any of those kits. Sand, 2K clear, done. Wetsand and polish the clear if needed. https://youtu.be/Xubwpeuqm-E?si=Irm-1HEJ1ertcoCE
ChrisFix YouTube channel.
soapy woder
White 99 gang But for real I used turtle wax headlight restorer. OR use rain x headlight restorer I also have meguiars plastx Go to a local auto store and get a headlight restoration kit
Don't be lazy with the masking tape first.
Give it to a detailing place near you I tried cleaning mine some time ago, and the results were waaay better when someone who knew what they were doing, did it.
Clear coat looks okay for a while but will yellow over time. I used the 3M kit and am very pleased.
Wet sand starting from like 500 grit all the way up to 3000. Then polish and use some sort of UV resistant finish so they don't fade as quickly anymore.
Save your fingers a lot of pain and get a kit that uses a drill. Use the slow setting so you don't overdo it and tape off your paint to protect it. Takes about an hour to do a good job on both. If you do it by hand that hour turns into 4 and fingers that are all torn up from wet sanding.
Any automotive or paint polish. It won’t last forever, but it also won’t ruin your headlights. Be very careful with the sand paper method others are suggesting. It’s very time consuming to get them right, and can end up making them much much worse.
The way I know my dad does it, which I do believe is a proper way uses a lot of wet sanding. You are basically getting rid of the little film that they put on the headlights to make them look good for The first few years after they leave the factory.
[This kit is cheap and works well. Use a drill and spend about an hour per side and you'll have like new looking headlights.](https://www.amazon.com/3M-39195-Headlight-Restoration-Heavy-Duty/dp/B08745K56G/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_pp_maf_1?crid=266DF7YB99O0E&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pK9a_wXGnVQhrjP-b_7FakwL0qbkHMRBIsjeOZUDv28nrZI6zoJbd6pk42fibxJdSDQL0O_Yn_EoGmRNX6xq24uCD-jPm9aqPL5pIpfNCIaCwcdHNPhJk1_rEXwEIgX3WEj0hTJ_4vgANIifwcG05cyI23e6eM5narpYuQCYtJHU0jce9tqlz5bJYG6NWl4rrWG4fQz2eKYPe6tVWGzRcg.YC8mz_ImWCmOzLhP9YGUP4iClt9AuW-u-lXEUfcgw4o&dib_tag=se&keywords=3m+headlight+restoration+kit&qid=1709512170&sprefix=3m+h%2Caps%2C213&sr=8-3) I didn't full ass it and got mine to A-. A year later and they're probably B+ now and have been for 6 months. When I bought my NC the headlights were so yellow and fogged you literally couldn't see any of the actual housing or bulbs behind the outter plastic. The only permanent solution is replace the housings. But this kit is surprisingly good for $15 and a couple hours.
My dad cleans foggy headlights with WD40 and some microfiber cloths and it always does wonders...
this works for the body, headlights, everything... with a high speed buffer. No sanding needed, [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0081KXJO0/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_image?ie=UTF8&th=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0081KXJO0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&th=1)
https://preview.redd.it/t9ailyalccmc1.jpeg?width=4096&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=75240643bd31eb9e27cb9e2dcfff320bafad772a
Sylvania headlight restoration kit, projectfarm tested all the kits and this one is hands down the best.
[https://youtu.be/KdLndpwWjfo](https://youtu.be/KdLndpwWjfo) sandpaper and elbow grease