cleaning the headlight lenses

[dstrbd1]

whats the best way to clean the lenses? i have this issu with mine where they look really foggy no matter how much i wash the car or how much i scrub them. looks like some kinda film or (i hope not) discoloration of the lens itself. is there anything i can use to help make them clear again?

[nikon]

well your right discoloration of the lens, the clear coat cracking and stuff...look in the phone book or goto a bodyshop and ask for a headlight repair guy....I do it myself at work but I have all the chemicals and such....you gotta sand everything down then build up the compounds on it....we do it all the time for used cars and stuff....most places will charge you about 40-50$ a headlight which is much cheaper than spending the 100's for a new headlight ;)

[Hugger3800]

I had the same problem except I convinced the dealer to replace them. It cost the dealer over $600 but I got new ones. I've noticed its a common problem for 98-99's in Florida, maybe else where but I've seen more in FL than anywhere else. Whats causing it is deteriation of the clear coat on the plastic lens itself. However, if your car is out of warrenty i suggest Mothers plastic polish. It works awesome and you'll have to apply it regularly but it definatly worth it.

[dstrbd1]

i was thinking about sanding the lenses down but i wasnt sure if that would damage them. what kind of chemicals would i need to build them back up though? i pretty much have access to anything i want through my job. and i'll try the mothers plastic polish too.

[fenderman]

Use some 1500-2000 grit sandpaper to wet sand the headlights down. After that, a good automotive polish should bring the finer scratches out and make the lens clear again. I was able to with some paint cleaner and polish hand buff the fine scratches out and leave the lens clear. After that, apply a coat of wax to protect the plastic. The headlights will need more attention because the yellowing is caused by the deterioration of the UV protective coating. Once removed, the plastic will yellow a whole lot quicker and easier but frequent applications of wax help slow that breakdown.

[gregmondro]

saw this on a DSM board for 2nd gen DSMs. Try mothers aluminum polish on then.