Dull headlamp lenses

[Pudsey Bear]

Mine are really bad, I'm surprised it passed it's MOT last week.

I've seen all kinds of snake oil on Amazon and eBay that more or less say just wipe it on, leave and wipe off, but has anyone head good results from it or even used a heat gun or hair dryer to bring them back to clear again like you can do with other plastics like bumpers and trim?

 

[trevskoda]

Just use this rubing compound, once shinney rub over with peenut oil/spread and polich of.

 

[winks]

I have used this and it works.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/3M-39073-Restoration-Discoloured-Headlights/dp/B0078IHJ1K/ref=asc_df_B0078IHJ1K?tag=bingshoppinga-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80058247183191&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=m&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583657822661885&psc=1

Cheers

H

 

[Pudsey Bear]

I have tried that, I even bought a low speed drill with all the pads for it but although it improved it wasn't that good (might have been me) and didn't last long.

That's why I was more interested to see if any of the wipe on ones worked.

 

[UFO]

Just bought this - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/166122283505
Will be trying in this week, so I will let you know.

 

[trevskoda]

Just bought this - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/166122283505
Will be trying in this week, so I will let you know.

Only use a very slow speed drill, better still is a proper car polisher which is very slow, use with water for a lub.

 

[Nabsim]

I used the Holts one and it worked very well. Didn't use a drill either just done by hand, ignore the drill with a pad on it. Before (right) and after (left)

 

[exwindsurfer]

I used the Holts one and it worked very well. Didn't use a drill either just done by hand, ignore the drill with a pad on it. Before (right) and after (left)

View attachment 141281

I done my left one last year Neil but its gone yellow again I think il just replace it .

 

[Pudsey Bear]

I've even less chance of a hand job it seems

 

[Tezza33]

Farecla works as Trev said, I use a polisher and get great results but Fenwicks Windowize works as well, it is sold to take scratches out of caravan windows so suitable for perspex headlights, I used this on my BIL's car and it is still good three years later

https://www.halfords.com/camping/chemicals-and-cleaning/fenwicks-windowize-scratch-remover-100ml-220913.html?msockid=0fd3744ed26c60d528d161e7d3d7616e

 

[Nabsim]

I done my left one last year Neil but its gone yellow again I think il just replace it .

When they have been done once I think you are supposed to reapply the sealer at intervals Jeff. Mine have clouded again now but were good for a couple of years. Will do again this year

 

[Canalsman]

I had my headlights restored professionally, basically sanding with different grades of wet and dry, which brought them back to nearly new condition. This was 18 months ago.

Since then I have been polishing the lenses with UV resistant polish every two months which has kept the problem at bay pretty well.

 

[wildebus]

A lot of these "magic" renovation kits show the 'after' when the lenses are wet, which always make them appear clearer.

Renovation using the progressive sanding techniques is the only longer term fix really without replacing the headlights.
I posted on my 2023 "what have you planned" thread on Motorhomer my own headlight renovation
This is a before (left) and after (right) photo, using 3M perfect-it products and 3M plastic restorer and polish products

2008 Ducato Light Refurb by David, on Flickr

 

[chrishunter]

Mine are really bad, I'm surprised it passed it's MOT last week.

I've seen all kinds of snake oil on Amazon and eBay that more or less say just wipe it on, leave and wipe off, but has anyone head good results from it or even used a heat gun or hair dryer to bring them back to clear again like you can do with other plastics like bumpers and trim?

I think iv`e tried everything over the last 4 years getting a warning at every MOT. Tried the pads with a drill ,the kits ,metal polish ,toothpaste ,some worked but eventually went back to yellow or cloudy. In the end i fitted new at £100 each from Europarts you won`t believe the brightness .

 

[wildebus]

I think iv`e tried everything over the last 4 years getting a warning at every MOT. Tried the pads with a drill ,the kits ,metal polish ,toothpaste ,some worked but eventually went back to yellow or cloudy. In the end i fitted new at £100 each from Europarts you won`t believe the brightness .

I would actually New Headlamps will revamp the appearance of an older van significantly.

 

[colinm]

I had my headlights restored professionally, basically sanding with different grades of wet and dry, which brought them back to nearly new condition. This was 18 months ago.

Since then I have been polishing the lenses with UV resistant polish every two months which has kept the problem at bay pretty well.

For the last 10+ years our older Suzi has had cloudy headlights, needing refurbing come every MOT, at first I did the whole refurb kit job, now I just 'wet and dry' the lens once per year, very simple to do.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Why not just make the damned things UV stable.

 

[Wooie1958]

I`ve used this and will happily recommend it, not cheap but worth it as it worked brilliantly on mine

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Autoglym-Headlight-Restoration-Complete-Kit/dp/B015OOVIRA/ref=asc_df_B015OOVIRA?mcid=959147f996933c2eba71fefc073af14d&th=1&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696452099240&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15158558154514976962&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006886&hvtargid=pla-453663800560&gad_source=1

 

[trevskoda]

Why not just make the damned things UV stable.

Back to glass.

 

[Fazerloz]

Take them out flat them off and clear coat. Still as good as new 2+ years on.