New guy here, my headlight restoration experiences

[eflyguy]

I just did that headlight restoration thing using the 3M kit available at WalMart for $18. We bought a (2001 105k miles) PT Cruiser a couple of weeks ago, and one headlight badly needed to be polished. It looked like the other was new, replaced when crash damage was repaired I guess. Anyway, after doing the first one, the other looked old and yellow!!! So I just did the final three stages on it, starting with the p800 pad. You can see the debris that came off had a yellow tint to it (pic 8 of 9). Now they are both crystal clear. It really works, and didn't take much effort. If it wasn't so darned muggy outside, I could have taken my time and have them looking like new. As is, they look GREAT anyway.

I also "touched up" our 1997 Grand Caravan - they were only hazed near the top. Didn't give them the full treatment as I wanted to make sure I had enough materials for the PT. They still look much better than they did..
..a

[mopar_man]

I haven't used the Meguiar's kit but the Crystal View restoration kit works excellent for the same price. Looks like you got some good results from your method.

[fljohnboy]

I did mine the other day using rubbing compound. Lot cheaper then using those high dollar products.

[mopar_man]

Originally Posted by fljohnboy

I did mine the other day using rubbing compound. Lot cheaper then using those high dollar products.

But it won't last. I did the ones on my Neon and they yellowed up pretty quickly afterward. I think I'm closing in on a year of the "high dollar" Crystal View kit and they still look just as good as the day I did them.

[soonercruiser]

Nice job eflyguy!
Thanks for posting the evidence.

[quicksilverdon]

Be sure and wax those lenses now that you're done to help keep them clear...

[eflyguy]

Thanks for the comments..

Originally Posted by fljohnboy

I did mine the other day using rubbing compound. Lot cheaper then using those high dollar products.

That wouldn't get the deep haze/cracks out, you need to sand them for that. I took quite a bit of material off with the 500 sheets to start with..
..a

[darkpt06]

my friend and i used Scratch-X on my 97 Tracers head lights and on my friends contour. if you have it laying around its a great cheap way to fix them.

[02PT]

Looks good now you need to paint the bumpers..
Get rid of the (tape) marks...

[talkmaster]

I did all those as well, about 2 months ago, the oxidation start coming back, this time it looks worse
After even I finished, I could see all the scratches on the headlight.
I think replacing it is much better,or this can be could for some one who wants to get ride of the car soon.