A better way to clean headlights

[rendyx]

Some of you know I was looking at SVX's a while ago, and I came across this:
http://www.stars-gazer.com/%7Esvx/faq/headlights_cleaning/

I'm wondering how this sort of thing would work. If you then got some headlight wax stuff to protect the lens when done, it could be like having a new one. Any ideas on this process?

 

[herman]

He has probably found some tip on my headlight faq (see link below). However, what he forgot
is one important thing.
The most commonly used plastic in headlamps are lexan (polycarbonate). In its pure form it is not UV nor scratch resistant. Normally the front glass are treated with a protectant that will lower that kind of impact. If I dont recall incorrect, this protectant is applied hot at manufacturing.

He just sanded off this layer. Which means that in 6-12 months time they will probably look as bad, and maybe even get a yellow shade to it.

The oven trick he describes is correct, but does not work on all adhiesieves.

 

[Jayman]

I've done the same thing except I left mine on the car as I felt it was only the outside that needed doing. Works great and if you do get some yellowing in the future just a quick polish and they're good as new again.

 

[Dave Ladely]

I sprayed my lights with Dura-tuff urethane clear, which contains a LOT of ultra violet filtration, 5 years ago, still look great. Very hard, tough finish. Imron clear works well too.

 

[DavidT]

Jayman,
You just basically sanded the outside of the lens? Did that return it to the "clear" look?
Dave,
Dura-tuff urethane clear,
is this just a cleaner? you applied to the headlamp, or did you sand it as well?

 

[Jeff'sSHO]

I just sanded my one of my head lights today it was very yellow. it scared me at first I didn't think they would ever be clear again but after all the sanding step and using a buffing compound & scratch remover its now crystal clear again. thanks for the idea. I didn't coat them with anything yet I thought I would wait to see how long it took them to turn yellow again. it wasn't that hard to do so I figure I can always do it again.

 

[DavidT]

thumbs_u
Did you do the inside, the outside, or both?

 

[Jeff'sSHO]

I just did the outside the inside seemed fine

 

[Hubes]

mine is mostly on the inside

home depot sells this stuff in an aerosol can and also in a pourable can than u spray or wipe on the your headlights. it is in a pink can in the section with the vinyl/plastic cleaners. only liek 4$ for the can and all you do is spray it on, let it foam and sit for a few ins, and then wipe/buff off. takes a lot of the yellow residue off of the lens, but in my case i have a lot of yellow on the inside.

<small>[ December 19, 2002, 10:34 AM: Message edited by: Hubes ]</small>

 

[Dave Ladely]

DuraTuff is a urethane clear coat designed for marine use mainly, but great for coating the headlights, in and out, since it has a LOT of UV filter in it and dries very tough and hard. I've used it for a couple years, really protected the lenses and kept them clear! I sprayed it on using a little sprayer called Preval from the hardware store.

 

[Dave Ladely]

Imron clear from Dupont works as well as DuraTuff,but Imron comes only in quarts minimum. Great clear coat though - none better!

 

[Bluto]

Can't argue with those results.

<small>[ December 24, 2002, 08:01 PM: Message edited by: Bluto ]</small>

 

[shocrates]

Dave Ladely:
DuraTuff is a urethane clear coat

Where can I buy DuraTuff? Is there an another product, besides Imron, that offers UV protection?