@@yapperingdid you coat with protectant? Before you clear it’s important to clean any foreign material from lenses or else there will be a reaction, bubbling, cracking.
I’ve been in the auto paint & body business my whole life! Have seen dozens of videos on different methods of plastic headlight restoration! Have dun them all! This is the absolute best method going! meguires has the proper materials! I used 2 wet sand with 400, 600, 1,000, 2,000 then 3,000! Buff & polish, then clearcoat! Lasted 4 years! But Meguires lets me rub less & their clearcoat is formulated 4 plastic! Excellent video, dude! 👌❤️
If you have done restoration for as long as you say you should know about adhesion? Clearcoat does not stick to shiny smooth buffed surfaces, these lights will delaminate in less than two years and the heat from the sun and operation of them will accelerate that process, clear coating is the way to do it but the clearcoat needs to adhere to the substrate when painting cars we don’t sand beyond 600 grit or at most 800 grit because why? the paint has nothing to bite to I only ever sand lights to 600 grit and they look exactly the same as new ! Half of this video is a complete waste of time and effort and is only promoting failure in the end !
Excelente video sir I tried it yesterday and it turned out the same except I put another clear coat on it but everything turned out fine, thanks sir for your videos.
It looks like showroom new , I'm thinking of trying this on my speed slope windshield on the bonanza lots of work but if it will last say 3-5 years , unfortunately it sits outside and there is shade cover parking , wondering the cost of the foam pad and the buffer unit, I have few sheets of sandpaper, great work I'll bet your arms got a workout!!!
Great video and editing. Every time I restore my headlights, while I’m half way through I’m like “next time I’m just going to buy some new ones.” But, by the time I’m done, I’m very happy with them and it feels very rewarding knowing that I did it all myself. Thanks for the content!
Masterfully done my man! Wow! Headlights are the "eyes" of the vehicle. You can wash and wax the paint but if the headlights look bad the whole vehicle looks bad and that is on top of the fact you can't see as well at night. I bet your first night drive was transformative. Very well done and thanks for sharing.
The finished result looks great. As a hobbyist somewhat familiar with automotive refinishing processes and products, I’d skip the polishing prior to coating. Polishing after sanding with 3k removes some of the tooth necessary for best adhesion. You generally polish AFTER painting, as a retired bodyman pointed out elsewhere here in the comments. Also, even though the headlights were removed, the flexible black gasket along the top edge of the capsule still should have been taped off to protect from overspray. Lastly, for the longest lasting protective coat a 2k clear with UV inhibitors would be the best choice. Whether a 1k or 2k, periodic cleaning and waxing as needed is essential, these plastic headlights literally take a beating in the elements.
@ That stuff only lasts for a year, just like Ceracote, and their spray can even states, ‘lasts for up to a year’. Been there done that with Ceracote. Looked great when finished, lasted about a year.
@@bondpit8750 I think YMMV. Done right, should last at least 12 months. I just did my MIL's headlights. Her vehicle is left outside all day 24/7. I'm guessing her restoration will last at least 12 months, probably 24, tbh. Especially if I apply a quality UV wax on top twice a year when I detail her vehicle.
@@Craig419 A properly prepped (key words) UV resistant /rated 2K cleared housing will last many years, if not 10s of years. Your confirmation bias doesn't make you right.
I managed to successfully clean my cloudy '07 Toyota's headlight lenses using a 3M restore kit I'd bought some 10+ years ago and just forgot about and let sit in my garage until finally using it. Painter's tape, a cordless drill, and elbow grease led to making them almost factory fresh, without disassembly. It'd sure be nice if auto manufacturers simply used glass like back in the day, or from the factory generously coated their assemblies with road, grit, and UV-defying coatings.
@@ShogunMusic254 sulfur acid in the air - those seal is away after a year - comes from your neigbourhood without catalytes for a better sound AND planes - they dont even have one
The only video on the internet that has a good explanation and see result a bit of to much talk but it was worth it every minute extremely nice Thank YOU i give you 100 out of 100 perfect thank you again
Thank you! My wife has a 2017 Honda pilot. Worked like a charm. You saved me from taking her front bumper off and replacing her headlight enclosures (Or paying thousands for the dealer to do it).
It's been a little over 15 months since I used the Sylvania kit and it didn't last as long as I expected. It started getting foggy and turning yellow after 11 months, and now I'm going to be forced to do over. I wish I'd kept the receipt since Sylvania offers a "Lifetime Warranty", you gotta play their game and try to get a replacement kit with proof of purchase. It wasn't as good as anticipated, going to try a different kit (maybe), still shopping. I'm glad I came across this video, I think you have me convinced to go this route.
This is the exact process I used for two of my cars 1 and 2 years ago. They are both yellow again and in need of restoration again... if you plan on doing this, just plan on light sanding once a year and polishing again to get them back to looking new. Elbow grease and using these products you already purchased are still cheaper than buying new lights that will Oxidize over time...
Sir this is the best instructional video on how to restore heavy oxidation headlights from sanding to polishing to using the best headlight coating by Meguiars, I have a 2009 Mazda 6 with 100,000 original miles on it and my headlights have the factory clear coat on them that have peeled and the yellow oxidation is underneath. I will follow your video step by step as I really don’t want to spend $700.00 to get new headlights! Thank you so much for your time and dedication to showing us how to follow your steps.
I basically did the same thing to a set of 2010 Prius headlights that were nearly that bad. I used the McGuire's restoration kit, though, and didn't remove them, just taped them off. The end result was pretty close to that, but maybe not as perfectly clear, meaning you could see the fine scratches more since I didn't go as fine on the sanding. They still looked great and made the car look 100% better, helping it sell faster, im sure. AND I retained the original factory installed headlights, which I'd much rather have any day over aftermarket! Thanks for the detailed video!
The one step I wouldn't have done is to remove the headlights from the vehicle. I would have to remove the grill and pretty much the entire front bumper to remove my headlights. I'm not that brave! I'll probably just mask everything off really well. I really enjoyed getting to see the full step-by-step process with the sanding and polishing (including what grits to use and what compound and coating products you used). It took a lot of the fear out of it for me. I feel like I can tackle this project now. Thanks.
I bought some aftermarket headlights for my daughter‘s Toyota because I wanted them to be very clear. After installing them, I could tell that they were optically incorrect as far as where the light hit on the roadway. That was a waste of money after seeing your video. I am going to clean up her old ones and put them back in great job. Thanks. I also have to replace the seat cover in our Lexus LX 470 so your other video on the seat cover was great as well thank you.
I agree 💯 taking the extra time to restore the light lens yourself was worth it. I like tinkering with my car anyway and there’s a satisfaction of doing the job yourself and have amazing results plus saving yourself some cash as opposed to buying new ones or taking them to a dealer to restore, IMO..
No Way, Your work is Perfection. Great looking Toyota. I have a 2012 Rav4 original lights. Been using Meguires plastic polish for years, keeps my Headlights clear. I may use your methods to make mine showroom like yours. 👍🇺🇸
This is the exact way I have done my headlights for over 20 years after wasting money and time on those stupid "kits". You did everything I do to a tee, including removing the headlights. I use the same polisher with pads from Griot's garage on Amazon. A couple of things I do different; After sanding up through 2.5k grit I use Meguires heavy cut polishing compound 2-3 passes or until I have a very consistent finish then the same thing with Meguires Ultra finishing. I also mount my headlights in a large vice. Good work. Best video I've seen on YT on the proper way to restore headlights. Regarding replacement. Some replacement headlights are still very expensive especially Toyotas and Hondas. I paid $360.00 for headlights in a 2012 Honda CRV and these were china made. Unless you buy OEM, all china replacements, the clear coat will start coming off within a couple of years so, if you can get them cheap, like on my cat-eyed silverados (less than $50), yes, it's easier to replace them or you can just hit them every year or so and they look like new again. I don't clear coat mine so it makes it easier to to freshen them up. I do keep them hand polished for UV protection often. I'm in FL so the sun is brutal on plastics here.
😮I was going to replace the passenger headlight for the Mrs. prius, but the dealership wants around 300 for 1 headlight. And for them to install it, it would be around 1000. So I just bought the cerakote kit for 16.00. I'll give that a try. I also seen people use toothpaste. Maybe next time. Enjoyed the video.
I loved the results I got with Cerakote. Extremely simple. Jury's out on how long it lasts, but three weeks in, it still looks just like it did when I finished.
Brother - this BY FAR is the BEST vid I have EVER seen on how to do this process to as close to PERFECTION as possible. GREAT JOB. GREAT VID. This will be the method I use on my ancient pickup with almost GOLD colored headlights. You are appreciated. As many others have stated - have seen bazillions of methods ...but your method clearly demonstrates how to do this with the desired result: FACTORY FRESH. And I am a huge fan of Meguiars because: Their products freaking WORK, especially PlastX which I have used a lot on plastics. It's almost like the bazillions of opinions on when to change your oil. Use only the best: Amsoil Signature. More expensive. But zero competition. And change oil every 3000 miles. Period. End of discussion. And I get zero from Amsoil on this free plug. But I know my fellow enthusiasts have the same goal: Keep your engine alive as long as possible. The key is clean oil and use only the best in the world.
I have the Meguiar's PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner, and I used it by itself and buffed out the light covers and it worked amazing all by itself. NO sanding needed.
Yep for sure!, The way you have described how to restore those foggy headlight lenses is the best 👍 You should get a gold metal. I have put in so much time trying other methods, and really, they hardly made any improvement.
wow the best method I have ever seen in my life. Now I'm going to do it with my Toyota Celica GTS 2000, question? Can you recommend any product to clean the area around the sun roof inside the car? The ceiling is kind of delicate to clean. I don't know what to call that material, but if a spray came with some type of brush, it would be great. Thanks for your contribution, excellent video. 😊👍
Thanks for this informative and well narrated video. I have a 2010 Subaru Impreza with really hazy headlights and they want $110. for only one headlight and I need both. Time to put my hands to work thanks !!!
I've done mine and the fog lights as well. I know that we're never going to get the glass kind anymore because of expenses, but they are the best. Thanks for sharing. 👍👍👍
Would have done what you did. My 85 year old uncle did it for me one weekend when he was bored! I needed it done and the lights looked fantastic after he was done!
Nice work and nice result! I've polished a number of lights and I'll allow myself 2 comments: 1. never use 1k clear, if you want to paint the lights always use 2k clear coat. 2. if you are painting don't polish the surface before, but leave it sanded with a grit of say 3000 and the paint will hold much better and the transparency will be still perfect. Personally though, I find it much better to just polish the lights, not overspray them and care for them like a car paint job. Such lights will last many more years and much longer than newly painted ones.
I have bought aftermarket headlights that weren't sealed properly and moisture got in when it rained. End up doing the job twice and it's just as hard to seal them as to sand and coat them. Reconditioning them is the way to go. Nice Job.
Interesting I've heard though on other videos is that the clear coat is important for UV resistance. I.e. If you just leave bare polycarbonate exposed then it will yellow faster.
Yes it did work now im going to try i have plastx i just don't have the coating and i need more sand paper ihave a 05 ford explore Eddie Bauer edition with foggy headlights im going to use your method 👍🏾✊🏾🙏🏾 thanks for the video
There is a coating on the lights from the factory . Some lights it is pretty obvious, you can see the edge where they delam, or turn yellow. That coating is why it takes years to turn cloudy and yellow. After you sand and buff most of that coating comes off. So either clear coat preferably the 3000 grit sanded light or just tape them off and a quick sand and buff once a year or so. Def better to do the oem lights than swap out for the cheaper aftermarket lights.
Nice work - those are the exact steps at the headlight restoration pro (great guy) uses. Now if you wanna get "Rad" with it - you can put them in the oven - separate the lens - and black out some - but not all - of that chrome... I've seen a few do this... makes for a more modern look - or - I think Morimoto just came out with some Tacoma lights that are replacements and are actually quality (not cheap garbage) - very expensive - but - always fun to consider... The other thing you could consider is an HID retrofit - this is where you ditch the reflective surface and go with a projector lens inside - you'll get bulbs, a ballast, relay kit...all that good stuff... that will direct more light onto the road - less of a diffused cutoff - most like it - every now and then some don't like the sharp cutoff. Checkout the retrofit source, lightwerkz, and morimoto for upgrade options.... Or just leave as is and consider upgrading to the best: Philips or Osram bulbs
You think that Toyota’s headlights are bad to get out or work on, try a GMC Acadia. You have to go through the wheel well to get to the bulbs. I just restored those headlights using the Cerakote kit with similar results. The clear coat is wipe on. Turned out great.
Nice work! I had some bowling ball sanding pads and used those on a 2013 Mazda CX9 headlights. I went from 500 up to 4000 grit, then used rubbing compound, then turtle wax polish, came out great but not as crystal clear as yours, going to purchase the PlastX headlight polish and the headlight coating to finish them up.
I restored my headlights once and it lasted awhile. Then I tried aftermarket which are junk, many have a very crappy beam pattern, so I bit the bullet and bought new OEM headlights. I was going to do the clearcoat but there are many reviews saying it will screw up new headlights. Maybe it's better for restored ones, I don't know why but still only lasts a year or so. Maybe I'll give it another go on my old headlights and have a backup set ready down the road. 02 Tacoma, 290K.
Thanks for the run down. I got an older Toyota too. This is on the list of things to do to restore it. Factory always better. Manufacturers build and design things to fit correctly in there vehicles. I agreed.
Reason I'm here - I need to do this to a new to me old Honda Civic - so yes - I'd do it - or rather I will do this soon, thanks for a thorough video and process
I didn't do the spray, so I left mine attached for the cleaning. It is very helpful to tape it off though. I did after my first pass with the hand drill attachment. OOPS! Doing the sandpaper by hand is now my preferred method (extra curve in my camry light was easier by hand) and switched back for the soft pad buffer. Cheaper to clean and rewarding that you can do it.
Headlights are restored! Amazing job my friend! Is Really worth it cause is kind cheap but fullfilled! Instead of paying for a brand new set of headlights that for sure will decay and turn yellow again.
I redid head and tail lights lenses on a 2010 HHR I bought last month. Used a different product (Cerakote) that used a chemical wipe compound for the initial stripping of oxidized material, two different grades of sandpaper (I think 1000 and 3000), and then a wipe-on final coat that seals/UV-proofs the light. Never had to remove my lights, didn't need any power tools. It's been about 3 weeks since I did the headlights, I loved the results so much I did the taillights, as well, but that was earlier this week. Money well spent. I think it took me about 15 minutes per headlight (the taillights were so much smaller that I did them at the same time, so another half-hour or so), and the difference is just stunning. For the price, I could resurface my headlights another 2-3 times and still have it cost less than buying a replacement. I'll stick with restoring the lights unless/until something actually physically breaks them.
Beautiful job. I managed a passable job by masking my motorcycle headlight and using cutting compound on a polishing pad on my drill. Not as pristine but improved it from crap to ok in less than an hour. I finished off with a Maguire's paint polish. Seemed like a good result for the effort.
Looks awesome, Jim. Considering the elevated costs of things these days and the fact that no-one stocks parts anymore, new headlights might have been 8 weeks away, and as you said, No guarantee that the fitment will be good.... and they might cost you $400 to $600 bucks a shot. So I guess the question is, about how much time did the Elbow-grease process take from 400 to 3000 grit. I think the rest of the time can be guessed by the viewers.
Jimmy, a new subscriber to your channel. This is an amazing video. Thank you for taking the time and effort to step through the entire process in detail! I can only imagine what you put into this. To restore or replace, that's the question!
Good vid! I prefer the 3M kit to megulars, but yes, sandpaper is way to go on heavily oxidized lights. Got from Scotty Kilmer, but I now use the Formula 1 Scratch Out twice a year remove all hazing/yellowing/oxidization from my toyota and honda headlights. Any plastic UV protectant helps after using to stave off those problems for longer, but if parking in the sun, I haven't found anything that totally prevents... And I've found the megular spray to be a bit hazy and distortive of light when I've tried it on two vehicles. Removes easily with rubbing alcohol, but I pretty much just only use it on fog lights at this juncture, and leave it off the main headlights.
You did a great job, the previous owner of my car however did not. I caught it later but they basically made the headlight orange peely in texture with the spray clear coat and so whenever you turn the lights on it looks terrible and cloudy. I think they realized that since they did not do the other light but makes no sense why they did this on a 3-year-old Supra. Luckily the dealer will try to repair or replace the headlight if they can't have it restored. Hoping for a replacement honestly.
I never clear coat them. It eventually chips and peals. Then it's a real pain to sand off. I just use rubbing compound once a year after the initial restore. Takes a few minutes.
Fixing OEM is definitely the way to go! Good work.
Just finished my headlights last night using this exact video guide, they look amazing!
hand sand or did you use a drill attachment to sand faster?
@ hand sanded
short time one week couple day is ready yelow
@@samirdukic did you polish and did you apply a ceramic coating or the spray in the video?
My headlights still look great
@@rolandbishop9716 i do not help nothing i bay new
I think auto industry should just make better head lights
I agree, but we both know that's not going to happen.
There are some good after market ones. And you can wrap in clear vinyl to protect from uv damage
Cleaned mine a million times and they always refade
@@yapperingdid you coat with protectant? Before you clear it’s important to clean any foreign material from lenses or else there will be a reaction, bubbling, cracking.
They did. Head lights were made out of glass
I’ve been in the auto paint & body business my whole life! Have seen dozens of videos on different methods of plastic headlight restoration! Have dun them all! This is the absolute best method going! meguires has the proper materials! I used 2 wet sand with 400, 600, 1,000, 2,000 then 3,000! Buff & polish, then clearcoat! Lasted 4 years! But Meguires lets me rub less & their clearcoat is formulated 4 plastic! Excellent video, dude! 👌❤️
how long do you wait to apply clearcoat after polishing ?
If you have done restoration for as long as you say you should know about adhesion? Clearcoat does not stick to shiny smooth buffed surfaces, these lights will delaminate in less than two years and the heat from the sun and operation of them will accelerate that process, clear coating is the way to do it but the clearcoat needs to adhere to the substrate when painting cars we don’t sand beyond 600 grit or at most 800 grit because why? the paint has nothing to bite to I only ever sand lights to 600 grit and they look exactly the same as new ! Half of this video is a complete waste of time and effort and is only promoting failure in the end !
Excelente video sir I tried it yesterday and it turned out the same except I put another clear coat on it but everything turned out fine, thanks sir for your videos.
@@openmind3699Thank you for clarifying the process down to about 15 mins instead of 2 hrs.😊
It looks like showroom new , I'm thinking of trying this on my speed slope windshield on the bonanza lots of work but if it will last say 3-5 years , unfortunately it sits outside and there is shade cover parking , wondering the cost of the foam pad and the buffer unit, I have few sheets of sandpaper, great work I'll bet your arms got a workout!!!
Great video and editing. Every time I restore my headlights, while I’m half way through I’m like “next time I’m just going to buy some new ones.” But, by the time I’m done, I’m very happy with them and it feels very rewarding knowing that I did it all myself. Thanks for the content!
Best video I've seen on headlight restoration. Enjoyed. !
Masterfully done my man! Wow! Headlights are the "eyes" of the vehicle. You can wash and wax the paint but if the headlights look bad the whole vehicle looks bad and that is on top of the fact you can't see as well at night. I bet your first night drive was transformative. Very well done and thanks for sharing.
The finished result looks great. As a hobbyist somewhat familiar with automotive refinishing processes and products, I’d skip the polishing prior to coating. Polishing after sanding with 3k removes some of the tooth necessary for best adhesion. You generally polish AFTER painting, as a retired bodyman pointed out elsewhere here in the comments.
Also, even though the headlights were removed, the flexible black gasket along the top edge of the capsule still should have been taped off to protect from overspray.
Lastly, for the longest lasting protective coat a 2k clear with UV inhibitors would be the best choice. Whether a 1k or 2k, periodic cleaning and waxing as needed is essential, these plastic headlights literally take a beating in the elements.
Wrong on both fronts. This vid is spot on. Sand, wet sand, polish, Megs UV headlight coating. Use 2K clear on paint NOT your headlights.
@ That stuff only lasts for a year, just like Ceracote, and their spray can even states, ‘lasts for up to a year’. Been there done that with Ceracote. Looked great when finished, lasted about a year.
@@bondpit8750 I think YMMV. Done right, should last at least 12 months. I just did my MIL's headlights. Her vehicle is left outside all day 24/7. I'm guessing her restoration will last at least 12 months, probably 24, tbh. Especially if I apply a quality UV wax on top twice a year when I detail her vehicle.
@@Craig419 A properly prepped (key words) UV resistant /rated 2K cleared housing will last many years, if not 10s of years.
Your confirmation bias doesn't make you right.
I managed to successfully clean my cloudy '07 Toyota's headlight lenses using a 3M restore kit I'd bought some 10+ years ago and just forgot about and let sit in my garage until finally using it. Painter's tape, a cordless drill, and elbow grease led to making them almost factory fresh, without disassembly.
It'd sure be nice if auto manufacturers simply used glass like back in the day, or from the factory generously coated their assemblies with road, grit, and UV-defying coatings.
those kits are $30 a piece, and get your headlights pretty good, but they do not last more than 6 months.
@@ShogunMusic254Wrong.
@@ShogunMusic254 sulfur acid in the air - those seal is away after a year - comes from your neigbourhood without catalytes for a better sound AND planes - they dont even have one
The only video on the internet that has a good explanation and see result a bit of to much talk but it was worth it every minute extremely nice Thank YOU i give you 100 out of 100 perfect thank you again
Best restored head light video ever seen! (and seen a lot of them) You sold me will follow yours step by step! 🎯
Thank you! My wife has a 2017 Honda pilot. Worked like a charm. You saved me from taking her front bumper off and replacing her headlight enclosures (Or paying thousands for the dealer to do it).
It's been a little over 15 months since I used the Sylvania kit and it didn't last as long as I expected. It started getting foggy and turning yellow after 11 months, and now I'm going to be forced to do over. I wish I'd kept the receipt since Sylvania offers a "Lifetime Warranty", you gotta play their game and try to get a replacement kit with proof of purchase. It wasn't as good as anticipated, going to try a different kit (maybe), still shopping. I'm glad I came across this video, I think you have me convinced to go this route.
Amazing! Will follow the same process. This method is the best by far that I’ve watch.
The satisfaction of doing it yourself and having results like these is really worth all the effort… Great work!
This is the exact process I used for two of my cars 1 and 2 years ago. They are both yellow again and in need of restoration again... if you plan on doing this, just plan on light sanding once a year and polishing again to get them back to looking new. Elbow grease and using these products you already purchased are still cheaper than buying new lights that will Oxidize over time...
Applying the clear coat, which provides UV protection to your bodywork, should stop UV and oxidation damage.
The clear coat turns foggy after 2 years. That’s why car manufacturers put plastic film over head lights.
Sir this is the best instructional video on how to restore heavy oxidation headlights from sanding to polishing to using the best headlight coating by Meguiars, I have a 2009 Mazda 6 with 100,000 original miles on it and my headlights have the factory clear coat on them that have peeled and the yellow oxidation is underneath. I will follow your video step by step as I really don’t want to spend $700.00 to get new headlights! Thank you so much for your time and dedication to showing us how to follow your steps.
UNBELIEVABLE !!! I hope it lasts a long time. Great job.
up to a year only
If you put car wax on them once every couple of months they last for years. If you do the same on brand new ones they will never turn yellow.
You're right, that's in my case. 8 years old headlights still clear like new.
It will..but only if you use a 2 stage clearcoat.
I'm just gonna do it once a week.
After using Meguiars Keep Clear a few times, I've noticed that 1 coat gets you the best results. A 2nd coat makes the lights slightly foggy again.
Correct. The restore pros all agree that a single heavy coat is best with this product.
I basically did the same thing to a set of 2010 Prius headlights that were nearly that bad. I used the McGuire's restoration kit, though, and didn't remove them, just taped them off. The end result was pretty close to that, but maybe not as perfectly clear, meaning you could see the fine scratches more since I didn't go as fine on the sanding. They still looked great and made the car look 100% better, helping it sell faster, im sure. AND I retained the original factory installed headlights, which I'd much rather have any day over aftermarket! Thanks for the detailed video!
It's never a waste of time if you enjoyed doing it, and are pleased with the outcome.
The one step I wouldn't have done is to remove the headlights from the vehicle. I would have to remove the grill and pretty much the entire front bumper to remove my headlights. I'm not that brave! I'll probably just mask everything off really well. I really enjoyed getting to see the full step-by-step process with the sanding and polishing (including what grits to use and what compound and coating products you used). It took a lot of the fear out of it for me. I feel like I can tackle this project now. Thanks.
some manufacturers make it hard to do certain tasks seemingly on purpose
I bought some aftermarket headlights for my daughter‘s Toyota because I wanted them to be very clear. After installing them, I could tell that they were optically incorrect as far as where the light hit on the roadway. That was a waste of money after seeing your video. I am going to clean up her old ones and put them back in great job. Thanks. I also have to replace the seat cover in our Lexus LX 470 so your other video on the seat cover was great as well thank you.
I agree 💯 taking the extra time to restore the light lens yourself was worth it. I like tinkering with my car anyway and there’s a satisfaction of doing the job yourself and have amazing results plus saving yourself some cash as opposed to buying new ones or taking them to a dealer to restore, IMO..
No Way, Your work is Perfection. Great looking Toyota. I have a 2012 Rav4 original lights. Been using Meguires plastic polish for years, keeps my Headlights clear. I may use your methods to make mine showroom like yours. 👍🇺🇸
This looks like the very best method I've seen so far. Gathering to materials to get this done on my cars. Thanks for the video!
This is the exact way I have done my headlights for over 20 years after wasting money and time on those stupid "kits". You did everything I do to a tee, including removing the headlights. I use the same polisher with pads from Griot's garage on Amazon. A couple of things I do different; After sanding up through 2.5k grit I use Meguires heavy cut polishing compound 2-3 passes or until I have a very consistent finish then the same thing with Meguires Ultra finishing. I also mount my headlights in a large vice. Good work. Best video I've seen on YT on the proper way to restore headlights. Regarding replacement. Some replacement headlights are still very expensive especially Toyotas and Hondas. I paid $360.00 for headlights in a 2012 Honda CRV and these were china made. Unless you buy OEM, all china replacements, the clear coat will start coming off within a couple of years so, if you can get them cheap, like on my cat-eyed silverados (less than $50), yes, it's easier to replace them or you can just hit them every year or so and they look like new again. I don't clear coat mine so it makes it easier to to freshen them up. I do keep them hand polished for UV protection often. I'm in FL so the sun is brutal on plastics here.
Well im convinced. Ive been wanting to do the ones on my 2007 for a while now, this is a great setup!
😮I was going to replace the passenger headlight for the Mrs. prius, but the dealership wants around 300 for 1 headlight. And for them to install it, it would be around 1000. So I just bought the cerakote kit for 16.00. I'll give that a try. I also seen people use toothpaste. Maybe next time. Enjoyed the video.
I loved the results I got with Cerakote. Extremely simple. Jury's out on how long it lasts, but three weeks in, it still looks just like it did when I finished.
Fantastic video, thanks for the tutorial👍
You've done great job and idve done the same thing. Thank you for the hardwork you put in to show that we also can do it too!
Brother - this BY FAR is the BEST vid I have EVER seen on how to do this process to as close to PERFECTION as possible. GREAT JOB. GREAT VID. This will be the method I use on my ancient pickup with almost GOLD colored headlights. You are appreciated. As many others have stated - have seen bazillions of methods ...but your method clearly demonstrates how to do this with the desired result: FACTORY FRESH. And I am a huge fan of Meguiars because: Their products freaking WORK, especially PlastX which I have used a lot on plastics.
It's almost like the bazillions of opinions on when to change your oil. Use only the best: Amsoil Signature. More expensive. But zero competition. And change oil every 3000 miles. Period. End of discussion. And I get zero from Amsoil on this free plug. But I know my fellow enthusiasts have the same goal: Keep your engine alive as long as possible. The key is clean oil and use only the best in the world.
I have the Meguiar's PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner, and I used it by itself and buffed out the light covers and it worked amazing all by itself. NO sanding needed.
Fantastic job I would've done the same route as you did. Thumb up 👍🏽
I just did that for my two cars. I did 800 to 3000 and used the Maguires cleaner, then cleared. They turned out amazing.
Thanks for the video.. I have been planning on working on mine. I like that it is a straight forward, no gimmick product process. Great work!
What an awesome turnout, great job Jimmy, I can't wait to see how long the refinish will last.
Great video, very professionally shown, and the results are remarkable. Thank you for making this video 🙂
Really enjoyed the video. It was totally worth it. You are fantastic.
I just did this on my 97 Camry came out beautiful. Thanks for sharing
How long did it take to finish 1 headlight?
The Fitment issue is hands down a no-brainer i favor of diy !
Great Job/Video, thanks.
Yep for sure!, The way you have described how to restore those foggy headlight lenses is the best 👍 You should get a gold metal. I have put in so much time trying other methods, and really, they hardly made any improvement.
wow the best method I have ever seen in my life. Now I'm going to do it with my Toyota Celica GTS 2000, question? Can you recommend any product to clean the area around the sun roof inside the car? The ceiling is kind of delicate to clean. I don't know what to call that material, but if a spray came with some type of brush, it would be great. Thanks for your contribution, excellent video. 😊👍
Thanks for this informative and well narrated video. I have a 2010 Subaru Impreza with really hazy headlights and they want $110. for only one headlight and I need both. Time to put my hands to work thanks !!!
They look amazing. Great job! 👏
I've done mine and the fog lights as well. I know that we're never going to get the glass kind anymore because of expenses, but they are the best.
Thanks for sharing. 👍👍👍
Excellent job. fixing the factory headlights is the only way go.
Would have done what you did. My 85 year old uncle did it for me one weekend when he was bored! I needed it done and the lights looked fantastic after he was done!
18:25 any time you can fix something, rather than replace, it’s a great thing. That’s 2 less headlights that would’ve ended up in a landfill somewhere
I enjoy doing that stuff. Some people like to play golf, I like to do stuff like you just did!!!!
Looks nice ❗️I have used wheel cleaner applied to a rag rubbing discolored area of headlight that works well being something seen on UA-cam.
Nice job Jimmy..All your work was definately rewarding...
*Definitely
Nice work and nice result! I've polished a number of lights and I'll allow myself 2 comments: 1. never use 1k clear, if you want to paint the lights always use 2k clear coat. 2. if you are painting don't polish the surface before, but leave it sanded with a grit of say 3000 and the paint will hold much better and the transparency will be still perfect. Personally though, I find it much better to just polish the lights, not overspray them and care for them like a car paint job. Such lights will last many more years and much longer than newly painted ones.
What do you polish with? This 68 year grandma is clueless.
I have bought aftermarket headlights that weren't sealed properly and moisture got in when it rained. End up doing the job twice and it's just as hard to seal them as to sand and coat them. Reconditioning them is the way to go. Nice Job.
@@gailrussell9104the meguars polish cream
Why polish instead of 2k?
Interesting I've heard though on other videos is that the clear coat is important for UV resistance. I.e. If you just leave bare polycarbonate exposed then it will yellow faster.
Yes it did work now im going to try i have plastx i just don't have the coating and i need more sand paper ihave a 05 ford explore Eddie Bauer edition with foggy headlights im going to use your method 👍🏾✊🏾🙏🏾 thanks for the video
There is a coating on the lights from the factory . Some lights it is pretty obvious, you can see the edge where they delam, or turn yellow. That coating is why it takes years to turn cloudy and yellow. After you sand and buff most of that coating comes off. So either clear coat preferably the 3000 grit sanded light or just tape them off and a quick sand and buff once a year or so.
Def better to do the oem lights than swap out for the cheaper aftermarket lights.
Nice work - those are the exact steps at the headlight restoration pro (great guy) uses. Now if you wanna get "Rad" with it - you can put them in the oven - separate the lens - and black out some - but not all - of that chrome... I've seen a few do this... makes for a more modern look - or - I think Morimoto just came out with some Tacoma lights that are replacements and are actually quality (not cheap garbage) - very expensive - but - always fun to consider...
The other thing you could consider is an HID retrofit - this is where you ditch the reflective surface and go with a projector lens inside - you'll get bulbs, a ballast, relay kit...all that good stuff... that will direct more light onto the road - less of a diffused cutoff - most like it - every now and then some don't like the sharp cutoff.
Checkout the retrofit source, lightwerkz, and morimoto for upgrade options.... Or just leave as is and consider upgrading to the best: Philips or Osram bulbs
You think that Toyota’s headlights are bad to get out or work on, try a GMC Acadia. You have to go through the wheel well to get to the bulbs. I just restored those headlights using the Cerakote kit with similar results. The clear coat is wipe on. Turned out great.
Nice work! I had some bowling ball sanding pads and used those on a 2013 Mazda CX9 headlights. I went from 500 up to 4000 grit, then used rubbing compound, then turtle wax polish, came out great but not as crystal clear as yours, going to purchase the PlastX headlight polish and the headlight coating to finish them up.
I use Meguiars ultimate compound with a DA polisher, as needed.
Please update later, on how the clear coat is holding up.
I restored my headlights once and it lasted awhile. Then I tried aftermarket which are junk, many have a very crappy beam pattern, so I bit the bullet and bought new OEM headlights. I was going to do the clearcoat but there are many reviews saying it will screw up new headlights. Maybe it's better for restored ones, I don't know why but still only lasts a year or so. Maybe I'll give it another go on my old headlights and have a backup set ready down the road. 02 Tacoma, 290K.
Oh my God! This is super great and it looks like exactly factory made.
Love the video!! very in-depth details explanations!!
Great video! I’ve got a Toyota Tundra that needs headlights restored. Just need to get my ambition ready!
This was so satisfying to watch!
Thanks bro!
I was taught to polish in a circular motion to get a better finish. That's how mirrors are polished. I am 80 and still drive around around.
Thanks for the run down. I got an older Toyota too. This is on the list of things to do to restore it. Factory always better. Manufacturers build and design things to fit correctly in there vehicles. I agreed.
I have used this same method for years. It is the best.
Great job well worth doing I’m doing mine thank you
Reason I'm here - I need to do this to a new to me old Honda Civic - so yes - I'd do it - or rather I will do this soon, thanks for a thorough video and process
I didn't do the spray, so I left mine attached for the cleaning. It is very helpful to tape it off though. I did after my first pass with the hand drill attachment. OOPS! Doing the sandpaper by hand is now my preferred method (extra curve in my camry light was easier by hand) and switched back for the soft pad buffer. Cheaper to clean and rewarding that you can do it.
Headlights are restored! Amazing job my friend! Is
Really worth it cause is kind cheap but fullfilled! Instead of paying for a brand new set of headlights that for sure will decay and turn yellow again.
I redid head and tail lights lenses on a 2010 HHR I bought last month. Used a different product (Cerakote) that used a chemical wipe compound for the initial stripping of oxidized material, two different grades of sandpaper (I think 1000 and 3000), and then a wipe-on final coat that seals/UV-proofs the light. Never had to remove my lights, didn't need any power tools. It's been about 3 weeks since I did the headlights, I loved the results so much I did the taillights, as well, but that was earlier this week.
Money well spent. I think it took me about 15 minutes per headlight (the taillights were so much smaller that I did them at the same time, so another half-hour or so), and the difference is just stunning.
For the price, I could resurface my headlights another 2-3 times and still have it cost less than buying a replacement. I'll stick with restoring the lights unless/until something actually physically breaks them.
Beautiful job. I managed a passable job by masking my motorcycle headlight and using cutting compound on a polishing pad on my drill. Not as pristine but improved it from crap to ok in less than an hour. I finished off with a Maguire's paint polish. Seemed like a good result for the effort.
Great job 👍🏽 I'm inspired 😊
Looks awesome, Jim. Considering the elevated costs of things these days and the fact that no-one stocks parts anymore, new headlights might have been 8 weeks away, and as you said, No guarantee that the fitment will be good.... and they might cost you $400 to $600 bucks a shot. So I guess the question is, about how much time did the Elbow-grease process take from 400 to 3000 grit. I think the rest of the time can be guessed by the viewers.
That kit works wonders I actually found it on clearance for $11 at Target
Great video and informative. Thanks for sharing.
Mos-def will do this. And for 2014 frontier, getting the headlights out is just a pain in the neck. But well worth it. Thanks.
Jimmy, a new subscriber to your channel. This is an amazing video. Thank you for taking the time and effort to step through the entire process in detail! I can only imagine what you put into this. To restore or replace, that's the question!
Best DIY restoration I've seen.
Good job ❤
Good vid!
I prefer the 3M kit to megulars, but yes, sandpaper is way to go on heavily oxidized lights.
Got from Scotty Kilmer, but I now use the Formula 1 Scratch Out twice a year remove all hazing/yellowing/oxidization from my toyota and honda headlights. Any plastic UV protectant helps after using to stave off those problems for longer, but if parking in the sun, I haven't found anything that totally prevents...
And I've found the megular spray to be a bit hazy and distortive of light when I've tried it on two vehicles. Removes easily with rubbing alcohol, but I pretty much just only use it on fog lights at this juncture, and leave it off the main headlights.
Great job!
What a great video about headlights restoration… so informative and fun ! Thanks!
It's definitely worth the wallet. Well-done 👍
Thanks a lot, I tried it and it worked great for me.
Awesome job, thanks for taking the time to share your tips and ideas
Good job! Yes, I’ve done that also and it’s definitely worth it and more economical.
You did a great job, the previous owner of my car however did not. I caught it later but they basically made the headlight orange peely in texture with the spray clear coat and so whenever you turn the lights on it looks terrible and cloudy. I think they realized that since they did not do the other light but makes no sense why they did this on a 3-year-old Supra.
Luckily the dealer will try to repair or replace the headlight if they can't have it restored. Hoping for a replacement honestly.
Totally worth it. I’m going to try it in my 2009 Nissan Altima with 219000 miles
Works good on tail lights and side marker lights also , nice job
Many thanks. So informative. So easy and great result. Great content.
Your headlights turned out amazing, nicely done Jimmy 👍😁
Excellent work!
Good job, Thanx for the tips
good work......best for you
Great job Jimmy! Looks like a million bucks!
nice job now time to refinish the foglights/ blinkers& taillights to match
I never clear coat them. It eventually chips and peals. Then it's a real pain to sand off. I just use rubbing compound once a year after the initial restore. Takes a few minutes.
Best video i seen so far thank you