How to permanently restore your yellow headlights

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  • Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
  • In this weeks video i restored my barbers💈headlights. As you guys can see in the cover of the video this car really needed this, with that being said i hope you guys can fix your yellow,hazy and oxidized headlights as well.
    Please make sure to like this video if you found it useful and consider subscribing for more diy videos 👍

КОМЕНТАРІ •

  • @DonnaShanks
    @DonnaShanks 3 роки тому +17

    Thanks for the video. I did this for a car I had years ago and now I came back to watch again. It's very simple and inexpensive. Replacement headlights can be pricey. I did this and had zero problems with any re-yellowing or cracking of the clear coat.

  • @mrmohr2
    @mrmohr2 4 роки тому +7

    You are right about not spraying too thick. I put on 4 coats, and the clear coat cracked internally! I think the inner layers were still wet while the outer layer dried. Either way, I support thin layers, no more than 3.

  • @rokitman5753
    @rokitman5753 7 років тому +5

    thank you sooo much for suggesting to also change the blinker fluid as these new cars are so hi tech for the elderly. my son told me how important it is to have a shop change it because it can damage paint if i spill any on my fender. thankyou son :)

    • @j.s.s7808
      @j.s.s7808 2 роки тому +1

      'Blinker Fluid' ??? LOL 😆

  • @moncorp1
    @moncorp1 7 років тому +38

    Great vid. Only friendly advice I have is to use UV resistant clear coat, not just the regular.

    • @ERICSDIYGARAGE
      @ERICSDIYGARAGE  7 років тому +9

      +moncorp1 Thank You for watching and the clear coat used in this video is UV resistant.

  • @Twitch_Moderator
    @Twitch_Moderator 7 років тому +11

    I personally found that diamond wax and an orbital buffing ball (tailored for your drill) works the same as using clear coat. No drying time and you can break out the polish whenever you want a little more clear shine. Great video, great process ;-)

    • @ERICSDIYGARAGE
      @ERICSDIYGARAGE  7 років тому +1

      Scrotum Monster buffing is great there's a lot of risks when using clear coat like how I did maybe I'll consider your method for future restorations👍

    • @bigal1419
      @bigal1419 6 років тому +2

      Looks like the Yellow came off and it definitely improved, however still opaque. Buffing is the way to go.

    • @ERICSDIYGARAGE
      @ERICSDIYGARAGE  6 років тому

      Yes that would be the best option

  • @carlnikolov
    @carlnikolov 4 роки тому +6

    Get a drill attachment with a buffing end on it. Use novus plastic polish no 2 (made in usa) and you dont have to do any of this. It has a grit of about 10,000... Plus when you add the heat with all the rotation on the headlight it heats up the plastic and removes only the residue that needs removal...it only takes about 5 minutes and doesnt damage the plastic by taking the UV coating off... and only costs $12

  • @SiNdrOmaS1
    @SiNdrOmaS1 7 років тому +7

    Looks awesome, those w211's are so good looking!

  • @richardharris7934
    @richardharris7934 3 роки тому +1

    You did a great job and there really is no short cuts.

  • @xMontorix
    @xMontorix Рік тому +1

    Good thing I'm getting a paint job. I'm not taping anything. My paint is trashed 😅

  • @michaeli9159
    @michaeli9159 5 років тому +83

    I did a permanent method on my w212 by replacing them

    • @MrToby136
      @MrToby136 5 років тому +21

      funny guy but for the people, that aren't as "funny" as you this was a well-done video.

    • @damianspiteri1804
      @damianspiteri1804 4 роки тому +11

      Nothing is permanent on vehicles.

    • @atomsk1646
      @atomsk1646 4 роки тому +4

      Oh okay cool story dude exactly why i came to watch the video

  • @everardom9770
    @everardom9770 5 років тому +4

    You could’ve gotten a better result. If you would polish them at the end. Or started with 800 then 1500 and finish at 2500 then polish them with a microfiber pad and finished it with spraying the clear coat. You would’ve gotten a clearer result. But still did a good job.

  • @RomboutVersluijs
    @RomboutVersluijs 4 роки тому +5

    Nice results! I was a bit wary when you passed the lights one by one and not both at the same time. SInce each pass of one light you touch the light next to it. BUt it looked good.

  • @POLDRO
    @POLDRO Рік тому

    Thanks for the tips.

  • @puntarski8789
    @puntarski8789 5 років тому +3

    Polishing on the end is way better and durable

  • @TheWilferch
    @TheWilferch Рік тому

    I've seen dozens of these vids to remove the "haze" from these headlights....BUT...I don't see anything on a related problem--> I got my headlight as smooth and clear as a baby's behind....but the "clear" plastic seems to have taken on a yellowish tint all the way through. Is there a way to remedy this?

  • @reaganabraham1528
    @reaganabraham1528 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks for making this video!
    How long does it last before it starts to get yellow again?

  • @immoklausen7332
    @immoklausen7332 2 роки тому

    Hey buddy, great video, but next time you're grinding wet, because always in the cross process. Otherwise great result. The glasses for the fog lights are made of glass and you get them individually, your left one is broken. Best Regards

  • @BanditRider86
    @BanditRider86 5 років тому +3

    I'm gonna have to try this mine looks so bad

  • @jessemartinez6781
    @jessemartinez6781 6 років тому +3

    I've always thought clear coat would do the trick, now I know muahaha

  • @enriquemejia5861
    @enriquemejia5861 7 років тому +11

    Hey you think if I use the headlight restoration kit and hit it with some clear coat after should be good ?

    • @ERICSDIYGARAGE
      @ERICSDIYGARAGE  7 років тому +2

      +enrique mejia yes it should look similar

  • @deandredavies4557
    @deandredavies4557 4 роки тому

    That Tom misch intro🔥

  • @sweetsuductress
    @sweetsuductress 5 років тому +1

    Use plastic film like lamin-x. I Cleaned my lens and applied film today. Same w211 as in the video but looks cleaner. I used polisher with 3m perfect it stages 1 and 3 only. Before I sanded with 400 and 600 sandpaper. After stage 3 polish I applied the film. Looks new except for a very light yellow tinge which seems impossible to get rid off completely. The lamin-x film should keep it staying good for years to come without any maintenance...knock wood.

  • @franciscarroll7100
    @franciscarroll7100 3 роки тому

    Hi, do you use clear gloss?
    Is it for lights specifically or is it just clear gloss ?

  • @bernardovazquez3098
    @bernardovazquez3098 4 роки тому

    🔴 THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO 👍👍

  • @misatoshi07mohammed20
    @misatoshi07mohammed20 6 років тому +4

    Thanks for the video bro

  • @leronnurse
    @leronnurse Рік тому

    Superb

  • @SmileyManPrince
    @SmileyManPrince 3 роки тому +5

    Do not clear coat your headlights! I repeat do not clear coat! It cracks over time and just makes it look worse! There’s actually products to protect your headlights none clear coat!

    • @TrishZenCorner
      @TrishZenCorner 3 роки тому +1

      Which are?

    • @STILLNIGHTPEARL
      @STILLNIGHTPEARL 3 роки тому

      @@TrishZenCorner Xpel ultimate plus paint protection film, much better than clear coat.

  • @maheshmahi9723
    @maheshmahi9723 3 роки тому

    What is the name of that spray

  • @KnowledgeBomB837
    @KnowledgeBomB837 7 років тому +1

    Best is to either get after market headlights or factory headlights

  • @Duke_Togo_G13
    @Duke_Togo_G13 5 років тому +5

    Should have used a buffer to polish the surface, then use IPA to clean off all wax and residue, before clear coat.

  • @allanzamora3315
    @allanzamora3315 3 роки тому +1

    this actually just made them even worse and foggy then what they were.

  • @RomboutVersluijs
    @RomboutVersluijs 4 роки тому

    I saw a different video where they did step 1 dry and each case was using directions. THat way you get away possible deeper scratching made by the brought fase before.

  • @stonepointdrivingschool2044
    @stonepointdrivingschool2044 3 роки тому

    It looks 'whiter' but it appears that your sandpaper has scratched and scarred the plastic. I use a blue kitchen scotch scratch (blue does not scratch plastic in the kitchen Ex. microwave controls, the green scratch does scratch/scars plastic), also I used Meguiars restore & polish and then was still not satisfied, so used the blue scratch pad and wet baking soda - took another layer of the oxidated yellow scum off. I did not paint them. This only lasts 6 months, it must be restored biannually.

  • @stephenho633
    @stephenho633 7 років тому +2

    Do you need any special clear paint? I tried using an ordinary clear paint in town and it faded away in a few months.

  • @bones007able
    @bones007able 7 років тому +18

    Did the sanding thing on my old 98 Dodge Avenger, looked good for about a year but started to fade again... I don't think any of these methods are permanent....

    • @sweetsuductress
      @sweetsuductress 5 років тому

      Use plastic film like lamin-x. Cleaned my lens and applied film today. Same w211 as in the video but looks cleaner. I used polisher with 3m perfect it stages 1 and 3 only. Before I sanded with 400 and 600 sandpaper. After stage 3 polish I applied the film. Looks new except for a very light yellow tinge which seems unlikely to come off.

  • @NemanjaGuitar
    @NemanjaGuitar 6 років тому +3

    Fantastic video. Thumbs up and subscribed

  • @mrflyingsourcer3515
    @mrflyingsourcer3515 7 років тому +6

    Instead of working so hard ypu can use a metal polish, I recommend the Mothers mag and aluminium polish then just apply it and you have clear head lights already then you wet sand slightly and spray a clear coat on there.

    • @jackson2620
      @jackson2620 6 років тому

      i tried that, my lenses were to yellow the mothers would not take off the yellow in the bad spots, it only worked on the spots that were foggy but not yellow.

    • @danielmor4073
      @danielmor4073 6 років тому +2

      “Working hard” 😂
      Calm down there champ might get a sore hand from all that typing

  • @meverickjnphilip9885
    @meverickjnphilip9885 5 років тому +1

    So the clear coat remove the hazy look u started with

    • @tobiasthegentleman9131
      @tobiasthegentleman9131 5 років тому +1

      Yeah, the hazy look is all the scratches fr okm the sandpaper, the clear seeps into them and bonds to the surface to make it look clear and smooth, I've been told to do a cream cut and polish after you let the clear sit for about a week to get the headlights to come up like new

  • @anon4041
    @anon4041 4 роки тому +1

    I bought a new headlamp. Gonna do this and resell it for cheap as it’s perfectly working. Just yellow. 🙁

  • @kimberlyguardipee4070
    @kimberlyguardipee4070 3 роки тому

    If you don't want to do all that looking around for the materials not sure what to do . By yourself a two a toothpaste terry cloth a little bit of elbow grease put the toothpaste on your rag and start rubbing your headlights you will see the yellow come off and your lights looking clear

  • @factcheckers7940
    @factcheckers7940 5 років тому +2

    NEVER use sandpaper or any other abrasive on your lens, it will undoubtedly cause UV failure. Always go for an ALR type Deoxidizer. Faster and safer.

    • @russellbrooker2122
      @russellbrooker2122 4 роки тому +5

      Even thou they have been using sandpaper since the beginning of time on headlight restoration

    • @del7i540
      @del7i540 2 роки тому

      @@russellbrooker2122 yeah, just cuz every one is doing it. Duh, more genius advice on UA-cam.

  • @nightfall4693
    @nightfall4693 3 роки тому

    I only need one thing to complete. "My wife"

  • @anguslean4058
    @anguslean4058 2 роки тому

    You want 2K clear coat
    2X is gonna fall apart on you
    Also finish at 800 grit with horizontal strokes

  • @msmith7892
    @msmith7892 5 років тому +1

    Amazing

  • @timothyswanger7969
    @timothyswanger7969 2 роки тому

    off bug spray & a magic eraser & furniture polish!

  • @Carlparishhonda
    @Carlparishhonda 6 років тому +4

    Auto light Cataracs

  • @raullopez9639
    @raullopez9639 4 роки тому

    Porque trabajar en el desierto?

  • @2jizzyy
    @2jizzyy 4 роки тому

    what was the intro song???

  • @dannyw2717
    @dannyw2717 7 років тому

    I used off deep woods bug spray and that shits clear now I tried this method on my other car it works but not for long

    • @ERICSDIYGARAGE
      @ERICSDIYGARAGE  7 років тому +1

      Danny W bug spray Will melt your headlights

  • @akky247
    @akky247 4 роки тому +2

    Headlights Cataract !

  • @arjunseumber6008
    @arjunseumber6008 5 років тому +1

    Where can i buy the clear coat, i can't find it in ebay
    Can anyone help me?

    • @tobiasthegentleman9131
      @tobiasthegentleman9131 5 років тому +1

      Most auto shops and here Are stores should sell clearcoat, you'll want similar to what Eric has though, glossy clear coat

    • @ERICSDIYGARAGE
      @ERICSDIYGARAGE  5 років тому

      I bought this clear coat at Walmart

    • @regularguyfixes3142
      @regularguyfixes3142 4 роки тому

      Just don't use LAQUER clear coat. Headlights are plastic and it will haze up then eat threw the plastic....

  • @tripshobbies2810
    @tripshobbies2810 5 років тому +2

    lol the light should be compounded and polished after and not sprayed with clear coat, you need UV protection. This isn't permanent this is kinda stupidly done.

    • @ERICSDIYGARAGE
      @ERICSDIYGARAGE  5 років тому

      compound and polishing is also not permanent. thank you for your feedback

    • @tripshobbies2810
      @tripshobbies2810 5 років тому +1

      @@ERICSDIYGARAGE But it's a better finish, and if you continue to UV protect every other year they'll stay good.

  • @daniels508
    @daniels508 7 років тому +1

    great job , thanks

  • @MrStinky2011
    @MrStinky2011 6 років тому +1

    Thanks for this

  • @marceli155
    @marceli155 Рік тому

    thanks!

  • @keonejones7283
    @keonejones7283 6 років тому +1

    Bug spray and tooth paste works

    • @ERICSDIYGARAGE
      @ERICSDIYGARAGE  6 років тому

      Bug spray won't last long tooth paste doesnt do much.

    • @povyi9394
      @povyi9394 5 років тому

      Acetone works better

    • @ERICSDIYGARAGE
      @ERICSDIYGARAGE  5 років тому

      acetone will destroy the plastic over time.

  • @csbaca1
    @csbaca1 5 років тому +3

    WD40-lasts 2 days, Toothpaste-lasts 2 weeks, sandpaper-lasts 2 yrs, steel wool and acetone-lasts 2-3 yrs. Just buy new ones....

  • @zacmich6472
    @zacmich6472 4 роки тому

    These headlights weren't yellow, they were just heavily scratched

    • @blackwell8087
      @blackwell8087 4 роки тому +1

      if you aren't color blind you can see that the scratching has resulted in a yellow color lol

  • @ARTANSX
    @ARTANSX 7 років тому +2

    wouldnt it be better if its in a dust free workshop?

    • @ERICSDIYGARAGE
      @ERICSDIYGARAGE  7 років тому +2

      +ARTANSX yes but not not everyone has a dust free workshop

    • @ARTANSX
      @ARTANSX 7 років тому +1

      Good effort thou

  • @printman7881
    @printman7881 5 років тому

    Buffing compound gives you the same results...

  • @squirrelatwork
    @squirrelatwork 6 років тому +1

    How do headlights look now? Year and half later.

    • @ERICSDIYGARAGE
      @ERICSDIYGARAGE  6 років тому

      its my barber car last time i checked they were still fine. but it seems like the brighter the light bulb the faster it will oxidized

    • @squirrelatwork
      @squirrelatwork 6 років тому +1

      ERICSDIYGARAGE ,
      Next restoration you do. Do your sanding, polish them out then end with 9H ceramic coating for UV protection. They will last years longer than the clear spray.

  • @Ry4n.gr33n
    @Ry4n.gr33n 5 років тому +2

    ...why mess with all that masking when you can just pull the headlights out of the car?

    • @ERICSDIYGARAGE
      @ERICSDIYGARAGE  5 років тому +8

      simply because some headlights require you to remove the whole bumper. also it reduces the risk of breaking or damaging the customers customer's vehicle

  • @ideazy1
    @ideazy1 5 років тому

    Will last longer if you dont use crappy clear i would use 2k clear.

  • @Lsutton04_
    @Lsutton04_ 7 років тому

    Its not necessarily permanent

  • @ImSuliTV
    @ImSuliTV 6 років тому +3

    This is literally an exact copy of Chris fix is video

    • @ERICSDIYGARAGE
      @ERICSDIYGARAGE  6 років тому +13

      Only difference is that my headlights were actually oxidized

    • @pein8695
      @pein8695 5 років тому +1

      ERICSDIYGARAGE 🤣 wow dude u really r jokes

  • @robertnovotny1749
    @robertnovotny1749 6 років тому +2

    Ain't it wasier to take the head lights off the car and do the head light restoration.

    • @ERICSDIYGARAGE
      @ERICSDIYGARAGE  6 років тому +1

      Robert Novotny there's no point in doing it if it's going to achieve the same result

    • @robertnovotny1749
      @robertnovotny1749 6 років тому +1

      Save on making and dining up your car.

  • @michaelstevens3479
    @michaelstevens3479 6 років тому

    Just paid £160 for both sides from Germany,lucky or lazy?

  • @SkintBanjo
    @SkintBanjo 4 роки тому +1

    Btw Chris fix made the same tutorial 2 years before him, its almost the exact same😂

    • @bishopm4401
      @bishopm4401 4 роки тому

      Don’t forget the better production quality lol

    • @ERICSDIYGARAGE
      @ERICSDIYGARAGE  4 роки тому +5

      you guy didn't have to watch my video, thank you for your unnecessary comments.

    • @bishopm4401
      @bishopm4401 4 роки тому

      ERICSDIYGARAGE got you fam

  • @rsbaz1393
    @rsbaz1393 4 роки тому

    No no no what on earth have you done this is not they way to do them 😂

  • @rondysmith5331
    @rondysmith5331 6 років тому

    It's not yellow. It's only glazed. You do a good job of clearing a lens, but you don't demonstrate any removal of yellowing.

  • @SASEN7
    @SASEN7 3 роки тому

    Waste of time...... take a spray bottle filled with Super Clean ($8.00 a gallon Walmart) spray em, wipe them with paper towels, then spray paint with clear coat. It takes 2 minutes a light.

    • @ERICSDIYGARAGE
      @ERICSDIYGARAGE  3 роки тому

      That sounds like a waste of money

    • @SASEN7
      @SASEN7 3 роки тому

      @@ERICSDIYGARAGE Super Clean is also a great cleaner degreaser for auto, household ,commercial and industrial. Two sprays from it will melt the yellow film right off headlight lenses .

  • @povyi9394
    @povyi9394 5 років тому +1

    Acetone only take 3 minutes

    • @ERICSDIYGARAGE
      @ERICSDIYGARAGE  5 років тому +1

      acetone will destroy they headlight plastic

  • @nicolewoo3340
    @nicolewoo3340 6 років тому

    B

  • @ugly4370
    @ugly4370 7 років тому +2

    Those headlights are yellower then the chinese

  • @chippong497
    @chippong497 6 років тому

    What i will do I'll take this Mercedes and throw it off some cliff,and have the insurance pay, this type of cars are a pain in the ass once parts start breaking down

    • @kayakuprising5914
      @kayakuprising5914 5 років тому

      Yup, but the baby gangstas will buy up a 200k mile benz for $1200 in a second just to look fly.

  • @mickowen568
    @mickowen568 7 років тому +1

    bad r they even legel

  • @vk5jajay147
    @vk5jajay147 6 років тому

    LoL, This is a copy of a video already posted 😉👎

  • @skiprope536
    @skiprope536 3 роки тому

    Looks like a lot of work and expenses. I think I will buy two new ones.

  • @daniels508
    @daniels508 7 років тому +1

    great job , thanks