DIY:Polishing/clearing headlights

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Old May 1, 2010 | 04:07 PM
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Default DIY:Polishing/clearing headlights

Anyone who owns an Integra knows that the headlights fog and yellow over time. Well, i decided to make a DIY about making them look brand new again, instead of spending the CRAZY money and getting new ones. This cost me in total just under $40, and i bought everything, some of you might have some things kicking around the garage.

Here's what you need....

800 grit sandpaper
1000 grit sandpaper
1500 grit sandpaper
2000 grit sandpaper
Microfiber cloth's(package of 3)
Rags
Rubbing compound
Meguires ultimate compound(optional)
Carnauba cleaning max
Some car wash soap and bucket

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First thing is to pour a bucket of hot water with a mixture or car soap. And drench the sandpaper into it.

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Next, start with the 800 grit sandpaper and sand the lights. Eventually working your way up to the 2000 grit sandpaper. After this is what the lights should look like.

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See the difference, it should be cloudy like mine.

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Next, use a rag and apply the rubbing compound and work it into the light. Then wipe off the excess with a clean cloth.

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Once your done, you can use the Ultimate compound or skip that and move right to the Carnauba cleaning wax and work that into the light. Give it about 10mins, or until you see a cloudy haze and use the microfiber cloth to buff it off. This is what your lights should look like once your done.

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Now, this is the way I did things to make my lights clear. It may work for you to, but if it doesnt....dont come crying to me.
Old May 1, 2010 | 04:47 PM
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Very nice.
Old May 1, 2010 | 05:32 PM
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Woot! Looking good.
Old May 1, 2010 | 06:00 PM
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Nice nice.

Canadian tire has a kit actually that comes with everything. It costs like 10-20 bucks. Comes with everything.
Old May 1, 2010 | 06:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Vida
Nice nice.

Canadian tire has a kit actually that comes with everything. It costs like 10-20 bucks. Comes with everything.
ya man saw that kit too. on sale right now for $19.99 i think. but it doesnt come with the polish or wax. plus it doesnt come with the self satisfing fact that you didnt need a "kit" to do it by yourself
Old May 1, 2010 | 06:12 PM
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Really? hmm, i still have remenants of my kit and it comes with the polish and the cloth or whatever.

Either way, it looks great man
Old May 6, 2010 | 10:43 PM
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Works waaaay better with an orbital buffer and thinner the coats of wax/compound the better,, Ryan knows how much I love buffing ---- with my orbital
Old May 6, 2010 | 11:09 PM
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i seen kits selling at crappy tire but my friend bought one and used it on his head lights wow it looks like mine now.. and mine looks mint.. but once it starts fading i will definitely buy one and use it.. i recommend this to everyone
Old May 7, 2010 | 06:56 AM
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Originally Posted by dimasbenz
i seen kits selling at crappy tire but my friend bought one and used it on his head lights wow it looks like mine now.. and mine looks mint.. but once it starts fading i will definitely buy one and use it.. i recommend this to everyone
Yup. Theres a kit that costs 10-20 bucks with everything. It gives you gloves, 1000-2000 grit i think, cloth, polish, and it even says you can use the package it comes with to put water. Its pretty sweet
Old Oct 19, 2010 | 08:12 PM
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nice DIY!!
Old Nov 15, 2010 | 11:34 PM
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i've used both- sanding on my 00 civic and then meguiars headlight restoration kit on my teg. Like meg's as used a standard drill w/attachment and in 5 min the front lights were almost new. 2-3 times a year will keep'm shinny!
Old Jul 30, 2012 | 08:39 PM
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Default Re: DIY:Polishing/clearing headlights

I used the turtle wax headlight restoration. Don't waste your money on it. It made the headlights clear again, but faded after a month and a half. Worst then what they were before
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