how do you get rid of and prevent the stock headlight outer shell from fading...

 

Clear coat them!!!!

1- Get some 1600 sand paper and sand them

2-Tape the bumpers and hood around it so you CANT paint them

3- Clean with alcohol the lens, wait until it dries (I always use a blower to heat them up a little )

4- Apply any Clear paint (can, urethane , whatever)

 

That's definitely a method i've never heard of... so if i take 1600-2000 grit sand paper it won't scratch them up that much?

 

uhm just wetsand it with a 1000 grit and buff it, if you have a buffer that is.
imo, it's a lot easier than spraying clearcoat over.

and 1600-2000 wont leave deep scratches, cuz ive used 600 grit before on some faded headlights, then went over with 1000 and just buff it. then it was shining.

 

well I don't have a buffer, you think i can still do 1000 to 1600 to 2000 and just hand buff?

 

I'd go for this first before all that sanding, buffing, clearcoating jazz.

http://www.meguiars.com/?clear-plast...Cleaner-Polish