like clearcoat u would paint a car with?

 

Yes. Adding clear to headlights can really make them "pop" as far as looks are concerned. Keep in mind though that even clear can get dull and fade like plastic depending on the conditions you subject your car too. It won't fade in the same exact way because they have different properties, but the same things that cause swirls in your paint will cause swirls in the clear on your headlights. And the same faded clear in your paint will apply to headlights as well.

I'm not trying to dissuade anyone from getting their lenses cleared because it looks awesome, but just saying keep in mind there is no 100% perfect solution that will keep your headlights clear in all situations forever.

 

nice job to the OP. I cleaned mine a while back too! mine looked worse than yours but im happy with how they turned out.

 

Looks great! Did you get that kit from a dealer or online?

 

Thanks guys, I just got the kit off US eBay I'm in AUS so you should be able to get it pretty easily.

You could just use some fine grade sandpaper/s and some polish though.

 

Unless the kit has sanding discs, it will not clean headlights the same as doing it the old fashioned way by hand. IMO, hand sanding with machine polishing provides the best results. Some people are ok with the light sand marks that can only be seen in certain lights, but I'm not. I've used A LOT of different market brand restoration kits and while they do a good job, they do not do the same job as hand sanding them will.

Unfortunately, hand sanding is a much lengthier process. It's not that it's incredibly hard, but it's very, very tedious and you have to pay attention to what you are doing.

 

All the kits I've used have sanding pads 1,2,3,4 grades then a polish with a microfiber cloth and finally the final coat of spray or lacquer.

So basically the same as hand sanding with normal sandpaper if you machine polish them that's probably where most of the differance will come as opposed to just doing it by hand polishing, as with spray painting I believe it's all in the prep work! Clear coat over the top may help but will most likely fade in future.

The oem kit I used above has the spray can foam so can just apply and wipe it anytime they start to look dull and your good to go.

 

I haven't put a clear coat on mine as didn't see the need I can stay on top of keeping them clean.. If I was to however I'd go to a panel shop and get them to clear coat it, wouldn't feel comfortable using a cheap clear from the auto store but that's just me!

Try find a decent one if panel shop isn't an option and see how you go?

 

Your average headlight cleaner in the states purchased at an Advance or Autozone doesn't have anywhere near that many grits. Usually you will get like an 800 grit and a 1200 and then something to buff. Sometimes you don't even get that. Maybe you are just ordering better stuff than is available to the average person looking for something to use at a local place.

And yes clear can fade, it's not the end-all be-all for protection for headlights, but it's going to provide more protection than just wax.

The short answer is there is no permanent solution to keeping your headlights clean. Just like Traedayz said, if you keep them clean then you should be fine. Stay on top of putting a good quality sealant (one that you use for your paint should suffice) and you will be fine. If you let the plastic sit for too long without any protection on it, then it will haze up faster than before because all the surface protectants that wore down over time were completely stripped when you sanded the surface.

 

wow like night and day

 

I would think a protective clear cover on top of garage keeping it should keep your lights looking great for a long time. The coating that is applied to the lens from the factory deteriorates over time thanks to small rocks, sand, general crap in the air which then allows much more UV rays to get in and start fading up the lens.

Your rate of speed increases your velocity towards these objects on the highway (why the front end of highway cars tend to be in worse condition than a primarily city driven car). Clearing the headlight then putting an actual removable clear protector on it will probably be the ultimate deterrent to keeping your lights from looking worn and old any time in the near future.

 

Update:

The how-to is being put off for just a little bit while I catch up on some other stuff.

In the mean time I clear coated the one light that I had finished. I'm giving it a day so that it can cure then I will be polishing it. I will post pictures of the results for those parties interested.

I've gotten a few PM's about having me do this for people. It's not exactly something that people can't do, but kind of like having a fuel pump installed, some people just want to know it will be done right. If I get enough interest I will be opening up a new website and an official store for headlight fixes and mods. I have never had to advertise before as I worked out of a shop in my old town and I had all the clientele there. I'm in a completely different state now and would like to do this more seriously.

In the mean time, I am always available by PM if you want work done or if you are doing it yourself and just have some questions. I'm always happy to help.

 

You should do a HOW-TO...

I've been trying to clean my headlights for ages... they're DIRTYYYY :[

I tried MOTHERS products but it just made it worse


***edit : just read your reply... looking forward to following this thread...

 

bump- my headlights are in need of some LTC. any of you guys have any decent DIY links and/or product recommendations? it's crazy that mitsu doesn't offer new headlight lenses for sale....