How can you clean headlights using...? - Honda Prelude Forum

2k1_lude_HPC · 10-13-2008, 08:35 AM

I was wandering if anybody has/knows an easy DIY on how to clean your front headlights using wetsand or anything. Mine are dirty and getting ready to buy HID, please and thanks!

prepreludesh · 10-13-2008, 08:58 AM

Go to www.summitracing.com and search for a headlight restorer. They might have a couple of options but I use the one that attaches to a power drill and has replacable foam type pads that have an abrasive compound that you only have to spray water on and circulate around your headlights. It works wonders for mine and you'll have good luck as well. They come in a pack of 8 for like $10.

Keep in mind that all OEM headlights have a protective UV coating on it (if you've ever seen the rainbow effect on the clear glass, that's what you're looking at) and when you see your lights getting foggy or yellowish, that means that coating is pretty much destroyed. But by doing this compound trick, you'll get a clear headlight but they will fog/yellow up again at a faster pace than before because now they have no UV protection. Any rubbing compound kit that uses a polish to finish them with won't have the ability to protect the plastic from UV as well just so you know. So although this might do the trick for a year or two, ultimately you'll have to get a new headlight assembly.

Solid · 10-13-2008, 09:04 AM

Plastic polish from Meguire's or Mother's is the easiest.

prepreludesh · 10-13-2008, 10:12 AM

If by easier you mean constantly rubbing progressively finer grits of sandpaper followed by polish on a headlight in a buffing motion for a long time, than yes, they are easier, or you could use the power drill and in 10 minutes be done with it while the drill motor does all your work like the ones I use...

Solid · 10-13-2008, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prepreludesh

If by easier you mean constantly rubbing progressively finer grits of sandpaper followed by polish on a headlight in a buffing motion for a long time, than yes, they are easier, or you could use the power drill and in 10 minutes be done with it while the drill motor does all your work like the ones I use...

You don't need to sand when using a plastic polish like the ones I mentioned...

boostfreak2003 · 10-13-2008, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solid

Plastic polish from Meguire's or Mother's is the easiest.

x2. Meg's is good stuff, my were a little hazy but an hour of work and they look good as new.

2k1_lude_HPC · 10-13-2008, 01:05 PM

I will probably go to an auto store and look for these products. Thanks alot guys!

prepreludesh · 10-14-2008, 04:57 PM

Soooooooo Muuuuuccchhhh Eeeeeeeeasier

"See the light with CCP Products 5 Minute Headlamp Lens Restorer Kits
As you drive, dust and debris constantly hit your headlights and cause microscopic scratches and pits, leaving your lenses yellow and hazy. Don't let this ruin the look and safety of your car, when the solution is as simple as CCP Products 5 Minute Headlamp Lens Restorer kits. The polishing discs are designed to buff away the damage and debris, leaving your headlights as good as new! CCP Products 5 Minute Headlamp Lens restorer kits also work great on plastics, Lexan, and glass surfaces. CCP's polishing pads contain a 1.2 micron nano-abrasive that's guaranteed to permanently repair and smooth away blemishes. Each kit includes six 3 in. disposable self-adhesive polishing pads and a 2 3/4 in. backing plate that fits most 3/8 in. drive drills. "

CCP POL-100 - CCP Products 5 Minute Headlamp Lens Restorer Kits - summitracing.com

toPLUS2is3 · 10-16-2008, 12:13 PM

It's really simple just takes a little while sanding I did it on my lude a few days ago and it worked really well

1) Remove your headlights

2)Wet sand it down evenly using high grit depending on how dirty your lights are. I started out with 800 grit wet sanding it evenly (This would take about 10mins each highlights on each grit level) , then moved up to 1000 grit, then 1,200. Using low grit makes it look really bad at first you might even see scratch marks but this will be eventually sanded down also by the higher grits.
*Note using higher grit sand paper will make it look better but make sure you start from the lower grit because starting out with higher grit wont get you anywere*

3) Once your done using your finiest grit paper wash off the dirt/sand and use a plastic polisher which can be purchased from any hardware store. I got mines from G.I Joes.

4) Shove back your headlights and high beam the next person you see to show off your new lights

DaytonaPrelude · 10-19-2008, 10:51 AM

I just posted a step by step process with pictures Headlight restoration step by step with pics..

Also, I should add that the stuff I bought to do it with does a great job on other clear plastics(gauges, turn signals, ect.)