GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

Headlight CLEANER KIT

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-29-07, 08:01 PM
  #1  
CohGS300
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
CohGS300's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Ca
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Headlight CLEANER KIT

Hi, I am new to CL and I saw this thread about headlight restoration kit cleaner and that person has the same problems as I do. My 2001 Gs headlight is dirty and foggy, so I want to know where can I buy the cleaner kit and what is the brand.

Thank You
Old 08-29-07, 10:08 PM
  #2  
Downfall75
Lead Lap
iTrader: (3)
 
Downfall75's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I use Meguiars Plastx. It works nicely for me, personally. You can get it at any auto shop.
Old 08-29-07, 11:42 PM
  #3  
chrispy
Moderator
iTrader: (21)
 
chrispy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SoCal
Posts: 5,764
Received 79 Likes on 37 Posts
Default

Use it with a rotary buffer for best results. I've always thought Plastix didn't work as well as people would tell me until I used a buffer.
Old 08-30-07, 03:28 AM
  #4  
GS300Rich
Lexus Fanatic
 
GS300Rich's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 9,392
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I would definately try the plastx, works very well
Old 08-30-07, 05:34 AM
  #5  
Rock-a-Lex
Lead Lap
iTrader: (4)
 
Rock-a-Lex's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: NY
Posts: 4,519
Received 17 Likes on 16 Posts
Default

One thing that I have personally noticed in the past buffing old headlights...they come out clear and smooth but at night with the headlights on you see a slight haze. I don't believe that you can achieve the crystal clear look again like brand new headlights provide but it's better than having pitted ones that's for sure. Anyone else know what I'm talking about???
Old 08-30-07, 06:26 AM
  #6  
LEXUS_KID
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (4)
 
LEXUS_KID's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: IN THE POKER ROOM!!!!
Posts: 10,823
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I think someone on here wet sanded and buffed them
Old 08-30-07, 08:16 AM
  #7  
Saiji
Lexus Champion
 
Saiji's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: ~626~ S.G.V
Posts: 2,857
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Rock-a-Lex
One thing that I have personally noticed in the past buffing old headlights...they come out clear and smooth but at night with the headlights on you see a slight haze. I don't believe that you can achieve the crystal clear look again like brand new headlights provide but it's better than having pitted ones that's for sure. Anyone else know what I'm talking about???
I know exactly what you're talking about. I buff them, wax them, plastix, everything, it gets clearer, but when i turn on the lights at night time....it's still hazy...could it be the inside? or is it still the outside?
Old 08-30-07, 08:42 AM
  #8  
Rock-a-Lex
Lead Lap
iTrader: (4)
 
Rock-a-Lex's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: NY
Posts: 4,519
Received 17 Likes on 16 Posts
Default

It is still the outside, for some reason once the top layer of plastic is milled and buffed it will never be the same. So if you have rather new headlights but with a couple of minor specs it might be best to just leave it alone. If the headlights are riddled with chips and marks then of course buff away; it can't get any worse then.

Oh, BTW I have wetsanded headlights before and it comes great but you still have this haze of which we speak of. I just wound up buying new ones in the end.
Old 08-30-07, 09:15 AM
  #9  
Saiji
Lexus Champion
 
Saiji's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: ~626~ S.G.V
Posts: 2,857
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

darn, thats the last thing I wanted to do...anyone have any suggestions? I tried almost everything out there. Even that head light restore kit from ebay. Nothing seems to work.
Old 08-30-07, 09:23 AM
  #10  
JLAM
Pole Position
iTrader: (1)
 
JLAM's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Texas
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I also used the meguiars plastx on my cars with good results. I didn't get any hazing. The hazing may be caused by residue or build-up left from cleaner. When you apply the cleaner...make sure the surface is clean & cool and not in direct sunlight.
Old 08-30-07, 09:26 AM
  #11  
Saiji
Lexus Champion
 
Saiji's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: ~626~ S.G.V
Posts: 2,857
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

ok. Ill give it try....crossing my fingers
Old 08-30-07, 09:57 AM
  #12  
PushinLEX
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (9)
 
PushinLEX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Killa Kali KING
Posts: 4,561
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

The re-hazing is due to the fact that once you've wetsanded and buffed your headlights, you essentially removed the stock clear-coat and UV protective layer. Since you've removed the protectants on your plastic headlights, your headlights are now more proned to oxidation and faster re-hazing.

Look here:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=298004
Old 08-30-07, 10:24 AM
  #13  
Saiji
Lexus Champion
 
Saiji's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: ~626~ S.G.V
Posts: 2,857
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thanks for the link pushinlex. That's a lot of work just for head lights..damn.
Old 08-30-07, 11:36 AM
  #14  
PushinLEX
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (9)
 
PushinLEX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Killa Kali KING
Posts: 4,561
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by ssaristo
Thanks for the link pushinlex. That's a lot of work just for head lights..damn.
NP.....
Old 08-30-07, 11:36 AM
  #15  
BossGS4
Lead Lap
iTrader: (2)
 
BossGS4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: VA
Posts: 583
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by PushinLEX
The re-hazing is due to the fact that once you've wetsanded and buffed your headlights, you essentially removed the stock clear-coat and UV protective layer. Since you've removed the protectants on your plastic headlights, your headlights are now more proned to oxidation and faster re-hazing.

Look here:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=298004
Since this is the case would using headlight film essentially seal eveything again after you do your buff/polish job on the lenses ?


Quick Reply: Headlight CLEANER KIT



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:26 PM.