I cleaned my headlights with ATF - Automatic Transmission Fluid - It works!!!
08-17-09, 08:38 PM
#16
Super Moderator
I wish I could have tried this the other week. I just used some Meguiar's PlastX on mine with good results, http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/produc...?T1=MEG+G12310
08-17-09, 11:46 PM
#17
Lexus Champion
08-18-09, 05:19 AM
#18
I was just cruising through here and spotted this post. I used to ride bikes and it wasn't until my BMW touring bike that I discovered a really good product for taking scratches and such out of the wind screen and it should work for the headlight casings as well. It was 'semi-chrome'. It's for cleaning and polishing the chrome on the exhaust pipes. The BMW bike dealer back then turned me on to it. So if anyone has some and wants to give it a try, you just put the paste on, rub it good and wipe it off. It's probably just a fine compound. It left the wind screen looking new though with out any lasting film or residue.
Last edited by Cruiter; 08-18-09 at 05:23 AM. Reason: spelling
08-18-09, 09:30 AM
#19
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i tried it. it leaves a glossy layer on the surface. it didnt really wipe the yellow off like i hoped. i didnt have atf fluid, so i just bought fluid i found at the dollar store. i didnt feel like experimenting with atf that costs close to $5. scott1258 what brand, where did you get it, and type of atf fluid did you use?
Mobil 1 ATF - you can get it just about anywhere - I got mine at Walmart. I'd say $5 is pretty cheap to make your headlights clear again. All you need is a dab - so ask a friend if they have any sitting around. I think any brand will do.
I washed the car on Sunday and it still looks great! I'll keep everyone posted.
08-18-09, 11:08 PM
#21
Lexus Champion
Very true! But even car wash soap will in 3 or 4 washes unless the mix is really anemic. Oil on the foggy lens is a little bit like snake oil. Any oil will actually do, especially the light oils with Petroleum Distilate.
08-18-09, 11:16 PM
#22
Lexus Champion
Hi folks
I was just cruising through here and spotted this post. I used to ride bikes and it wasn't until my BMW touring bike that I discovered a really good product for taking scratches and such out of the wind screen and it should work for the headlight casings as well. It was 'semi-chrome'. It's for cleaning and polishing the chrome on the exhaust pipes. The BMW bike dealer back then turned me on to it. So if anyone has some and wants to give it a try, you just put the paste on, rub it good and wipe it off. It's probably just a fine compound. It left the wind screen looking new though with out any lasting film or residue.
I was just cruising through here and spotted this post. I used to ride bikes and it wasn't until my BMW touring bike that I discovered a really good product for taking scratches and such out of the wind screen and it should work for the headlight casings as well. It was 'semi-chrome'. It's for cleaning and polishing the chrome on the exhaust pipes. The BMW bike dealer back then turned me on to it. So if anyone has some and wants to give it a try, you just put the paste on, rub it good and wipe it off. It's probably just a fine compound. It left the wind screen looking new though with out any lasting film or residue.
08-19-09, 02:51 PM
#23
Mobil 1 ATF - you can get it just about anywhere - I got mine at Walmart. I'd say $5 is pretty cheap to make your headlights clear again. All you need is a dab - so ask a friend if they have any sitting around. I think any brand will do.
I washed the car on Sunday and it still looks great! I'll keep everyone posted.
I washed the car on Sunday and it still looks great! I'll keep everyone posted.
Why don't you post a pic for us non-believers to see?
This could be good stuff!
08-19-09, 02:52 PM
#24
Hi folks
I was just cruising through here and spotted this post. I used to ride bikes and it wasn't until my BMW touring bike that I discovered a really good product for taking scratches and such out of the wind screen and it should work for the headlight casings as well. It was 'semi-chrome'. It's for cleaning and polishing the chrome on the exhaust pipes. The BMW bike dealer back then turned me on to it. So if anyone has some and wants to give it a try, you just put the paste on, rub it good and wipe it off. It's probably just a fine compound. It left the wind screen looking new though with out any lasting film or residue.
I was just cruising through here and spotted this post. I used to ride bikes and it wasn't until my BMW touring bike that I discovered a really good product for taking scratches and such out of the wind screen and it should work for the headlight casings as well. It was 'semi-chrome'. It's for cleaning and polishing the chrome on the exhaust pipes. The BMW bike dealer back then turned me on to it. So if anyone has some and wants to give it a try, you just put the paste on, rub it good and wipe it off. It's probably just a fine compound. It left the wind screen looking new though with out any lasting film or residue.
The brand name is "semi-chrome?" Where do you buy them?
08-28-09, 03:34 PM
#25
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The only true way to refinish plastic lenses is to start with 1000 grit or 2000 grit wet sand, and sand away oxidation. I would than suggest a polish after you sand increasing grit size each time.
08-28-09, 05:10 PM
#26
Having spent so many years in the automotive field, I was restoring hazy headlight lenses long before they ever started coming out with the kits they have for that purpose now. I am not putting them down, because for the average person that doesn't have a background in that field, the kits will do wonders, but do not do the same thing that sanding and polishing with a buffer and white polishing compound will. I always prefer doing things in a way that give me the longest time before I have to do it again, which means doing it right the 1st. time. Once sanded and buffed, they do need to be kept waxed just like the paint. As a matter of fact, the headlights really should be waxed just like the paint does. Just like the paint, they wouldn't get hazy anywhere near as quick if they were. The cheaper the plastic (ever notice Dodge/Chrysler product headlights?) the quicker they will grow hazy. Most all plastic surfaces that get scratched up can be sanded and polished in the same way. 
09-01-09, 06:52 AM
#28
Lexus Champion
