Got my headlights restored

So.. my headlights over the years got really foggy to the point I actually started having difficulty seeing at night.

Looked into buying new ones and had a heart attack at the prices.

Looked into doing it myself and didn't want to go through all of that sanding with different grits of sandpaper over and over.

So I went around the corner to this auto restoration place. He used 2000 grit paper on them right from jump. Then polished them and coated them. 1/2 hour.

Best 80 bucks I spent! They look like they came right out of the factory.

I asked how many months it would last until I had to come see him again. He said about 36 to 48.

I'm happy.

 

We like pics

 

Well, don't have any before. Didn't think to take one. But I'll take one tomorrow of the after.

One thing that got me was everything I read for DIY said to start with a really coarse grit paper and work out through like 4 different grits down to 1200. This guy went directly with 2000 grit on a sander and it worked like a charm. He said using the coarser grits he found leaves scratches that make it more difficult to sand out. He's been doing it for 20 years.

 

Cerakote ($17 walmart/Amazon) takes about 10 mins, wiping a few times - no elbow grease necessary, leaves them crystal clear, for several years now.

Amazon.com: CERAKOTE® Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit – Guaranteed To Last As Long As You Own Your Vehicle – Brings Headlights back to Like New Condition - 3 Easy Steps - No Power Tools Required : Automotive

 

This stuff works great!

 

I've tried off the shelf stuff in the past and had no luck. Wouldn't touch it.

These were bad. You couldn't even see the orange light inside of it.

Now they look like they just came out of the factory. (Only took 2 days to get this pic uploaded)

 

tried several different methods with sand paper and polishing compound, tried mothers metal polish and that seemed to work well but sprayed compound al over everything. the fastest way I found was brake clean and a rag, You have to be careful and only wipe one way but it was fast and left a nice clear lens. have to try the cerakote next time

 

To have them last after a restore, make sure they get a coat of UV sealer. There are a couple aerosol brands that work great, you can wax often, or apply some ceramic coating yearly. Mine have been getting restored for 10? years now, finally ready for new housings (lenses) due to microcracking.

 

Yeah. I tried different compound also in the past and nothing seemed to work

 

What brand is recommended for the UV sealer? Either aerosol or wipe? I've used two grades of rubbing compounds with great success, but the lens yellow/dull within a few months, not knowing about the sealer.

 

Cerakote is working great for me

 

Looks good!

 

Here is the "nuclear" option, recommended by body shop friends of mine.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D2D6P7T/?coliid=I12QCMRRBYKB5&colid=9Y8ORNJMXDO1

 

How long since yours were done. I did mine 16 months ago and they are bad again. Would try something different if I figured I’d get difference results. Cause I already know I’m insane.

 

16 months is a great run. Once a year would be fine with me. Mine have held up great for the last 4 months or so.

 

This stuff I can get from our local auto paint wholesaler. I might look into that