How to clean up exterior lights

[android_proball]

Hi All,

I want to clean the appearance of my external lights. I've seen people wet-sand them and buff them. I guess I could just do the same, however what size is appropriate to use on lights?

Thanks in Advance!

[AAPOQ]

Hi All,

I want to clean the appearance of my external lights. I've seen people wet-sand them and buff them. I guess I could just do the same, however what size is appropriate to use on lights?

Thanks in Advance!

Size? Or grit? I would use 2000 or 3000 grit sandpaper. They also make headlight restoration kits that you can buy at almost any auto place and online.

[TypeG]

what lights are you talking about? a headlight restoration kit wouldn't work on glass headlights because they are made fore plastic. later.

[AAPOQ]

Very true. So which are they? Glass or plastic?

[Wickit]

I think he's talking about all his lights... Blinkers, corners, headlights, and tail lights.

[android_proball]

I think he's talking about all his lights... Blinkers, corners, headlights, and tail lights.

Yes, I am refereeing to the tail lights, corners, and the headlights. They look all beta up and scratched. There's no way of ridding that with sandpaper, and some love?

I'm sure they are plastic. I didn't know they were glass availability. Those would be aftermarket??

[C91BLX7]

Yes, I am refereeing to the tail lights, corners, and the headlights. They look all beta up and scratched. There's no way of ridding that with sandpaper, and some love?

I'm sure they are plastic. I didn't know they were glass availability. Those would be aftermarket??

Headlights, steel wool, all others some rubbing compund and wax.

[android_proball]

Size? Or grit? I would use 2000 or 3000 grit sandpaper. They also make headlight restoration kits that you can buy at almost any auto place and online.

Oh ok, so a more fine sandpaper.. That is obvious. I just needed some type of platform to work with. I should be fine with 3000 grit

[AAPOQ]

Yeah man, the finer the grit the shinier they will come out, wet sanding with 3000 grit will do a great job on the plastics.

[SASKCB7]

I've heard of and seen on tv programs using toothpaste to buff up the lamps?

[HardInThePaint]

I've heard of and seen on tv programs using toothpaste to buff up the lamps?

That works of your lights just have hella grime on them. That doesn't work of if its actually damaged with scratches and whatnot. If it were me I wouldn't even bother with the headlights being that they are glass. I would just pick up a better set from the JY or buy some new somewhere.

[MrMarcusT]

I've heard of and seen on tv programs using toothpaste to buff up the lamps?

i used this same method when i first got the car couldnt see shit but like ^^ said only works if its got a haze on the outside and if there plastic. I used regular toothpaste and a ruff rug and some elbow, (you should be able to feel and hear the difference when rubbing) rinse and repeat if necessary.

[android_proball]

Steel wool on the headlights?? Wtf..

[scanlessfool]

The problem can be solved also with using a standard over the counter compound such as Meguiar's Ultimate Compound and preferably a DA with an Orange pad.

[cuate01221]

Steel wool on the headlights?? Wtf..

Yes, the headlights are glass unless you have a set of JDM one piece headlights.
Everything else is plastic; side markers, parking lights, tail lights, fog lights, and intersection lights.