how to clean headlight lenses?

	Camry Forums Classifieds Photo Gallery Member List Search Sponsors
Camry News Forum FAQ Contact Recalls TSBs Timeslips Register Login

how to clean headlight lenses?

Printable Version

Camry >> Your Ride >> Detailing >> how to clean headlight lenses?

Page: [1] 2 next > >>

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

how to clean headlight lenses? - 10/29/2007 11:39:51 AM

johnquester2000

Posts: 1
Joined: 10/29/2007
Status: offline

I have a '95 Camry and I guess it's common for their headlight lenses to have residue built on them from the inside, thus blurring the lights when they're turned on. I've asked many car wash shops and none seem to do this kind of job. Any recommendations?

Post #: 1

RE: how to clean headlight lenses? - 11/7/2007 11:39:15 AM

KillaCam86

Posts: 16
Joined: 10/22/2007
Status: offline

well i dont know if it work but when i was going to school for automotive i seen a few people use tranmission fluid will clean it good.

(in reply to johnquester2000)

Post #: 2

RE: how to clean headlight lenses? - 11/24/2007 3:20:44 PM

Jakster

Posts: 16
Joined: 11/7/2007
Status: offline

The lights are lexan so after many miles they get yellow from road grime and sun checkering and bug juice ect. get some 2000 grit wet sand paper wet dry but you want lots of water. Try a small spot keep it flowing with lots of water and you may see that the spot will turn clear again. I would get blue low tack masking tape and protect the paint. The low tack BLUE will not leave the glue behind if you take it off the first day. Do not leave it on for several days after it has been wet. This sanding with lots of water works on boat hatches that you can not see through any more as well. You can sand like hell and not damage the lense just nice smooth strokes and all over. Do not work in a small spot unless it has a ding then feather it out. 2000 grit is used to finish some paint jobs to make them glossy. I have used it on many diffrent plastic parts it works. If you want a quick fix do it over trick AMSOIL Mirical waterless wash and wax does a great job.

(in reply to johnquester2000)

Post #: 3

RE: how to clean headlight lenses? - 12/31/2007 4:46:39 PM

turner

Posts: 1
Joined: 12/31/2007
Status: offline

We recently purchased a 1999 Camry and the headlights are rather dim. To clean the headlight lenses, do they have to be removed to clean the inside of the lenses or is the problem on the outside of the lenses? If the inside needs to be cleaned, how are they removed? Is there a website that will tell me how to remove them. Thanks!

(in reply to Jakster)

Post #: 4

RE: how to clean headlight lenses? - 1/15/2008 8:16:41 PM

vt3c_eg

Posts: 10
Joined: 1/13/2008
Status: offline

for honda civic. if there headlights are glass which i assume so. you can bake it and open it. i believe there should be clips holding them. when put back together use silicone and bake it again and put it back together.

(in reply to turner)

Post #: 5

RE: how to clean headlight lenses? - 3/6/2008 3:22:05 PM

Camry05WS

Posts: 120
Joined: 4/30/2007
Status: offline

I have some friends that have used a product called Crystal View headlight cleaner and it helped a lot. But I have used paste that I think is called Plastic X and I could not tell any different so I did the wet sand it was a night and day improvement. Just evenly sand the lens and use a lot of water.
Nathan

(in reply to vt3c_eg)

Post #: 6

RE: how to clean headlight lenses? - 3/29/2008 11:57:03 PM

werkit217

Posts: 5
Joined: 3/28/2008
Status: offline

Most headlight lenses usually accumalate that nasty residue on tha OUTSIDE of tha headlight. Many people mistake that it is on tha inside. Now unless u have a problem with condensation inside tha headlight, tha problem will usually be only on tha outside of tha lense. In that case id follow tha suggestions that people give of either tryin Plastic X, or better (in my opinion) Wetsanding them. For a even quicker more efficient way of doin it, spend $200 n buy brand new ones

_____________________________

"I build cars tha way i build them, anybody who thinks any different, well...there just wrong"

http://www.st162.com/
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/688200

(in reply to Camry05WS)

Post #: 7

RE: how to clean headlight lenses? - 4/15/2008 10:52:16 PM

cisco2992

Posts: 10
Joined: 3/18/2008
Status: offline

I read on an article..that toothpast works is that true???

(in reply to werkit217)

Post #: 8

RE: how to clean headlight lenses? - 4/16/2008 10:48:40 AM

toyomoho

Posts: 848
Joined: 1/24/2008
Status: offline

Try leaving the lights in place, as Jakster states the blue painter tape works great for masking off painted body surfaces.

Wet sanding with 2000 grit paper (lots of water). Once done use a fine grade rubbing compound then finish with a plexiglass plastic cleaner and a coat of wax. Use a back and forth rubbing action working across the complete lens not a round and round motion. When using the sand paper try to get as much contact with the lens as possible in order not to make grooves.

Use patience and take it slow.

Not doubt there are other materials that work just as well but I used what was on hand at the time.

< Message edited by toyomoho -- 4/16/2008 10:50:15 AM >

(in reply to cisco2992)

Post #: 9

RE: how to clean headlight lenses? - 4/16/2008 8:23:51 PM

94camguy

Posts: 202
Joined: 2/12/2008
Status: offline

I completely agree with toyomoho, and remember, when wet sanding, you dont want to rub too hard. Yes the toothpaste trick works, i did it myself, but the wetsanding does a much better job.

_____________________________