Full guide to HEADLIGHT RESTORATION | Easy DIY at home

[@claybirdyshaw5737]

I did this a couple weeks ago. I didn't follow a guide or anything. After doing it the main thing I would suggest is go for longer than you think you need on the 800 or 1000 grit. My headlights looked amazing while they were wet, but after compounding and polishing and drying there are still some spots that look cloudy. It is not bad and looks way better than before, but if I would have went a few minutes longer with the aggressive stuff I think they would be perfect.

[@thunderjet4294]

As a auto body tech when I paint a modern car I clean and restore the headlight and clear coat it with the body and polish it as well have had them last over 5 years in the Arizona heat and still counting

[@roberthaven8094]

Thank you for this video, sir! I have a 2007 Honda Accord and I followed your instructions. The headlights literally look NEW! I really appreciate the straightforward info.

[@songsfromthelord888]

Josh...just wanted you to know that God loves you...thanks so much for the very informative video...🙂

[@keithcee6378]

Wow crazy difference is correct! Night and Day! I’m sure I speak for all who watch your clips, subscribed or not….you are a very informative and helpful fella! Thanks homie! 🙏🏼

[@invictusbp1prop143]

Bonus points for the Grios smelling really good too. That’s the most impressive improvement I’ve seen between the two. Most of the kits you buy are trash. Good stuff.

[@garychandler4296]

Been polishing them for 20 years, and despite most of this I know, but I learned a few new tricks from this! (Old Dogs...)

[@erickrey4353]

I’ve noticed if you apply paint solvent on a rag and go over the headlights it removes almost 40% of all that build up it makes the job a lot easier

[@carterblanc7856]

Btw thank you! Just did this to a 2000 dodge. The headlights couldn’t even be seen at night they were so bad. They look better than new now!!!

[@wrf8245]

I used a 3M kit for my friends Jeep. Yes, it got rid of the haze and made the covers look clear, but it didn't help much for night driving. More for aesthetics.

[@georgemyers6518]

That’s wild that a cigarette butt found its way into the capsule but moisture hasn’t. I have to believe it was in there when the lens was assembled onto the housing. Great job sanding and polishing.it’s not only clean but also has extreme clarity and gloss.

[@mikec3820]

looked fine at 2500 grit honestly. like new once you were done tho. best light restore video ive seen in 2 days of watching videos. TY

[@marambula]

Solid instruction and example. I used Meguiars spray headlight sealant like you in this video and was happy with it. Its been a year (13 months) and they still look nice (2 cars = 4 headlights), starting to oxidize some and I will probably do the whole wet sand then seal in another 6-12 months. Might try a different sealant but don't have anything negative to say about the megs. For data sake I used the mothers headlight restore kit since it included a drill attachment and polish, Also nothing bad to say about that kit but I will use 3m automotive sandpaper next time like you did in this video in order to get better detail and control. I have helped someone use the turtle wax kit in the past and although I like their sanding pads the kit is lacking IMO. So many kits and they are all different. 3m auto sandpaper made for wet sanding seems the best way to remove the oxidation based on my experience and watching way too many videos about this topic on KZbin. Thank you for sharing your video.

[@BanzGz205]

Try Rust-Oleum 298g Clear Gloss 2X Ultra Cover UV resistant 10X better

[@marambula]

I actually redid my headlights just 2 weeks ago. And did 2 other cars (family and friend) the same weekend. All 3 sets came out immaculate and all were done with the 3m “headlight restoration system” kit (39008) ~$15 that has the drill attachment, p500, p800, p300 trizact, and orange foam polish pad for use with a drill. The kit had everything I needed except for tape, drill, and I used the Meguiars headlight clear coat at the end. that 3m kit is 10/10 with the meguiars spray.

[@marambula]

10x better no way. Better perhaps but i doubt it anyways. 10x better is just hyperbolic and silly talk

[@keithroberts5611]

​​@@marambulaThe finnish is a 💯%Better by far!!!3M restoration kit is my Number one choice as is Meguiars clearcoat with added UV!!!😊 👍

[@mikehenderson2039]

Very straight-forward demo with specific items & product. Really helpful!

[@fitzhitz]

Great video and explanation through each step. After purchasing some products I’ll be ready to go do my own headlights! Thanks again!

[@peterk8832]

It's not contamination causing the discolouration and fogginess. It is sun ultraviolet light which deteriorates the polycarbonate lens, makes the surface brittle, miniscule cracks and softer, (how is "contaminate" yellow when the lens is sanded)? There is crap on the lens but that is microns of thickness and is removed with wax and grease remover and iso alcohol.

[@garethdavies7564]

i have done loads in the past the best results i have got is all of the prep then use vapor kit then ceramic coating on top

[@hookandlateral1]

What compound would you recommend for paint if you're going to put a coating on top of it? Would that mirror glaze cut enough to be one and done?

[@svbodaciousliberty2884]

Dude. Thanks. My 2013 Pilot’s headlights now look awesome

[@imjoshv]

Awesome!!

[@MagicMikesDetailing]

NIGHT & DAY!!! Awesome video

[@GSP-76]

For badly faded headlights, I have found that a little mother's aluminum polish on a medium buffing pad and buffer works fantastic. If you really want them to stay looking new, use a ceramic coating on them after. One round with the aluminum polish and then one with actual car polish and your in business fast. Wet sanding always works too but I find using aluminum polish to just do the job much faster.

[@migmogg8087]

What car polish would you recommend for your process

[@GSP-76]

@@migmogg8087 You could use whatever polish you like but I have preferred using Sonnax. Mother's Aluminum polish works like a miracle on faded headlights...you'll never use anything else after seeing the results, lol.

[@migmogg8087]

@@GSP-76 im going to try it ,mothers aluminum and mag polish ,compound and polish then ceramic coat ?

[@indyrock8148]

This. This is the reason I read comments. I have mothers mag polish. Will do this. Pure genius...

[@Reyes_6two6]

Did you use sonax perfect finish? @Gurvinder Parmer

[@kyles.3514]

Most underrated channel on KZbin

[@imjoshv]

Thanks Kyle!!

[@MrDickhead47]

That’s a lot of super clean in the background

[@kalejones4354]

Project farm did a head to head for the DIY kits available and the sylvania headlight kit comes with a clear coat step to protect the work you put in.

[@YeOldeGeezer]

So does the turtle wax

[@ddautodetailing]

Awesome tutorial 👌! That headlight turned out perfect. Which kit do you like best? I've used the Cerakote headlight restoration kit and had great success with it.

[@ReggyRay289]

I'd love to hear your tips on how to wash a truck, and a truck with a canopy(like your tundra)

[@utilityart]

So on my 4Runner I have the UV coating peeling on the top surfaces but the headlights are not discolored yet. Should I use the same process?

[@jonjohnson102]

I would

[@760Prohoops]

Just ordered the polisher with your link, discount came in clutch thanks !

[@davidfrank2824]

I have watched these videos from overseas. It looks to be in Pakistan and over there they absolutely fixed everything. Very very few times have you ever see them open a box and put a new part on. They have this one episode where this one man and it might be his father has a shop about the average size of a home garage. He's got headlights everywhere and he makes a video of him cleaning the lens. Those guys don't play around. One of the first things they do is use this metal scraper. They get in there and remove some serious plastic. Once they start with the sanding their next step is to open the light up. They use a porch and just move it quickly around the seams and break it open. They then start cleaning the inside. They will polish that out put everything back together and polish the outside lens. Then they put something on it at the end I'm assuming it's some sort of UV protector. Those guys do a great job and they even fix headlights and headlights that has a hole in them. They do a really good job but you can see the repair I would say they are close to 80 maybe 85% to wear it's hard to see the repair. As always I enjoyed your video and of course I made sure to leave you a big old thumbs up. And of course I am a subscriber had been for a very long time.

[@2020Tundra]

Josh, great job. The headlight looks amazing!! You mentioned a link to your 2nd channel with ASMR style videos, but I don’t see the link. Would love to check it out. 👍

[@MrMegatron85]

That cigarette butt gave me a good chuckle. Detailer comes rollin up with a damn cigarette butt in his headlight haha

[@justplanefred]

Do you think a Ceramic coating would do as well or near as well as this Mequires product? Or do you think the Meguires product is basically just clear coat?

[@silversentrav]

Great Video, I usually use a PPF from Lamin-X or Xpel to keep mine nice and clear.

[@rdeh1678]

After I restore or rebuild lenses for my clients I use a product from 3m to add the lost protection

[@imjoshv]

I actually just used the 3m product on an Acura wagon recently. Works well!

[@davestewart9146]

Wow what a difference, great demonstration, thanks Josh 😁👍 I didn’t see your link to your second channel below, am I missing something?

[@davidmeek8692]

VERY NICE!

[@captaina4458]

Quick tip, you can also use ONR 256:1 as lubricant on this process as well.

[@imjoshv]

👍

[@tompfender8732]

Thanks Josh! Do you know if that sealant spray can be used on new lights to keep them from yellowing?

[@falovepa]

I've been waiting for this!

[@nosolja9]

This process comes out better than trying to polish it back to life...

[@alexandrelefebvre3847]

Big thanks from Québec Canada 🇨🇦

[@BanzGz205]

Make your headlights last longer from yellowing I use Rust-Oleum 298g Clear Gloss 2X Ultra Cover UV resistant works much better then the one in the video I’ve had my car for years and they haven’t been yellow since

[@MuhammadIqbal-wx3zv]

Wow! Amazing, awesome job!

[@imjoshv]

Thank you very much!

[@kathy1256]

Wow!!! Super impressive!!

[@maroofr]

I came here to clear my janky headlights. I didn't expect to learn how to open the hood in a transit connect lol!!

[@imjoshv]

Haha

[@user-ci8gm2jr4w]

I do believe that the yellowing that your sanding is the plastic itself and the UV rays cause that and your actually removing the layer of yellowed plastic down to where it’s clear again, your not pulling contaminates out of the plastic.then when you use the next highest sand paper and the next your smoothing down the scratches from the previous paper. The clear coat is protecting it from the UV rays yellowing effects.

[@GukoSS8]

thanks man :)

[@malibu1966]

Again great information. We appreciate all the work you put into your videos. Only have one question how did you move that cigarette butt over an inch to the left of where it was? Little early for April fools don't you think. LOL

[@imjoshv]

Ha no, off camera I pulled the bulb and blew in with compressed air trying to get it out… didn’t work

[@nv9811]

I couldn’t find any of list of descriptions of products that you used on this video..??? Thanks

[@inkgenie9760]

Great explanation thanks

[@grantthomas9027]

Good video josh

[@joelcleare]

Bought the 3m kit for its sanding, compounding, and polishing and the Cerekote for its coating. Way cheaper than replacing Lexus headlights.

[@robertbenites9272]

Great job and video Josh.

[@davidbundesen5867]

Super impressive results

[@homeboi808]

UV protectant after is crucial.

[@jonnybravo3055]

E tech headlight clear coa hast been long lasting and effective compared to the last time I did it with Meguires.

[@TransformationDetail]

Thanks for this tutorial and the maxshine plug! 2 questions, can you achieve this with a drill instead of a polisher? And some have suggested using a wool pad. What are your thoughts?

[@keithroberts5611]

You can use a drill with a 3inch base plate and foam head, With good results, Saying that a deadecated cordless polisher again 3inch base plate takes the clarity and shine to a all new level!!! Why because the polisher runs at a higher speed which in turn creates more friction = Heat that smooths out left over micro scratches!! The result is nothing short of perfection!!!🧐😳🙂👍

[@jorgesanchez6769]

Wouooooou brother you are number #1 I gonna used all the products Thank you happy 5 mayo🎉

[@StratOvation]

Great instructions josh! I've done 5 or 6 cars headlights in a very similar manner. a couple tips for folks that may have not yet done this. many older cars have headlamp assemblies that are very easy to remove, getting these out of the car really makes this quicker & easier since there is no need for masking, allows sanding steps with a small DA sander on low speed (keep pads wetted & only on lowest speed setting) and also no concern with overspray of coating sitting on a work surface. I've never seen the headlight coating spray you used, but I'm guessing it's similar to the clear coat spray that I've used previously.

[@imjoshv]

great tips! and yeah im assuming they a similar

[@keithroberts5611]

So removal of the headlight assembly?? You need unless you have a car macanic experience!? A car manual is a must and that going to cost!! I know of at least too guys who had to take off most of the front off there cars to remove there headlights, Taping takes seconds your way takes hours!! Tape wins!!!

[@StratOvation]

@@keithroberts5611 To each his own Keith, do what works best for you. It seems that most folks can manage operation of a screwdriver w/o years of previous auto mechanic experience, but if that task pushes you past your comfort level, then certainly don't risk confusing righty tighty, with lefty loosey. 🙂

[@StratOvation]

Just in case you missed it, I was specifically speaking about my past experiences on older vehicles. "many older cars have headlamp assemblies that are very easy to remove"

[@adenovirus.]

Don’t you need to turn can upside down and spray to clear the nozzle?

[@imjoshv]

yeah i tyipcally d that with any aerosol after using it

[@fadetoblack51]

Wouldn’t a sand at 800 grit followed by a 2k clear coat be superior for longevity?

[@GSP-76]

800 grit is very rough...if the headlight is in really bad shape, 800 might be worthwhile...when I sanded them in the past, I started with 1000 followed by 1500/2000...but these days, I just use Mother's Aluminum polish. It works amazing on headlights and is much faster than sanding.

[@fadetoblack51]

@@GSP-76 that’s good for about 6 mos

[@GSP-76]

@@fadetoblack51 not if you use a coating. I did a family friend's headlights two years ago and they're still looking like the day I did them. Aluminum polish has a lot of cutting power. You could get some great results using it even on really bad headlights in 10-15 minutes of work.

[@kamzone84]

What will last longer, Meguiars coat or headlight film protector (wrap)?

[@dt5993]

Nice job

[@philipbaio2237]

Great video

[@jerrywiget307]

Great job thank you from Hawaii

[@imjoshv]

Thanks!!

[@paulm283]

Great job🎉

[@harryduncan6699]

I covered both of my vehicles lens with Weathertech lens covers. One vehicle has 135,000 and the lens still look new. I wonder if you could apply Weathertech covers to lens after you buffed them to prevent them from fogging over again?

[@annagraham6204]

One reviewer said they did and turned out fine. It’s similar to applying a ceramic. To the right prep work and you’re good. I’ve heard spraying 2k clear coat is the best option of all.

[@keithroberts5611]

@@annagraham6204 2k is far to hard plus a nightmare to remove, When restoring in the near future!! Megiurs is worker friendly and should last 2-3 years depending where you live!!!

[@WitStream1]

I'd leave the cig butt in there forever. That's f'in classic! Also, can we pause and consider the idiocy of Cali's decision to put the DMV web address on every license plate? I mean, why?

[@imjoshv]

Haha. Yea ca isn’t known for its great decisions… just good weather

[@skyvwest]

How did the coating hold up?

[@gort400]

WOW!!! Thanks

[@Danielxperez14]

Does clay luber work instead of soapy water?

[@imjoshv]

Yea!

[@thepiecesfit5049]

What ratio do you use for the 90% mix?

[@timlong7641]

Could you please send me the list of products you used I live in GA

[@ctt4811]

Am i not seeing the link for your new channel? Id like to sub

[@troyhenry3267]

josh, i have a battery drill and a 15mm DA polisher. for the sanding stage, should i use my drill with a 3 inch 500/800/3000 sanding disc to sand with? or can i use my DA polisher with a 3" inch backing plate to do the sanding and polishing together?

[@hectorboyar4321]

fiyaaaaaa..great result

[@robertfreund7525]

Thank you. Great job.

[@tommylibio8387]

Wow good job 🎉

[@bcjones2185]

Wonder how this would do on a UTV windshield that's not glass?

[@hudortunnel9784]

actually, some problems are not on the outside. others are on the inside and CAN be corrected using another tool, which is a heat gun to soften thr headlight glue and break it part. clean it and pre-heat thr glue before clamping them together

[@mrlosangles4697]

Could i hand polish @ the end?

[@carnelldennis3628]

Hey Josh after headlight coating can you add ppf?

[@cmo0429]

Amazing results man! How much xtra would you charge a customer for this service?

[@carterblanc7856]

Would it make sense to put any other kind of protection on top of the headlight coating?

[@keithroberts5611]

Definitely No, Take Meguiars it state's two coats? Believe one coat is enough promise!!I have watched dozens no more like 100's of headlight restorations,Where people have coated (sprayed) multiple times, This is a fallacy, Reason first the effects on headlight performance to many coats will reduce transmission of light to the road, It goes against all what restoration is all about improving visibility and safety, Its the same as morons using tinted film on headlights bonkers, And lastly by applying to many layers of any clearcoat causes overheating of headlight housing, Moreover you run the risk of melting or distortion of the polycarbonate, Air moving across the lens keeps it cool 😎 🤔👍

[@elayned6147]

Thanks ❤ great video

[@imjoshv]

Glad you liked it!

[@eric_w3333]

Protection 303 is supposed to help it last!! Apply often!

[@partypeoplesandiego]

Love the Channel.

[@joedonaghue2952]

josh I cant seem to find the other channel you mentioned ?

[@randyc2525]

I didn’t see your link for your new page.

[@wendyeesue]

It Urks me that we cant just remove the headlight and clean inside ourselves. Thats where most of the issue is too, not just the outside...Did you use hot or cold water on the outside of the headlight?

[@jesseruiz5680]

thanks man

[@albertflores6632]

Will Flitz multi purpose polish be okay to use?

[@tukulitozakayamas2103]

i thought if you go up to 2000 3000 grip or polish the plastic, then the clear coat wont last for to long...

[@Darkcruzer23]

thank you for this. but im curious. if you buy all these things individually, you spend more than a typical headlight restoration kit. granted you may be able to do more than 1 car. most people just need to do 1 car. btw i make that swan alcohol :D

[@keithroberts5611]

It all depends on which kit you buy? Of all the restoration available today 3M is probably the best there is because they have options on your personal preference either dry sanding or wet!!There not a complete kits you still have to buy some products to have premier finnish! I think it's a worth while investment is a 2 speed variable cordless drill, As its a perfect addition to own, Great for any DIY projects around the home and garden!!Plus when it comes to the polishing step on headlights electric power is a must where a higher speed is required why because friction =Heat are needed to smooth away left over micro scratches and leave the surface clarity + Shine to another level, Hand buffing can't compete!!🤔👍

[@dneilbartelds9558]

Hi please help!! I did this and I'm in the process of sanding but I'm noticing some brown streaks appear as I'm sanding and they don't seem to go away when I wipe it with soapy water or sand them more. Maybe I am using too much pressure? Please help! How to remove these marks?

[@user-ci8gm2jr4w]

I believe you burned the plastic from the friction of the grit. Only way to get rid of it is to sand down below the burn to remove it.

[@ereckharrison]

Best channel on KZbin. But hey @IMJOSHV where is the ASMR link?

[@StrokaReviews]

Amazing 👏

[@michaelc4577]

Does Megs spray coating bond well to polished plastic? I know a lot of people recommend spraying clear on a sanded surface.

[@keithroberts5611]

Of course it does, It was developed especially for polycarbonate headlights as written on the can!!!

[@onehandedgamer1753]

i only got 1200 n 2000 which one should i use 1st n 2nd

[@keithroberts5611]

Nether, It depends on how bad the degradation is it just Fogging dirty, Or something more serious like old cracking clearcoat, If it's the latter start with a course grit p320 p500-p800 dry sanding only then p3000 trizact with water, After apply any glass cleaner spray and dry using a clean micro fibre cloth, Then buff out headlights again wipe lens and straight away coat lens with a certified clearcoat with added UV protection!! And never use any 2k products ever!!!

[@AM-pq1rq]

so how to take care of this after a year or so?

[@dgarrettebarnes8575]

Who did the Criss Angel card in glass trick with the cigarette butt?

[@imjoshv]

Haha