Headlight redo...

I found a set of Sylvania Xtravision lamps in the discount bin of my local
auto store (7 bucks each), so I want to replace the standard lamps in my 92
Dodge Shadow.
Unfortunately, the headlight covers are also cloudy, and yellowed. Bought
some extra fine grit sanding blocks to resurface the surface. Would it help
to spray the covers with a clear finish after I get past the yellow/cloudy
layers?
Any other suggestions? TIA

Deke

 

There's a headlight restoration kit sold at Wal-Mart. It's in a silver foil
packet and runs around 20 bucks, worth it's weight in gold. Used on my 300M
and my Wife's stratus..still look great after 6 months.

Mike

 

There are kits sold specifically for the purpose of refinishing cloudy &
yellowed headlight plastic. Aside from mail order (including restoration
supply shops), I think I've even seen them in Wal-Mart. Check your various
local auto supply places before you hit that plastic with sanding blocks...
('Course, if all else fails, do a good web search for replacement headlamp
units. I was able to find new ones for another vehicle for under $50
apiece.)

 

Thanks for the reply, and you too Moparmaniac.
Checked at wally world, no kit at the local, tiny store. Will check at a
supercenter next time one is in my flight path.
Going over the covers with super fine grit and water helped a bunch to
remove the yellowing and some of the cloudiness. The Xtravisions helped
also.
Seems the cloudiness and crazing goes much deeper than I expected. But they
are still better than they were.

Deke

 

The surface will look cloudy after sanding even with the finest grit
sandpaper. If you polish them with any kind of plastic or car polish,
they will look water clear. Depending on how much elbow grease you put
into the polishing, the polish is actually filling in the definite but
microscopic and uniform scratches left by the sandpaper as evidenced by
the fact that you will have to polish them every few weeks (after the
polish wears off) - unless you follow with clear coat.

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

 

after the sanding (with 2000 or 2500 grit)...

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

 

Here is the web site for the system I mentioned I bought at Wal-Mart.

http://www.crystalviewchemicals.com/index.htm

Mike

 

I bought one in foil from Pep Boys. Sounds like same stuff. Had sand paper
inside, a paste for smoothing and a coating, all for $20.

 

That is the one I used too. Looks good so far.