Headlight Restoration

[dyvios]

Disclaimer: The following is provided as a GUIDE ONLY, and neither myself nor Ozhonda take any responsibility for the outcomes of someone else doing the following. You follow these steps at your own risk!.

Aim: To get Yellow/Cloudy Headlights back to near new. I am doing this to encourage a few out there (especially ep3 owners) to spruce up their headlights without having to purchase new ones.

Required: Headlight Restoration Kit. In my case from Repco as it has everything but a hair dryer.

Steps: I followed the steps from the instruction (very easy to follow) but i thought i might help someone by putting a Human touch to instruction.

The Kit (No the bin doesn't come with it)

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5326/7371144532_348dfa6eb2_c.jpg

It comes with everything you need.
1 x Roll Masking Paper
1 x Masking Tape
1 x White Paper Towel
1 x Blue Tack Rag
3 x Sheet Fine Sanding Paper (seems 1000+ grit)
3 x Sanding blocks (seems 400 grit)
1 x Spray Can UV Protectant Sealant
You will also need a Hair dryer

Step 1:

With the supplied paper and tape cover up the area around the headlight. Make sure once you put the paper to reapply more masking tape around the headlight as it will help not sanding your body panels.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5322/7185915455_153448bdf1_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7218/7185912245_8225d9ee3f_c.jpg

As you can see in the above picture, my headlight has a yellow tinge and cloudiness/scratches.

Step 2:

Use the sanding block provided and sand the entire surface of the headlight. Put your elbow into it and make sure you remove the yellow tinge/cloudiness off. Step back to have a look if you have missed a spot. Don't worry your headlight will be fine. Make sure you sand it thoroughly as it is key to a good finish.
Once you finish with that, take the finer sanding paper and start sanding the headlight smooth until "balling up" on sand paper stops occurring.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7231/7185914981_75f655df68_c.jpg

I went in a linear motion but doesn't have to be that way.

Step 3:

Take the white paper towel supplied and wipe the entire headlight from dust, then take the blue tack rag and wipe off gently the dust/fibres.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8154/7371143598_4c6008015b_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7185913505_4807388234_c.jpg

Step 4:

Shake the Spray can supplied for 3-4 minutes (put on your favourite song and shake as long). Once done, spray a "dry coat" over entire headlight so it has a matt finish.
Let it dry for 3 minutes and this is where the hair dryer comes into it. You may notice slight cloudiness in different areas. If this occurs use your hair dryer to blow hot air on the headlight for up to 1 minute and the cloud will disappear.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7222/7185914485_20fe6a67cc_c.jpg

You may want to practise spray on the paper as i have or somewhere else.

Once it has dried, apply the second coat over the entire headlight and follow the same procedure as above with the hair drier if required.
Remember 1st coat Matt, 2nd coat semi gloss.

This is the end result (i must admit i did rush as i was between jobs and that was the only time i had) It should take about 10 minutes/headlight maybe more if you take extra care.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8018/7371143146_a13eb06c50_c.jpg

Before/After

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7235/7185915637_f90981b458_h.jpg

I hope this helps you guys!

[androo]

Nice write up! Does it matter if your head lights are glass or plastic?

[dyvios]

thanks mate.
glass doesn't go yellow/cloudy. so its for plastic which mine are

[androo]

Sweet. Repped

[DakDak]

How much did the kit set you back? I wanna do this on my car but im thinking of using turtle headlight restorer

[dyvios]

its currently on special at repco for $39.99. normal price $62.99.
its supposed to do up to 2-3 sets of headlights. its the easiest restoration kit i have seen.
many others require tools and buffers etc

[DarkAgent]

If you're strapped for cash...

I did a pretty good job on my old EK with toothpaste. Believe it or not it worked very well.

Have heard that avocado also works really well.

[dyvios]

they probably do but you have to make sure the headlights get UV treated/sealed to get long lasting result.

[charliebrown]

Eyy nice result mun. saw that repco kit on sale but was a bit iffy about it since its repco brand lol. looks alright i guess ill have to go get myself one before sale ends :D

thanks for taking the time to make DIY :thumbsup:

[dyvios]

its actually an american brand called Headlight Renew Doctor re branded as Repco.
like i said its easiest restoration kit i have seen out there because all you have to do is sand and spray, in a nutshell.

[ericl33]

very clear, with good pics.

job well done m8.


Although I think there are a few headlight resto DIY's already.

[dyvios]

i am sure there is. but this is so easy its not funny.
you could say this a Review/DIY and i am happy to see people are liking it.
my main aim was to encourage a few out there as i have seen a few ep3's with funny headlights (especially the eu)

[tiksie]

Nice DIY mate.

Here's my review on a few other products:

http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?159021-MEGUIARS-Medium-Cutting-Compound-oxidised-headlight-restoration

[charliebrown]

Can/should you use this for tail lights too? They're not oxidised and cloudy but wanna get them lookin mint and shiny

[EKVTIR-T]

Can/should you use this for tail lights too? They're not oxidised and cloudy but wanna get them lookin mint and shiny
Yes you can. Also looks nice if you smooth out the stanley logos etc.

Make em smooth and shainey

[dyvios]

Can/should you use this for tail lights too? They're not oxidised and cloudy but wanna get them lookin mint and shiny

certainly can. but you won't get the same effect as the headlights, as they are see through

[charliebrown]

is visibility much improved after doing this? i srs can't see shit at night, driving blind pretty much but my headlights arent dirty. dont wanna be a kunt HID guy

[dyvios]

i don't think my visibility has improved that much but i haven't tested it yet. the car is only a weekender, so i'll probably will try it out tonight.

you don't have to be a HID guy to get good vision. just get some H4 globes which will brighten your vision a bit.

on special at repco
http://catalogues.repco.com.au/offer/home-lighting-equipment-supplies/repco-h4-plus-30-halogen-globes/4qu90ilpe.html?source=catalogue

[MIKO_OL]

Pretty good man. Suprised how clena that turned out. Also noting wrong with opening up the glass lens and cleaning the inside if your really fussy ! haha like me :)

[dyvios]

hey guys
I just thought i'd do a quick follow up to the DIY. I did my mates Renault Clio and his lights were worse off than mine.
So here is the before/after.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5280/7424622154_ecfb8d7619_b.jpg

[kiaa_]

If you're strapped for cash...

I did a pretty good job on my old EK with toothpaste. Believe it or not it worked very well.

Have heard that avocado also works really well.
+1 for the toothpaste. Worked on my EK.

[charliebrown]

Lol what the fk! this kit didn't work for me... the sanding block wasn't sanding my headlights, afaik the headlights are plastic :confused:

I did the indicators as well, everything looks the same -_-

before
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg822/scaled.php?server=822&filename=beforeeverything2.jpg&res=landing

after
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg233/scaled.php?server=233&filename=aftereverything.jpg&res=landing

before
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg152/scaled.php?server=152&filename=beforeeverything.jpg&res=landing

after
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg19/scaled.php?server=19&filename=afterspray2.jpg&res=landing

left = before, right = after. cant tell the difference right?
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg832/scaled.php?server=832&filename=finalafterdry.jpg&res=landing

[dyvios]

are your headlight glass or plastic? if they are glass it wont work, as glass wont go yellow/cloudy.

your headlight looked good before. just remember one thing, the less faded your headlights are the less you will notice the difference after restoring

[charliebrown]

How can you tell if they are glass or plastic?

[androo]

Australian delivered EG's had glass head lights... The JDM equivilant is plastic.

You just sanded your glass head lights... They looked fine at the start anyway. Trying to fix what's not broken are we? :)

[dyvios]

knock on them. if they sound loud or hollow then most likely they are plastic.
or you can try a drinking glass and gently (seriously gently) tap the rim of the glass to your headlight while holding the glass at the base. if it rings then your headlight is glass if it thuds then its plastic.
from the pics i reckon you have glass headlight.
i'm not sure if the eg came with glass headlight but my old ae92 had glass, and the eg is from the same time (direct competitor to that model)

[charliebrown]

Australian delivered EG's had glass head lights... The JDM equivilant is plastic.

You just sanded your glass head lights... They looked fine at the start anyway. Trying to fix what's not broken are we? :)

lol hahah fk me

maybe thats why the UV protectant spray left drips everywhere the kunt

[dyvios]

Australian delivered EG's had glass head lights... The JDM equivilant is plastic.

You just sanded your glass head lights... They looked fine at the start anyway. Trying to fix what's not broken are we? :)

there you go, he just answered the question while i was typing

[dyvios]

lol thats funny. atleast you know what to do next time

[charliebrown]

thanks guise.

will do my taillights tomorrow since got so much leftover shit might as well.

hope they're not glass too

[androo]

They're plastic. Should come up nice. Sand down the markings if you're super keen. Looks nicer but will require a lot of elbow grease to make them smooth and shiny again in those areas.

[ericl33]

jeez, fkn CBauto.

why did you not consult with ohsc old gen 1st before doing it?

lmfzoooo

[kimang]

didnt work for me.. sprayed it twice and the headlights became cloudy even after using the blow dryer.. yellow disappeared by its jst crazy cloudy now :/

[99ITR]

you get so much more sand paper compared to the turtle wax restoration kit. my friend used the turtle wax and after one and a half week, the healights started to go yellow again

[dyvios]

didnt work for me.. sprayed it twice and the headlights became cloudy even after using the blow dryer.. yellow disappeared by its jst crazy cloudy now :/

did you wait a few minutes between coats?

[kimang]

Yeah... was playing a game before i put second coat on.

[evolution]

Gave the Repco kit a try as well on my DRL's as they started to turn yellow. It worked to a certain extent, but the DRL's still have a yellow tinge to it due to the fact that the inside of the lamps are also turning yellow.

Starting
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee128/rb1odc/08%20FD1%20Civic/e02176e1.jpg

After first coat
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee128/rb1odc/08%20FD1%20Civic/937b486a.jpg

Finished
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee128/rb1odc/08%20FD1%20Civic/748bcd46.jpg

After a while
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee128/rb1odc/08%20FD1%20Civic/5fb2eb57.jpg

[WATAJK]

May give this a crack on the JDM Dc5 headlights i have on the car... there abit worn...

[dyvios]

just make sure you give them a good sanding. i think thats where most people stuff up

[Webby_roller]

Once they repco headlight product goes off sale, can always use meguires plastX... I work at repco on weekends and this is what I use... just polish the headlight whenever you wash it and it will take the yellow oxidation off. If not all at once after a couple uses it does... It am sure works wonders and its about 10 bucks depending where you shop... just thought some people might like to know...

[tuppelo]

Hi,

Have you needed to re-apply UV protection coating after you done it ever since?
What is overall condition of your lights 6 months after you have done it?
Does coating get removed with car washing?

Thanks

[gen2 CRX]

i used 800 grit + polyurethane exterior clear coat for timber which has UV protection.

[dyvios]

No re application required so far. the lights still look as if they were just done, after washing and all.
i must admit my car is regularly garaged but my mates car which is the blue renault on these pages, is a daily driven car and always parked outside and still look mint.
based on the product description it should last up to two years.

[tuppelo]

Ok..goode do the Repco kit the other day and have done all work this morning.. Have to say it has taken me much longer than expected but I was taking my time..I have Euro with HID as standard..One bf them was in kind of bad condition where the other one was in OK kind f condition...Have done both as both had scratches etc....end result is better than it was before however I am not 100% happy..it looks like that UV protection coat does not make it perfectly even surface..It might be fine with halogen lights but with HID it is not as it needs to be 100% clear....I lost than nice feature of HID lights, nice clear cut off line..It is non existent now and UV protection coat cuts that nice cut of line and shots it everywhere.. To make the matter worse I have just taken my car for a drive and every driver I passed flashed the light thinking I have high beams on..I think I could have done a better job by buying wet sending paper in Bunnings and then finding UV protection spray that does apply protection coat and makes it glass clear kind of thing..

Any experiences anyone had with restoration kits and HID lights?? Also can you suggest any UV protection spray and where to get it from..Will post some photos before and after later on...

[No-VTEC]

I did this for my EK previously and now EM.

i just used:
1000 grit wet sand paper
Mothers Plastic polish (Maguires also very good)

easier to remove both head light completely then you dont have to worry about scratching the surrounding paint.
Just Wet sand then polish... good as new.
the old problem is, is that once you do this, you will need to polish your headlights occasionally.

[DakDak]

Man my Repco job looked weet at first but then it turned crap.

I used Turtle Wax's kit so far so good and WAY more clearer than Repco

[tuppelo]

I will have to re-do mine..I would have left it if it wasn’t up to HID lights. I would prefer to apply clear UV coat to avoid having to polish it all the time but it that is the case I will need to do it that way then..would love to hear anyone who managed to get a nice a clear UV coating that can last some time....

[White Noise]

I used the Turtle wax one also and it worked a treat. Had to do the cream part twice at the start but it worked wonders :)

[tuppelo]

Even with HID lights?

[curtis265]

hey guys - what about using a clearcoat for UV protection? is this a bad idea?

[PHO]

hey guys - what about using a clearcoat for UV protection? is this a bad idea?

This is a bad idea

[EKVTIR-T]

This is a bad idea
corvette has UV resistant clearcoat on its carbon fibre,but for headlight with heat not sure if good

[PHO]

corvette has uv resistant clearcoat on its carbon fibre,but for headlight with heat not sure if good

m8 JDM IS ALWAYS BETTER

[curtis265]

so regular waxing will do better?

[EKVTIR-T]

what about jdm clearcoat?
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31y-lsF8xxL.jpg

mr SUPER UV clear JDM :thumbsup:

[tuppelo]

I have done my reading - would you use Flat or Glossy version of Mr. HOBBY Mr. Super Clear Gloss Spray ?? What would be better suited??

[pietroots]

I did my ek headlights last week with meguiars ultimate cutting compound with an electric buffer for about fifteen minutes each and then rinsed and dried them properly and finished with the meguiars premium wax (twice!) They came up heaps clear and havent faded in the last week even with rain and sun. I was gonna buy the turtle wax product but thought I would give that a shot first, definitely worth it but I guess I'll see in a couple months if it lasts :)