Polishing And/or Cleaning Headlights

[Starmachinist]

I took my headlights and marker lights off tonight because they were looking pretty faded and so I wanted to polish 'em up again but noticed that there was quite a bit of haze on the inside. I'm assuming this is from bulbs burning out or something. Anyways, I was just wondering if anyone has any good ideas on how to clean the inside of the lenses. Are they " dishwasher safe " ? I can only reach in there so far with my finger to rub this stuff out so I'm not sure what to do. Hope this all makes sense and any ideas would be appreciated,

 

thanks,

 

Andy

[Zembonez]

Never tried cleaning the inside of them. Outside is easily buffed using automotive polishes and compounds. Follow up with wax. If you have them off of the truck, I cant see why a dish washing solution in water would hurt them. I'd just make sure to get the inside good and dry. (hair dryers work well)

[Starmachinist]

I just wasn't sure if the heat at the end of the washing cycle would "melt" the glue that holds the lense to the rest of the housing. I tried polishing them but they are pitted pretty bad so I may have to try some really fine sandpaper first and then polish them again.

[Zembonez]

I just wasn't sure if the heat at the end of the washing cycle would "melt" the glue that holds the lense to the rest of the housing. I tried polishing them but they are pitted pretty bad so I may have to try some really fine sandpaper first and then polish them again.

I don't think I'd do the dishwasher thing... just some dawn in water swished around inside should do the trick. Rinse well and make sure they are dry inside.

[C & A s Dad]

I would agree with Jim on this. Also, before you start the sandpaper thing, you may want to look at the small DIY kit from Symtech. They began selling professional size kits onlyfor Body Shops and we found them to be the best out there. They now offer the same product in a small kit for DIY use. The best thing about this product is it helps keep the yellow and haze from coming back.

 

 

MMM is also making a new kit and we have sold quite a few so far. I have heard good comments about it as well.

[Grebbler]

It's usually just a weak film and I used a mild cleaner on a sponge style bottle brush. BEWARE that the silver reflector is fragile and can be damaged and scratched easily. Dishwasher soap is caustic and could eat off the silvering especially if its aluminized.

 

Ed