AaronCompNetSys

This thread will be a placeholder for information about the Ohio meet about headlight care, along with products and links. If you are around Cincinnati, feel free to PM with interest.

Mothers PowerBall 4Lights Headlight Restoration Kit
https://www.amazon.c.../dp/B00341MIAW/
$14.95
The polish in this kit is only useful in some circumstances. I don't use it, instead use:

Meguiar's G12310 PlastX
https://www.amazon.c.../dp/B0000AY3SR/
$6.47

Or https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

P800 Grit Wet-Dry Sandpaper
https://www.amazon.c.../dp/B000B8UPMO/
$8.04

Griot's Garage 11153 Paint Cleaning Clay
https://amazon.com/G...g/dp/B003POLA84
$19.05
At the time I bought, best weight per dollar. All clay from different brands is manufactured at the same plant.

Water Blade, Silicone
https://www.amazon.c.../dp/B00II5YCBC/
$17.95
Only get the full silicone one, not a plastic handled version.

Premium Wax Paste
https://www.amazon.c...um+wax+paste+uv
$10-$30
I currently use Turtle Platinum (discontinued) and Collinite Paste Fleetwax

Griot's Garage 10641 Yo-Yo Finishing and Waxing Applicator
https://www.amazon.c...uct/B00T2XIRKQ/
$9.99

Premium Texture Microfiber Wax and Finish Towels
https://www.amazon.c...uct/B018HVWDE4/
$9.78
These towels are the most versatile I've seen on the market for a cheap price. The textured side is excellent for difficult cleaning.

Premium Baby Diaper
https://www.amazon.c.../dp/B006STTHUG/
$6.91
I have no idea where I got my diapers from, but the two ply material is thick and not absorbent, with the perfect weight and texture for removing dried wax.

Dishsoap
Whatever concentrated dish soap that is cheap. A critical part of the process is soap with no additives.

Presta 137306 Headlight Sealant
https://www.amazon.c...uct/B0082LFOFA/
$53.14
This stuff is no joke, and will permanently restore your headlights for years with no maintenance. Not easy to use.

99% Isopropyl Alcohol
https://www.amazon.c.../dp/B001B5JT8C/
$6.51

AaronCompNetSys

My process for a quick polish of headlights:

1. Wash with dish soap. Dry with jelly blade.
2. Inspect to see if there is any paint left on the plastic lens. If there is, use clay bar and soap to clean, jump to step (15) to buff and seal it.
3. If little paint is left or obvious orange peel, or plastic is yellow (indicating no paint left) begin wet sanding.
4. First should be the P800 sandpaper, or the #1 from the Mother's kit. Sand from left to right, cleaning both the lens and the paper with soapy water every 15 seconds or after 6 passes.
5. Wash with dish soap. Dry with jelly blade. Inspect for any pits/orange peel/irregularities.
6. Repeat step (4/5) until only the horizontal scratches are visible. Lens will be very cloudy.
7. Proceed with same process using #2 sandpaper from the kit, rubbing up and down.
8. Wash with dish soap. Dry with jelly blade. Inspect for any irregularities.
9. Repeat step (7/8) until only the vertical scratches are visible. Lens will begin to clear up.
10. Proceed with same process using #3 sandpaper from the kit, rubbing left to right. Friction on lens to paper should be noticeably different when cutting well, may need to rinse paper more often.
11. Wash with dish soap. Dry with jelly blade. Inspect for any irregularities.
12. Repeat step (10/11) until only the horizontal scratches are visible.
13. Repeat with #4 paper rubbing up and down.
14. Wash with dish soap. Dry with jelly blade. Inspect for any pits/orange peel/irregularities.
15. Apply PlastX to power ball in drill, run at slow speed while applying it to the upper half of the lens.
16. Increase speed of the drill and begin buffing until the product is almost dried onto the lens.
17. Repeat application of PlastX to ball and finish lower half of the lens.
18. Wash with dish soap. Dry with jelly blade. Inspect for any irregularities.
19. Put drill into reverse direction. Repeat steps (15-18).
20. Rinse well with clean water. Dry with jelly blade. Inspect for any irregularities. (Clean ball with soapy water and rinse well)
21. Apply wax extremely thick, rub well with applicator pad.
22. Allow to dry double the recommended time, buff/remove excess with baby diaper.

If you remember to reapply wax each month, this will keep lenses clear for a long time. If sealed with Presta ReNuLite, it will last years with little maintenance or wax. My notes on applying ReNuLite are on Amazon.

Kakarot103

did you use the alcohol?