Thanks! With a little elbow grease, you can buy a $20 kit like the one I used and it'll take about 2 hours total for both headlights. It's basically a simple process of clean, a ton of sanding, then clear coat at the end. Go over patiently and take your time with it as it'll yield better results.
Just make sure you're not doing it on a rainy or windy day. :)
This is my 2003 BMW 530i, I recently attempted to restore the headlights using this kit. I did accidentally mess up when applying the clear coat on the left lens and now there are some ridges where it went on unevenly but overall it is a drastic improvement from the hazed yellow that they have been. For $20 I would say the kit is definitely worth trying, it took me about an hour and a half to finish both lights and is pretty straightforward. If I were to do it again I would probably just buy the sandpaper myself and only buy their UV block kit and save a few bucks
Just stick with halogens. Sylvania Silverstar Ultra bulbs are bright as hell. Should be able to get them on Amazon or at any auto parts store.
But more importantly, are your head light lenses all cloudy and yellow? Because that dims the light output a lot. You can polish them yourself with a kit like this (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00429NKWK), or any body shop should be able to do it for you.
Something with a sealant to prevent it from coming back.
As for carpet, Chemical Guys and Adams are known to be good. If they’re really bad, a hand held steam cleaner will go a long way. For interior detailing, you have to make multiple cleans to get really good results. I would just look on eBay for a set of Lexus OEM all weather floor mats and call it a day lol.
I used the Sylvania headlight cleaning kit on Amazon. No tools required and worked like a charm! Lights stayed clear too. Didn't have to do it again like I did with the 3m kit. https://www.amazon.com/SYLVANIA-Headlight-Restoration-Headlights-Protection/dp/B00429NKWK/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=headlight+restoration&qid=1623125067&sr=8-6
I lied. Thought I had 3M but had this: SYLVANIA - Headlight Restoration Kit - 3 Easy Steps to Restore Sun Damaged Headlights with Exclusive UV Block Clear Coat, Light Output and Beam Pattern Restored, Long Lasting Protection https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00429NKWK/ref=cm_sw_r_u_apa_fabc_wzJ6FbVQV6QHB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It was fairly easy to do. Main tip is when applying the clear coat do it swiftly (20 seconds for the whole headlight) and don't try to go over the same spot twice. This will prevent streaks
The Sylvania kit has a clear coat which is one of the things that makes it one of the better kits. It's my understanding that headlights are given a protective coating from the factory but it only lasts a few years before it starts to become cloudy. When you remove the protective layer, it's gone. So it's just bare plastic at that point and will get chalky again pretty rapidly. In my experience, when you restore the headlights once, I will need to be done again every year or two. That's using the Sylvania kit which includes a clear coat so unprotected headlights may go even faster. Even though it doesn't last all that long, it's still worth doing.
If you want a kit to buy that has everything you need, I’d suggest the sylvania headlight restoration kit on Amazon for like 20-30 bucks (here), comes with everything you need, except elbow grease
Thats occidation from the sun. Bound to happen in time, especially if you dont garage your car.
According to what Ive gathered watching Youtube comparisons the Sylvania Headlight Restoration kit works best to fix this. Ill be tackling my headlights soon as well.
SYLVANIA - Headlight Restoration Kit - 3 Easy Steps to Restore Sun Damaged Headlights With Exclusive UV Block Clear Coat, Light Output and Beam Pattern Restored, Long Lasting Protection https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00429NKWK/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_7FD942RDMDSZ8WA8956M
Congrats and welcome to the prelude club.
I highly recommend this product SYLVANIA - Headlight Restoration Kit - 3 Easy Steps to Restore Sun Damaged Headlights with Exclusive UV Block Clear Coat, Light Output and Beam Pattern Restored, Long Lasting Protection https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00429NKWK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_9PMC3NQQ87GF283B3553?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It will make those headlights look almost new again
The silverstars are good, but I prefer the Osram or Philips. As someone else has stated. If your headlights are foggy try storing them with a kit like SYLVANIA - Headlight Restoration Kit.
Check out Certifit for the grille.
This for the headlights:
If you're really OCD, get the Turtle Wax headlight kit andbuse it first, then follow with the Sylvania kit.
SYLVANIA - Headlight Restoration Kit - 3 Easy Steps to Restore Sun Damaged Headlights with Exclusive UV Block Clear Coat, Light Output and Beam Pattern Restored, Long Lasting Protection https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00429NKWK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_1Z99S98KNFFBQ50JSQ4B
I will pay you back for it if it doesn’t work, I swear by this shit
I recommend using SYLVANIA - Headlight Restoration Kit to make your headlight housings clear again.
Also, don't install LED bulbs for the headlights. You may think you'll see better at night, but that's a misconception that many people believe.
I used this kit amazon link like 8 year ago and I remember being satisfied with the results. I don't think it's possible to make the head lights look new though. So keep that in mind.
I highly recommend this kit. I did mine about a year ago and they still look brand new. It involves sanding them down and applying a UV coating. Everything needed is included in the kit.
https://www.amazon.com/SYLVANIA-Headlight-Restoration-Headlights-Protection/dp/B00429NKWK
The yellowing comes from the UV coating going away. My guess is someone polished that side with out applying a new coating.
Something like this would clean it up. https://www.amazon.com/SYLVANIA-Headlight-Restoration-Headlights-Protection/dp/B00429NKWK/
SYLVANIA - Headlight Restoration Kit - 3 Easy Steps to Restore Sun Damaged Headlights With Exclusive UV Block Clear Coat, Light Output and Beam Pattern Restored, Long Lasting Protection https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00429NKWK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_xc-RFbZGFY1Q0
Or there are cheaper options out there like using toothpaste as an abrasive. Need clear coat after
This is the best:
Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit
I have used it in two cars just as bad as your Fit and they both had perfectly shiny lenses for over a year.
I just did my headlight myself using a kit I got off Amazon. Worked amazing. Took me 1 hour.
Here is the kit if you are interested.
SYLVANIA - Headlight Restoration Kit - 3 Easy Steps https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00429NKWK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_k2CGDb2C87APJ
This is the stuff you need:
SYLVANIA - Headlight Restoration Kit - 3 Easy Steps to Restore Sun Damaged Headlights With Exclusive UV Block Clear Coat, Light Output and Beam Pattern Restored, Long Lasting Protection https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00429NKWK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_QbqOCb8GD0SQS
You’ll also need a couple hours and a lot of elbow grease, but afterwards you’ll be a very happy camper.
If you're going to do DIY, I highly recommend Sylvania's restoration kit. I have used it on my daily and some of my family's vehicles as well. A headlight restoration kit is a huge waste of work if it doesn't include a clear coat! Here's the Amazon link to the product: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00429NKWK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_2W6uCb4YN50C1?th=1&psc=1
I used the Sylvania Headlight kit and it took about an hour or so. Results were definitely worth it! I did slightly mess up the clear coat on the left lens and it left some streaks from not being even but it's not noticeable until crouching down to the lights. If your lights are hazed it's worth attempting and is much cheaper than new headlights.
I bought the kit from Amazon for headlights cleaning and it has made it worse I think.
It was done last year and I was so busy since I moved to canada and had a baby . Now, I have some time to breathe and would like to at least start with fixing the headlights.
I live in an apartment so dont have a garage. Dont have any tools either. Please send me in the right direction on what to do and how.
Hey cool, I have the same year and paint color! I'm about to put my General Altimax Arctic tires back on.
Check these out: http://www.amazon.com/Sylvania-HRK-BX-SYLVANIA-Headlight-Restoration/dp/B00429NKWK
I'm only getting on your case about your foggy lenses because I just did mine. Those kits really work. It looks really mineral rich and dirty through all the steps up until the application of the UV coat. Then it's freakishly brand new looking, as if you had purchased a new light assembly.
What you get out of the 45 minute effort is much clearer high beams, and some extra peripheral penetration with the standard beams.
I'd say "enjoy your car" but I already know you will.
What, like this kit?
If your headlights are cloudy/foggy, you can clean them up with a headlight restoration kit.
Use a headlight restoration kit like Sylvania.
It was a couple steps of sanding with 3 different grits, rinsing, then a spray, then a UV finisher (that's what you saw at the end, for the finishing product). It should be in the shade and allowed to set for a couple hours.
This is the product:
https://www.amazon.com/SYLVANIA-Headlight-Restoration-Headlights-Protection/dp/B00429NKWK
It worked great!
Not sure how long it will last... I didn't read the reviews because I was using my dad's box of it.
Good luck with your 98!
Nice lineup.
Ya'll need headlight restoration: https://www.amazon.com/SYLVANIA-Headlight-Restoration-Headlights-Protection/dp/B00429NKWK
If your original headlights are fogged up, I would try a headlight restoration kit to make them crystal clear again.
Try a headlight restoration kit like Sylvania
I've liked the results with the Sylvania headlight refinishing kit.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00429NKWK
If you've already done all the sanding, just use the finest grit they supply in the kit. The clearcoat/UV protectant step is what makes the biggest difference.
Just asking, but do your headlights need to be restored because they are hazy? Hazy headlights diffuse the light and make it hard to see wet roads. Also, are your headlights properly aligned because that can also make a big difference.
I restored my headlights with this Sylvania product. Unfortunately it cannot be used in this colder weather. (Unless you have a heated garage). This product was rated best by Consumer Reports.
I have also used the Meguiar product, but it only lasted about a year. This also cannot be applied in the winter temps.
You could also have your auto shop do it, but it will cost more. But at least they have the temperature needed to do the job in the shop.
This may not be your problem, but I thought I would mention it just in case. Take care.
The 3M and Sylvania brand kit is considered the best consumer grade product.
https://www.amazon.com/SYLVANIA-Headlight-Restoration-Headlights-Protection/dp/B00429NKWK/
One thing to be aware of is that often these cheap kits don't come with UV protectant and the lights will just get damaged again but worse, afterward.
Highly recommend the Sylvania kit: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00429NKWK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It came with multiple grits of sandpaper, as well as a UV protectant, and I used one kit on two cars, and they came out great. Just followed the instructions in the kit.
>Sylvania kit
Just bought it myself. https://www.amazon.com/SYLVANIA-Headlight-Restoration-Headlights-Protection/dp/B00429NKWK/
Use a headlight restoration kit such as Sylvania.
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Follow the directions exactly.
Project Farm did an objective video comparison on several headlight restoration kits. The Sylvania one came out on top as the best of them all if anyone is looking to do the same. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00429NKWK
Video for reference: https://youtu.be/iDB5U4QUdD0
Yea those headlights would fit your vehicle.
I recommend reconditioning your headlights with a Restoration Kit. It does you no good in installing a good quality bulb if the headlights are fogged up.
You can install the original bulb size, here are my recommendations:
9005 Bulbs (High Beam)
Philips 9005 X-tremeVision
OSRAM NIGHT BREAKER LASER HB3/9005
SYLVANIA 9005 SilverStar Ultra
GE Lighting 9005 Nighthawk Platinum
9006 Bulbs (Low Beam)
Philips 9006 X-tremeVision
OSRAM NIGHT BREAKER LASER HB4/9006
SYLVANIA 9006 SilverStar Ultra
GE Lighting 9006 Nighthawk Xenon
You could use a 9012 bulb, but there's no point in installing them unless they are a higher wattage than the other bulbs that I recommended.
Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit
9005 Bulbs (High Beam)
Philips 9005 X-tremeVision
OSRAM NIGHT BREAKER LASER HB3/9005
SYLVANIA 9005 SilverStar Ultra
GE Lighting 9005 Nighthawk Platinum
9006 Bulbs (Low Beam)
Philips 9006 X-tremeVision
OSRAM NIGHT BREAKER LASER HB4/9006
SYLVANIA 9006 SilverStar Ultra
GE Lighting 9006 Nighthawk Xenon
Not who you replied to but for removing the haze I can recommend the Sylvania kit but I'm not sure about the condensation amazon link
A lot of the restoration kits don't include clear coat so you end up repeating the process every few months since they will just cloud up again without some protection. I'm sure other kits work but you would also want to pick up a bottle of the clear coat.
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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00429NKWK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I really liked this kit, used it on my Acura TL a month ago and the coating seem to be holding up pretty good.
I saw my neighbor did the toothpaste method , it's not good at all , trust me I did a lot of research , the best thing is to use this https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00429NKWK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_phZnFbXV5XZ4Q
That's based on this trusted YouTuber https://youtu.be/iDB5U4QUdD0
But unfortunately I don't have a garage to do it by myself , so I am paying extra 20 dollar to get it done by professionals or people who did it before plus 5 years warranty .
Check out Sylvania's kit. It was tested by Project Farm to be the best.
If you want a simple and easy way to clean then I’d suggest taking a look at the Sylvania headlight restoration kit which can be had for around 20ish bucks on Amazon. The kit comes with everything you need to sand and polish the headlights, all you need is a spray bottle of water or a garden hose. Here are the results that I got from using the kit on my G.
I did a fair bit of research on this and ended up doing it myself for $23 and 2 hours of my time. No special tools needed, just a bucket and water.
I used the SYLVANIA Headlight Restoration Kit. It's been about 10 months and they still look great.
Take a look at the Album of before and after. Sorry, they are out of order, I'm on mobile.
I used this recently and it turned out amazing.
SYLVANIA Headlight Restoration Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00429NKWK/
Much better than other kits I've tried.
Any time. Information is key when doing this type of "upgrade".
Since your budget is small this round, I would second simple headlight restoration. This is the kit I used when I restored my Malibu's (may she rest in peace) headlamp lenses.
The before. The lower housing is the yellowed, disgusting, old lens. The upper housing is after a 4000-, 1000-, and 2000 grit sandpaper (and a pre-curing agent polish) has been applied.
Side angle for alternative view.
One thing I suggest is that if you have a drill, get the appropriate grit pads so you don't have to manually do the grit-ing. It was a pain in the ass and took forever doing it by hand, depending on how oxidized your lenses are. Also, avoid double-coating the UV Clear Coat when you get to that step. I double coated because I was stupid and it had this noticeable (to me) area of a more "clear hazy" area. Irritated me to no end until the small minor rear-end incident which ended her service. The bent hood irritated me more at that point.
Try using a Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit
You might want to try a headlamp restoration kit (here's one I used recently for my headlamps).
Reading /u/Cartmansimon's recommendation of the Novus made me think of it since this headlamp kit has a few different compounds that are applied at different points. Additionally, there is a final coating that I believe adds the UV protectant back on, which would help address /u/ZombieHoratioAlger's points.
If anything, you could use the Novus, and then find out whatever liquid is used in the final phase of the headlamp restoration and then apply this to help protect the plastic.
I'm just guessing though, so take my suggestion with a grain of caution (e.g., try these chemicals on a small portion of the plastic, or on some similar feeling plastic).
If you do use the headlamp kit, do note that during the first 2 or 3 phases, the plastic was very cloudy, and it didn't get clear until the final phase when the last chemical (i.e., my theorized UV protector) gets applied.