PDA

View Full Version : Turtle Wax Headlight Lens Restorer



Seth1968
10-15-2016, 03:42 PM
This stuff works incredibly well.

Took me about 5 minutes to clear up both headlights, and I didn't even have to go any further than the first stage.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/turtle-wax-headlight-lens-restorer-0392718p.html

relyt92
10-15-2016, 03:58 PM
Did you do anything to clear it and keep it from fogging over again?

Seth1968
10-15-2016, 04:15 PM
I didn't use the sealant as I want to see how long they'll stay clear without it.

BokCh0y
10-15-2016, 04:59 PM
What are the stages like? As in does it use fine grit sand paper via a drill then a polishing agent like the 3m kits?

Seth1968
10-15-2016, 05:11 PM
Originally posted by BokCh0y
What are the stages like? As in does it use fine grit sand paper via a drill then a polishing agent like the 3m kits?

No drill, and the second stage uses supplied rubbing pads (very fine grit) with a spray lubricant

Third stage is wiping on the Lens Base Coat, followed by applying the sealant.

Like many of the reviews in the link, I never had to use the pads. The lights looked great with just the first step.

Twin_Cam_Turbo
10-15-2016, 05:18 PM
I usually just rub my headlights down with rubbing compound every 6 months, works really well.

Seth1968
10-15-2016, 05:26 PM
Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo
I usually just rub my headlights down with rubbing compound every 6 months, works really well.

That's interesting. What kind of rubbing compound?

I tried a few home remedies, but none did a darn thing.

BokCh0y
10-15-2016, 09:02 PM
I'm familiar with the 3m kits, do a great job but i notice, or maybe it's me...but they seem to turn yellow a whole after. So the last time i did it on my sons car, i ended up just 3m'ing it afterwards with the clearbra. See how it goes after that.

I don't think CT carries the 3m kits anymore, so am looking for a suitable replacement for sure.

Kloubek
10-15-2016, 09:55 PM
Originally posted by Seth1968


That's interesting. What kind of rubbing compound?

I tried a few home remedies, but none did a darn thing.

I did it once with the old school turtle wax red and the white as well. Worked just fine. Mothers Swirl and scratch works too. Throw it on an orbital, and go to town.

Highly advise sealing it. In my experience, doesn't take long to cloud over again.

spikerS
10-15-2016, 10:15 PM
Originally posted by Kloubek


I did it once with the old school turtle wax red and the white as well. Worked just fine. Mothers Swirl and scratch works too. Throw it on an orbital, and go to town.

Highly advise sealing it. In my experience, doesn't take long to cloud over again.

Thats my issue now. I cleaned up the civic lights, but they fogged up again fairly quickly.

craigcd
10-15-2016, 10:42 PM
Used turtle wax also. I have tried other systems in the past that took forever to do all the stages. Turtle wax is less than 10 mins. I do find it doesn't last that well, I assume that is a issue with all the products? Not a big deal to redo as its so quick.

HomespunLobster
10-16-2016, 09:22 AM
Do you have any before and after pictures?

zipdoa
10-16-2016, 10:12 AM
If anyone wants a complete walkthrough on restoring headlights, including how to seal them with UV coating:

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/443547-DIY-Headlight-restoration-walk-through

Twin_Cam_Turbo
10-16-2016, 10:15 AM
Originally posted by Seth1968


That's interesting. What kind of rubbing compound?

I tried a few home remedies, but none did a darn thing.

Just Turtle Wax rubbing compound I have laying around, nothing special.

ExtraSlow
10-16-2016, 10:35 AM
Originally posted by Kloubek

Highly advise sealing it. In my experience, doesn't take long to cloud over again. what do you seal it with?

Aaaaaron
10-16-2016, 03:39 PM
Originally posted by ExtraSlow
what do you seal it with?
In that thread zipdoa posted the guy said he made his own. Looks like you can buy many in Canada due to enviro regulations.

"50:50 ratio of Miniwax Helmspar Clear Gloss urethane-based varnish and mineral spirits. You don't need to mix much sealant, 3 tbls of helmspar and 3 tbls of mineral spirits was way more than enough to do these lights."

?????
10-16-2016, 08:45 PM
Originally posted by BokCh0y
I'm familiar with the 3m kits, do a great job but i notice, or maybe it's me...but they seem to turn yellow a whole after. So the last time i did it on my sons car, i ended up just 3m'ing it afterwards with the clearbra. See how it goes after that.

I don't think CT carries the 3m kits anymore, so am looking for a suitable replacement for sure.

http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/3m-headlight-restoration-kit/6000109757273


Most kits are similar anyways, Sandpaper, sanding method (rotary or sanding block), cutting/polishing compound, sealant.

But it all depends on how pitted your headlights are.

Kloubek
10-16-2016, 11:36 PM
Originally posted by Aaaaaron

In that thread zipdoa posted the guy said he made his own.

That would be interesting to try.

I personally just used a quality wax. I know it made a difference, but I sold the car before finding out if it was long lasting or not...

94boosted
10-17-2016, 11:20 AM
I used the Mothers kit as the sanding/polishing is done with a drill attachment and not by hand and it did an excellent job. I used the sealant that came with the kit and the lenses have been looking awesome for 4+ months now.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mother-s-headlight-restoration-kit-0392895p.html#srp

That being said mine weren't faded or yellowed they were just pitted and scratched.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/94boosted/IMG_1832_zpsstwsmrow.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/94boosted/IMG_1833_zpsdn4no0aq.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/94boosted/IMG_1834_zps7gbx7wfq.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/94boosted/IMG_1835_zps8hpxqmar.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/94boosted/IMG_1836_zpscrx9j4g8.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/94boosted/IMG_1837_zpsaentsxsj.jpg