#1
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Cloudy headlight covers
The lens covers on my 2011 Volvo are a bit cloudy and dull. I’ve seen some home remedy videos…any experience here? Any simple DIY solves?
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Please note: higher than average likelihood that any post by me is going to lean heavily on sarcasm. Just so we’re clear... |
#2
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Thanks Slothead,
I have the same problem so I am interested in any suggestions. Cheers, Greg |
#3
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I think that would mean an "MOT" test failure in the UK.
Best get it cleaned and resealed or replaced.
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Silly Moustache, Just an old Limey acoustic guitarist, Dobrolist, mandolier and singer. I'm here to try to help and advise and I offer one to one lessons/meetings/mentoring via Zoom! |
#4
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I think I remember reading somewhere that shops use toothpaste and it clears it right up.
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Carol _______________ PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo Emerald X30 Woody Traveler EG-1 Custom |
#5
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I used a Sylvania headlight clean and resurface kit and it lasted a year. As a result, I cashed in on the kit's lifetime replacement warranty and have a second kit waiting for when I get around to it again. The kit has two levels of polish and a surface sealer included. There are multiple brands of kits available at car parts shops.
Bob
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"It is said, 'Go not to the elves for counsel for they will say both no and yes.' " Frodo Baggins to Gildor Inglorion, The Fellowship of the Ring THE MUSICIAN'S ROOM (my website) |
#6
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I have tried the home kits (from auto stores) and the Meguiers rejuvenating Polish with meh results. And I followed the directions meticulously. When my car (2006 Honda Accord) was in for major repairs at the dealer, I had them do it for about $150, and it came out well.
In retrospect, I think that my headlights were too scratched up, and needed the professionally graded abrasives. I think it was worth the $$, but still not close to new. Rick
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”Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet” |
#7
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Yep. They work, and it lasts about a year. Make sure you get a kit with some kind of sealer that blocks some of the UV that apparently does the damage.
Looks better but not new. Lasts about a year if you park outside, maybe longer in a garage. |
#8
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Quote:
I'm on the fence to spend that time again or consider replacements now that we've put new tires, brake job, ball joint and a tuneup into the 2013 car. The less than ideal lights don't bother me in the metro area but can in rural and remote driving. It will probably work like this. Doing the kit labor again will be great if I feel the time is there. Not so much if life has other goals and deadlines.
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ƃuoɹʍ llɐ ʇno əɯɐɔ ʇɐɥʇ |
#9
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Wal Mart does it in their auto service centers for $25 per vehicle IIRC.
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#10
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NOVUS 2 Fine Scratch Remover. I used it on my wife's '03 Corolla and they look like new.
Bonus: It's great for buffing guitar finishes, too.
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Craig |
#11
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I had a similar thread awhile back concerning my 1994 Ford F-150.
I am waiting on warmer weather to replace both headlight assemblies with aftermarket ones. It requires removing the grill and other components. Very good videos on youtube. None of the cleaning kits looked good to me. |
#12
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Cleaning kits work, as mentioned, lasts about a year. I have seen some older mechanics use used motor oil to surprisingly good effect. If it were a car I wanted to keep a while, I would probably look into new lights and have them clear for the rest of the car's life.
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1953 Gibson J-50 1967 Gibson LG-0 1999 Martin OM-21 2003 Gibson J-45 2011 Flammang J-55 2015 Gibson J-45TV 2019 Martin D-18 39A 2021 Martin HD-28V Adi 2021 Gibson J-185 52 Historic |
#13
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I use the Mother's product, and it is easy, quick and works well... seems to last about 4-6 months, but my car "lives" outside and gets the brunt of the Oregon weather. I imagine it would last far longer if your car is garaged as well as driven...
I have a 1999 Acura Integra that has fairly low mileage, but it IS a 23 year-old car... the headlamp lenses aren't in terrible shape to begin with, although I have some condensation on the inside of one of the units, and that lens polish doesn't address that. It's easy and fairly inexpensive - just follow the instructions and you'll be fine.
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"Home is where I hang my hat, but home is so much more than that. Home is where the ones and the things I hold dear are near... And I always find my way back home." "Home" (working title) J.S, Sherman |
#14
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The kits they sell to revive headlight lenses are terrific. Take your time, read the directions carefully and FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS and the results will amaze you! I’ve had great success with multiple cars over the years. These were the cars I bought my kids when they got their licenses. All were beaters, but they had the clearest headlight lenses you could imagine!
1997 Volvo 850 R Estate 1994 Toyota Avalon 1990 Buick LeSabre
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I love playing guitar |
#15
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I used the $10 Turtle Wax kit on my son's 2005 Grand Prix and it worked great. Be sure to use the clear coat at the end and give it plenty of time to dry. You are using progressively finer abrasives to remove the oxidation and then sealing the lens when it is clean and clear.
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EMTSteve a couple guitars too many |