I agree, if the lens is already scratched up abrasive cleaners are the solution. A deoxidizer won't remove the scratches. But if its just oxidation, use a deoxidizer. You want to keep the UV layer intact as long as possible to resist yellowing of the lens.
And it is true that brake cleaner along with brasso, toothpaste, pam, sandpaper and rubbing compounds will hasten the return of oxidation because they remove the UV layer and leave the surface in a porous condition.

 

I too suffered from foggy headlights in my '97 Ram. I took some 1200 wet sand paper and took all the peeling UV coating off. Then, I dropped the headlights off at a local bodyshop where they applied 2 coats of clearcoat. They were more than happy to spray them as they have excess in the gun from larger jobs and they could put the normally wasted clearcoat to use. Only cost a few bucks and the headlights are nice and clear, almost new. I believe they will hold up well. I'll have to wait and see.


Jim

 

You could always try these if you're looking for a set for a Ram Sport.

Also, the last time I addressed this issue, I used a headlight lens polish sold by Meguiar's - it comes in a small, plastic pouch and I found it near the light bulb section in AutoZone. You apply the stuff, and moments later polish it out and the headlights clear up.

 

I like those, Stinks that its so hard to find aftermarket Sport headlights.

ShockG

I ordered YOUR product.

I will use it as directed and share my results with this forum with pics of before during and after.

I noticed that all but one of your posts were pushing this product so I am kind of nervous. I bought into your first post. I hope it works. If it don't its only $30.

I should've tried the permatex or the plastix. If your product works I will toot its horn all day, if it dosen't I'll spread the word of its failure.

I want new lights I just cant justify the expense right now, maybe when my $600 comes in.

 

I still just use some toothpaste, a wet cloth, and some elbow grease everysix months or so. It cleans them up, plus gives the vehicle a nice minty fresh scent. When we bought my wife's Dodge minivan (used), I thought I'd have to buy new headlight lenses they were so cloudy. But toothpaste cleaned them up very nicely. It's cheap too.

 

All right here is what I am going to do.

On my Ram I am going to use the product on my mustang I am going to use toothpaste. Both are just as yellow.

I will post pics here and show results.


Does it matter what kind. I use mentadent but have res colgate and white crest. Im guessing the mentadent would work best becuase its two kinds of paste that you mix.

 

I thought anykind of wax on plastic was forbidden! Excluding fiberglass wax of course.

 

Been there before, I **** canned mine and bought new ones from LMC...very happy. Didn't want Euro style plus there arn't as many optionsfor sport package with 4 bulbs versus slt[sm=americanasmiley.gif].

 

GUYS!!!!!!

The Pittman stuff worked!!!


I know its expensive, like $28 a bottle, it worked really good.

My headlights are clear for the first time since I got my truck. I took some pics and I will post them in a few. I was a big skeptic, but ti worked great. I would reccomend it.

I only used a couple of drops, I'm thinking about charging all my friends $5 to clean their headlights, much better than the guy down the way charging $40.

The Pittman stuff works, I was scared because the guy who reccomended it only joined this forum to sell that product.

On a side note my father said it looks and smells just like brake fluid.

I am going to check and see on my mustang if its brake fluid or not.

If

 

As I read peoples comments about how they would clean their headlights, I understand why it is best to get a professional to do certain jobs. None of the people telling you to use an abrasive on plastic had any understanding of the importance of the UV layer and why it should not be removed. Sure in cases where there is severe damage your options are few but for oxidation removal sandpaper is a ridiculous solution.
If you were to ask these individuals what is the difference between headlights of today and 30 years ago most would only tell you that they are plastic. Thats only part of the story.
30 years ago refractive sealed beams were made of glass. a one piece solid construction. These glass headlights could be cleaned with polish and toothpaste.
These headlights were replaced by the plastic refractive composite lens. A two piece headlight with a layered lens surface with a replaceable bulb.
Those were replaced with the UV layered non refractive lens lens of the same composite.
Toothpaste and polish will damage and dull the protective outer UV layer on plastic headlights.
Without that layer your headlights begin to yellow and decay like anything that is exposed to air after being sealed in a air tight environment for years.
Your best bet is to remove oxidation without risking removal of the UV layer.
Headlight cleaners that do not address this fact do more harm than good.
What works on glass does not work on plastic, glass headlights do not have a UV layer so polish will not harm them and they are much harder than plastic so they will not cloud from abrasives in polish but sandpaper should not be used on glass either because it is hard enough to scratch and damage the surface.
If your intent is to resurface, abrasives are the method of choice but even then you should have a professional do the job. These do it your self sandpaper "grit" kits are not the best answer.
If the intent is to remove oxidation, you can do that your self and save time money and aggravation by ignoring those well meaning but uninformed suggestions to use sandpaper on plastic headlights.
90% or more of headlight cleaning is due to the build up of natural oxidation. The other 10% is due to abrasive damage and friction based cleaning methods.
The fact is with a non abrasive deoxidizer you can always go back and resurface the lens if oxidation was not the problem but once you use something as aggressive as sandpaper on your headlight lens, there is no turning back.
Choose wisely.
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