The plastic covers on our 2001 Caravan are clouded and rough in spots. I've tried using Flitz on them which polishes the smooth areas to a really nice, clear finish, but isn't abraisive enough to get rid of the reall bad areas. I've also tried a little rubbing compound on a small spot, but it doesn't seem to do much either. Has anybody come across anything that works? The place where I buy my tires is advertising their restoration for $70. Seems like most of that is labor. I've got the time, just need the right system.

 

I tried LOC soft scrub with no appreciable results on my 01 headlights. It would seem we need something to go a few microns deep, that would also polish.

 

Try using a buffer pad. One that can be used on a drill. I use a elec. car buffer with a scratch compound remover. Takes some time though will clear up.

 

At work I wet sand them them polish. The wet sanding grit depends on how bad they are.

 

I've tried rubbing compound, but not on a power wheel. May give that a try. Bluer - can you recommend a grit? Some parts of the covers are pretty rough, others are perfectly smooth. It looks like I'll need to go through a series of various grits/compound to get them back to original condition.

 

I used 800 grit wet sanding to get a uniform haze. Followed by wet crocus cloth (looks like cloth with red rouge on it). Then Flitz on a sponge. Worked OK and only took about 20 minutes for both lenses.

Matthew

 

If their scratched or cut you probably will have to use sand paper first. Here are several threads/info that I have collected on the subject. I would say go slow and careful with the sand paper followed by a plastic cleaner protectorant and you will have plastic lenses that look new. YMMV
As always, good luck with your project!

Plastic Lens Polishing

How To Polish Headlights

Plastic Lens Kit

Thread How To Guide To Lens Polishing

Sanding Headlight Lens

Meguiars Headlight Polishing

Restoring My Van Headlights

Thoughts On Headlight Polishing

 

These are all good posts with a lot of good information. I read them all, then did a mix and match. In the end, I used 800/1000/2000 wet sandpaper and finished with Flitz. Washed, dried and put on three light coats of clearcoat. Results are pretty impressive. Thanks much for the links.

 

I own a '97 with the same problem. Tried all the gimmicks, and the cloudinness returned.

Yesterday, I gave up.

A company called TAZCO Auto Parts in Oshawa ONT Canada has aftermarket replacement lamps, for $141 CAD each.

The dealers charge $295 CAD each.

Now I can actually see when driving on dark country roads.

What a difference these aftermarket lights make!!!

GT

 

Walmart sells a kit to refinish them. it includes a fine sand paper, a polish and a final UV resistant coating. Here in AZ, this is a big problem. My Caravan lights cleaned up like new!