HOWTO: clear the haze on your headlamps
A lot of 350zs have hazy or "foggy" headlamps. The trick to fixing it is to use Meguiar's PlastX. I just bought some and polished up the headlamps and they now look perfectly new. Supposedly the sun causes the hazing, but I suspect it is a chemical reaction.
Either way, this technique does work.
After years of trying absolutly everything on exterior plastics, I found that a denatured alcohol wipe down after washing works on all the plastics without exception. Use it only on the plastic, not the paint. It only takes a few minutes to do everything including convertable top windows. "You'll wonder where the yellow went, ____ __ _____ ____ _____ ____ __________"?
PlastX does more than just remove the buildup (ie. your alcohol is dissolving the buildup), it has a micropolish and removed some scratches too. Perhaps the combination is the best way to get them perfect all the time (ie. PlastX first to clear them entirely, then alchohol after car washes).
I have used 3M Swirl Remover - I try to buff out the entire car at least once a year so I always have some laying around. Works pretty well - may try the PlastX this year. Trying to get my '03 back to a newer look - last winter was kind of tough on it. And my club will be at the Midwest Regional show sponsored by the Indy club in a couple of weeks - the only time I ever put mine in a show. Daily Driver this year - past the required 75,000 miles. ZCCA rules for a points show, not peoples choice where I never stand a chance of even placing.
Most any polish works.
Anyone have before and after pictures? Justin?
sorry, i don't know how to post pictures. plus, i never had the haze problem on my z.
My 2 cents, Tried the Meguiars stuff a while back, a few months later they were back to being oxidized and foggy. A friend of mine in the autobody buis, sanded and polished them the same way you sand a polish new clear coat (wet 800?? can't remember now). AMAZING! Don't waste your time with those plastic polishes.
^ agreed. Those methods previously mentioned are only temporary. If you really want to correct your headlights you need to properly polish them. Here's an example using Wolfgang products:
Getting Started…
You will need a drill or a polisher to use this system. The kit contains a backing plate that fits directly onto an orbital polisher. The included adapter enables the backing plate to be used on a cordless or electric drill.
Step by Step:
1. Clean loose debris and dirt from the lenses. Tape off the paint around the lenses using blue painter’s tape. This tape is easier to remove than masking tape and has no adverse effects on the clear coat. Careful! Many headlight lenses have alignment dowels. These are small bumps that protrude from the lens cover. If you go over these bumps with the pad, they will rip the pad. Avoid these bumps when polishing your lenses. It may be necessary to tilt the pad to cut in close to the dowels, but do not go directly over them.
2. Pour a circle of Wolfgang Plastik Lens Cleaner onto an orange pad. The cut of this pad will help break down the abrasives in the polish as it removes the haze. Press the pad to the lens cover. If you are using a cordless drill, polish at the highest speed. Use the lowest speed on an electric drill.
3. If you are using an orbital polisher, set the speed between 1200 and 1500 RPM. If using a dual action polisher, set the speed between 4500 and 5000 OPM.Go over the lens several times in different directions until the polish starts to dry. Use a microfiber towel to buff away the residue. If the lens is still cloudy, repeat this step.
4. Switch the pad to a black pad. Pour a circle of Wolfgang Plastik Lens Glaze onto the pad. Press it to the lens cover and turn the machine on at the speeds listed above. Work in different directions until the glaze starts to dry. Buff off the residue with a microfiber towel.
5. Protect your lenses from future damage with Wolfgang Plastik Surface Sealant. It seals the lens surface and blocks out harmful UV light and contamination to maintain clarity. Use it on plastic windows and motorcycle windshields, too. Apply the sealant with a microfiber applicator pad, allow a haze to form, and then buff the lens with a soft, clean microfiber towel.
6. For the best results, apply Wolfgang Plastik Surface Sealant every time you wax or seal your vehicle. Regular application will keep your front and back lenses crystal clear.
Tip from an old guy. After you wash your car wipe your headlamps with denatured alcohol and the problem is gone before it starts. Most hardware stores, under ten bucks for a quart. Ten year supply. Works on convertiable windows too.
I have this crap on my lights as well. Can't I use rubbing alcohol.? WTF man? lol
I suppose you could use Scotch, Burbon, Gin, Beer, or Wine, but those serve other and better purposes. Denatured works on plastic, but don't drink it!!
good tip
Currently Zless
Z's I've owned:
'71 240Z White
'73 240Z Orange
'05 350Z Chrome Silver Touring
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