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Restoring plastic lens covers?

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Basil

Basil

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We just helped our future daughter-in-law buy a 1997 Toyota Camry. It is a very nice little can and teh PO kept it in immaculate condition. However, the plastic lens covers on the headlights have become very yellowed due to age. Does anyone know of a good way to clean/restore these plastic covers to look a little better?

Basil
 
I have used 1000 grit sand paper along with Meguires Plastic Cleaner/Polish with some success. I have also used a high speed buffer with heavier to lighter pads and compounds, depending on the amount of damage.
 
Basil -
I've used Novus plastic cleaner for years now. While my use for it has primarily been on industrial acrylic installations, (i.e. big sheets of Plexiglass), I know it is also outstanding for most other types of plastics as well. They offer a heavy scratch remover, a fine scratch remover, and a "clean & shine" polish. I have actually sanded Plexi with 80 grit paper to achieve a frosted look, only to have to then revert to a clear look, and these products have done the trick beautifully. (Okay, now I sound like a sales rep for the company, but I'm not. Just a satisfied customer.) To get all three products will usually run about 20 bucks.
Hope that helps.
Rob
 
The problem I have had is that the cleaners work good on the outside plastic, but they can't be done from the inside. My sons Dodge Dakotas were real bad on the inside also.
 
Here, in Houston, by God, Texas, there are a number of aftermarket body and trim parts places that sell new headlight housing assemblies for such a low price, that it isn't worth my time and the aggravation of the stupid lenses that I cleaned turning yellow again just a few weeks later. Plus, for future reference, when washing said car, rubbing good old baby oil onto these plastic wonders keeps them as clear as glass... like the plastic windows in our convertible tops! I hope that helps!
 
I have an old (94) Cougar with the composite lights that seems to constantly go yellow on me. I started using some Mothers metal polish about every three months or so, and it cleans the outside good as new. As for the insides, well, I would just replace them if they are that bad.
 
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