Cloudy Headlight Lenses

[RichZ]

I have a 2004 Subaru Outback, and the headlight lenses have become cloudy. I bought one of those buffing kits to clear it up, and it does clear it up, but it doesn't last, and the lenses become cloudy again. I've been looking online for someplace that sells replacement lenses, but they just seem to sell the whole headlight assembly. Is there anyplace that sells just the headlight lenses? I don't see why I have to replace the whole headlight assembly.

Thanks!!!

 

[George2615]

I've done a few cloudy lenses for people by using polishing compound and a small buffer. I started by wet sanding the lens with 1200 grit paper then polished. They came out very well. Not sure but I don't think you can get the lens separate, they only come as the whole assy.

 

[lescarpentier]

I have a 2002 outback sport and mine did the same.When I had the car detailed the detailer polished the lenses and it only lasted a few months.When I had a new stereo installed at Car Toys they offered to polish the lenses and the job that they did lasted.

 

[ktm250rider]

It will be difficult to find just lenses as they are bonded to the headlamp body. After polishing the lens, you need to put on a protective clear coat. There are some kits that include it.

 

[Beltzington]

I can't speak specifically on your Outback but every lens on my vehicles is a one piece unit manufactured that way to keep moisture out of the inside. As mentioned plastic wax or other sealant will delay the cloudiness but this is cause by the lens deteriorating and only a new assembly will "fix" the problem. I personally miss the old glass headlights but they cannot be molded into all the cool shapes used in cars today.

 

[BleedingOrange]

Try out a product called PLASTX, made by Meguiars, that can be purchased at Wal-Mart for under 10 bucks.
Directions are on the back of the bottle. Basically rub it on the lense til it totally cleans off the top layer of crud, then use a terry towel to scrub and remove all the remaining cleaner off of the lense. If the lense are really bad, give it a second go once you have cleaned off the first layer. By the time you get to that stage, you should be able to hear a squeak when rubbing the towel over the lense. It is made to remove cloudiness, yellowing, oxidation, and fine scratches. I also use it on red tailights. It werxs awesome.
I would like to see your review after you give it a try.

 

[dodge man]

There is a company that sells car detailing products that makes a kit that includes a clear coat you spray after you clean them. Its called Griot's Gargage and you can order stuff on line. We used it on my sons car and its holding up well.

 

[riptides]

Any good toothpaste will work as well. But without a buffer, you are not going to remove a lot of the pits and dings that are causing the issue at a very small level.

 

[RNeumann]

I went round and round with a bunch of products. Bottom line for me nothing was a long term solution. I found Rock Auto has a good selection from cheap to high level certification. I ordered a set of the mid range and have been very happy. Bite the bullet and be done with it!

 

[Old Red]

Wet sanding with 4 different types of grit paper that came with a Mothers product worked well and lasted on my duramax?might give it a shot.

 

[sld]

There is a company that sells car detailing products that makes a kit that includes a clear coat you spray after you clean them. Its called Griot's Gargage and you can order stuff on line. We used it on my sons car and its holding up well.

The key is adding a clear coat after you polish, buff and clean them. That is what makes it last. Just buy some acrylic clear coat in a spray can and you'll be surprised at easy it is.

 

[sld]

Any good toothpaste will work as well. But without a buffer, you are not going to remove a lot of the pits and dings that are causing the issue at a very small level.

That is not true. Toothpaste hasn't contained abrasives in years.

 

[riptides]

That is not true. Toothpaste hasn't contained abrasives in years.

Give it a try on any of the paste types, not gel types.

Brake fluid also works.

Of course time will play into the equation and YMMV.

 

[Haoleguy]

Went down this path and after talking to many, including respectable auto body shops, decided to replace the headlight assemblies on my Ford F150 and my spouse's Acura MDX. As others have said the assemblies are weather sealed such that lenses only are impossible to find and would be a pain to separate from you old assemblies...low temp oven required. When replacing the assemblies you can go with a non-CAPA headlight as long as it is a reputable manufacturer like TYC.

 

[RNeumann]

Went down this path and after talking to many, including respectable auto body shops, decided to replace the headlight assemblies on my Ford F150 and my spouse's Acura MDX. As others have said the assemblies are weather sealed such that lenses only are impossible to find and would be a pain to separate from you old assemblies...low temp oven required. When replacing the assemblies you can go with a non-CAPA headlight as long as it is a reputable manufacturer like TYC.

That's the certification I couldn't think of when I posted! If I recall RockAuto sells CAPA, NSF and no cert.

 

[Thomas]

I heard tooth paste,scrub w/tooth brush than rinse...I've yet to try it.

 

[greif]

I tried polishing too, did not last. Replaced all lens assemblies on my 98 GMC front and back, ordered online for only 150

Got mine here and am happy. 1998 GMC K15 Truck Headlight, Corner Light, and Parking Light Kit 8 Piece Set at 1A Auto.com

 

[jack707]

I hear tooth paste works.

 

[hslogger]

I gotta couple 94 T100 pickups.Every year I buff them out and keep them clean and clear. A little effort goes a long way. Nothing is forever. Once you get them cleaned up good, just keep them on a maintenance schedule.

 

[Gem99ultra]

I tried polishing too, did not last. Replaced all lens assemblies on my 98 GMC front and back, ordered online for only 150

Got mine here and am happy. 1998 GMC K15 Truck Headlight, Corner Light, and Parking Light Kit 8 Piece Set at 1A Auto.com

Great link. Good video on installation for 'my truck' as well. What happened to the $82.95 price; why your $150?