How to Restore Headlights PERMANENTLY
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- Опубликовано: 15 окт 2014
- Headlight Restoration using Clear Coat. This video will show you how to clean and restore your headlights so they will never turn yellow or hazy again! You have seen videos on restoring headlights with bug spray, toothpaste, baking soda, and the kits you buy in the store, but all of these methods are temporary and eventually the haze and oxidation will come back.
My method will first make the headlight clear by wet sanding and then put a UV coat on it to seal it in.
Headlight Clarity Updates:
1yr Later: / 8iyextojfm
2yrs later: pBC7Ov-zOj...
Better longer lasting clear coat: amzn.to/2JU2Fap
2000 grit sandpaper: amzn.to/1XqDuhG
Wax: amzn.to/1cxIXj0
Compound polish to remove orange peel: amzn.to/1TtfoOC
Rubbing Alcohol to Clean Lens: amzn.to/3710nAY
Using Bug Spray to Clean Headlights (WARNING!!!): • Using Bug Spray to Cle...
How to use Toothpaste to Clean Headlights: • Headlight Restoration ...
How to Remove Moisture from Headlights:
• How to Fix a Headlight...
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-Website: www.ChrisFixed.com
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ChrisFix assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ChrisFix recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ChrisFix. 
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Its been 5 years my jeep is finally back yellow lasted so long cant thank u enough gna sell it after i do this magic to its headlights again at 290000 miles itll go for 2300 bucks 😊
Glad to hear the real life experience! Mine lasted about 5yrs as well!
@@chrisfixAre u able to drive the car while waiting the 24 hrs for the clear coat to dry? I wouldn’t be able to let the car sit for 24 hrs straight, would it still come out the same if i just wet sand and wax after the 24 hrs?
@@nathanmartins5543 i would'nt drive since the clear coat hasn't dried up yet and if dirt and rocks hit the headlight it will look scratched up
Bout to use this to get past a road worthy in Australia
Cheers mate!
I did this five years ago and it’s starting yellowing again. I don’t have any clear coat left so I just waxed it after wet sanding with 1500 and 5000 grit. Looks great
This video is almost 7 years old now, and ChrisFix still respond to comments. What a legend!
Tru
You can see him in the paint
Legend boi
This comment is 7 months old now.
@@THXIIIRTEEN lol
If you do this on a PT Cruiser, it increases the value by 11 dollars
Sploek Griffy i have never laughed at a reply before I read this one
Made my day!
Sploek Griffy lmao 😂
Sploek Griffy but it cost 20$ to buy the stuff. 😂
I recently went to Walmart and spent $13.55, 99cents Store items included.
I followed these directions about 6 years ago, and the lights still look great! I also did the fog lights! Thanks, Chris!
Well, I am now officially motivated - 6 years is a long damn time.
@@jdsguam How is it going
@@jdsguam That's enough time for the headlights to get 100k miles older or more, and still look the same from when he first restored them
For everyone else, go watch any other headlight restoration "how to" video. This one has dated information, you don't leave the headlight rough so the clear coat can "stick" lol. The smoother it is the better it will look.
@@mimos7214 Van is still on the road & the lights still look clear. There is a slight haze in one spot on the "top" of the lens, but overall, it's still looking good!
The fog lights were pitted before & are still pitted, but clear, although they don't get much sunlight exposure.
Chris, can't thank you enough for your videos. I am 67 yrs. old and a widow so I have to do things on a limited income. Thanks for explaining why things are done and in easy instructions to follow. You are my go to guy for my 1997 Dodge Ram 4x4.
Peggy Dawson 👍👍
Thats heartwarming
That's your first mistake DOGE! If it says DOGE on it RUN AWAY...... I don't know why you ahve to Doge a car that always in service broken down.
bobbg stay in school
bobbg 97 dodges are better than the newer ones
i love how even after 6 years chris still replies to comments on this video, thats dedication! =)
Yes!
Dude I thought the same thing. He is truly super humble and is so great full to be where he is.
But he promised us to show how to clean car interior .... And no video yet:(
lmao he still hasn’t noticed yours
Of course!
I’ve done this twice, probably 4 years apart, on my 2004 4Runner. An hour of work to make it look way better and brighter/safer lighting. Thanks, Chris, this works so well!
As others have recomended always go with SYLVANIA Headlight Restoration Kit. Shits the best on the market, and I can't recomend it enough.
I did this twice too on my 2004 Camry. But it didn’t make it much better. And it got worse quick. I think once the plastic “yellows” it’s too late.
What brand clear did you use?
You've had to do this twice on the same car? The video claims it's permanent.
@@sweatshopkidsit lasted 4 years though even when you buy the car new they eventually haze so don’t get your point.
Chris, you are the man. You've given me the confidence to try so many of these fixes that I never have before. You're an amazing teacher and awesome film maker. Thank you for all that you do.
I did the headlights on my Mums car in 2020 (Had lots of time in lockdown) they were arguably too far gone and far worse than the ones in this video, I used his methods and was able to remove all the haze from the lights but they had also yellowed badly too but I only managed to remove 85-90% of the yellowing. However 3 years on from the work I did they still hold up and for around 100-200 dark miles until my Mum got used to the headlights being brighter she kept trying to turn off the full beam that wasn't on. This was a car she had bought cheap used for £600 so its pretty crap however I completely transformed the lights.
I literally just did this yesterday to the headlights of my 2009 MKS, and it came out PERFECTLY. Thet dealership wanted $800 for EACH new headlight!! ChrisFix, you're a godsend 🙇 Much Thanks to you
He’s an alien and genius. Me, We’ve learned so much from his channel and DIY fix the things with the reasonable cost ever. Respect to Chris-fix, forever! And say no more dealerships! Yeah... xD
$800 for each!!!!!?????? 😳😳😳😳 What the ........
You saved some serious money doing it yourself! DIY is where it's at!
800dls per light??? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
How has it stood up?
The PT cruiser is good practice in case you mess up you just take it to the junk yard.
Oh ppulleeez!! I love the "my car is better than your car". I have owned 3 and each lasted 200k + miles. Great compact in the snow, the turbo has 225 horses and still running strong. Good car that Plymouth just decided to make is less so year after year until it's elimination. Chevy, now there is a company that made trash for years and years and just now coming back a bit.
spudnic88 my neighbor used to have a purple pt cruiser with wood paneling on the side 😷
Or drive it off a cliff and go about your day
Brett Werner is amazing how hated these ugly pieces of shit are
spudnic88 XD
I've been on the internet since the early 90's and this is the best instructional I've ever seen, heard or read. Nicely done. I had exactly zero questions after watching this instructional. Just saved me 400 dollars.
Did this process today on some 7 year old headlights that were plain awful. I messed up a little on the 2nd coat and had to restart but the end result, following Chris' step by step instructions, gave me brand new looking headlights. I can actually see at night now.
By restart do you mean re sand?
@topixartist when I applied the 2nd top coat, I touched it with a towel, and it bunched up and crackled. So yes, I sanded it back down with sand paper and restarted the whole process
@@mccarthermitchell2873 happens to me but when I sanded it down again the crackles were still there somehow
Yeah ive got crackles now. Not sure how to prevent this. Any tips?
I subscribed just because Chris still replies to comments even after 6 years.
Welcome aboard! And I spend 4 hours every day reading and responding to you guys!
@@chrisfix woah that's crazy. You must be that type of person who has a schedule for every thing.
@@chrisfix can we get a timing belt video? 😁
Same and because i want to see more bmw car thing he is doing currently
Same !
Last Tuesday my daughter and I attempted to refurbish the headlights on her 2007 Camry. We followed your technique step by step. While the wet sanding had us a bit worried at the beginning, the end result was brilliant. Thanks so much for sharing this adventure and I want to let you know that our “High Five” upon completion felt soooo good!
That's great! About to do my 07 Camry as well. Did you use the Meguiar's G12310 PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish, 10 Fluid Ounces he recommends? Not sure how that step works.
lockergr I’m thinking about doing this. Did you use the polish? If so how and what step do I do that?
XZCRZYKILLER I've not done it yet so I can't say. Will try and update once I do. But for my understanding it should be used after the clear coat spray. It's supposed to get the orange peel off which I guess is the flakiness in the clear coat.
lockergr ok thank you please do try to keep me updated.
I've just tried this and the headlights are still hazy
I De-fogged the headlights on my wife's 2013 Corolla yesterday and it came out great!
More importantly, the lights on my Caravans, done years ago, are still looking great! Thanks, Chris!
Nice work and glad the video was helpful!
I told my Mum during lockdown I was going to sand the headlights and polish them on her 2005 MK5 Golf she said whatever and was not interested I was bored and just gave myself the task. When she next drove the car in the dark she was shocked and told me she keeps trying to turn off the full beam. She was very pleaseantly suprised with what the work did.
Thank you Chris. My 2008 MDX failed inspection due to yellowed/hazy headlights. Less than $50 at an auto parts store, and 30 minutes of my time, my headlights look brand new. Can't wait for 24 hours to do one more wet sand and then wax. You are a real treasure.
I did this to my Mums cars it somehow had a valid MOT with the lights only being advisory and they were very far gone arguably too far gone I restored them but could only remove about 90% of the yellowing and haze I did this in 2020 whilst bored in lockdown and she was highly impressed with the headlight performance afterwards and kept trying to turn off the full beams due to the new levels of brightness. 3 years later the restoration is still holding up very well too. I used 5000 grit and 7000 grit sandpaper followed by T cut polish and turtle wax to restore them I imagine if I used better equipment I would have done even better.
Hey Chris, the thing that I love most about your channel is that even though this video is like what, 4 years old, you are still replying to people’s new comments. That shows commitment and it also means you care. Keep up the good work buddy! People care about your videos! (Especially me)
Thanks Trey! I do my best to answer as many comments as I can!
Yeah, or maybe replying still because of the bull shit that's still continuing to get out to people!
Matt Rivera or may be just it's because he likes reading a bunch of comments (like a lot of normal people do) and sometimes replies them just for fun. I'm pretty sure he's making this videos for fun too, so I bet he enjoys reading critiques and compliments about him.
Trey to add to your comment when it comes to a good video production "content is king" and when it is good information (like Chris presents) it will be timeless. In other words have a long shelf life out there. Take this subject matter for example the headlight lenses used to be made out of glass and if they still were we would not be having this discussion. But they were limited to a round or rectangular shapes. When the plastic design came out, all these new sleek molded designs started happening. Removing the headlight from just being stuck in the grill to actually evolving and incorporating the lenses aerodynamically into the body design and the fender. With awesome flexibility and creativity came one chink in the armor! The plastic surface is softer and more porous then glass and it is not impervious to UV or the sun damage as the glass lenses were. So I think Chris's choices for topics I feel come from our asking questions about current timely issues that we are currently experiencing.....and one of them is our plastic headlight assembly's are failing due to time and the elements. Sorry that was more then 2 cents worth but Chris you have inspired this old dog to possibly jump ship from my current mundane career of working for the man and starting my ownmobile detail business.!
Trey Jaramillo jeery morning no goodbye
If you want to double the value of a PT Cruiser, fill up the gas tank.
Or, how about: "I'd like some wiper blades for my PT Cruiser?" "Sounds like a fair trade, here you go."
Lol I was wondering why he even had one
My former employer had a pt cruiser for employees to drive, everyone called it the pt loser cruiser
Too funny. My wife had a PT. I hated it. A drive of more than 10 miles was torture. What a piece of crap
LOL.
Just did this yesterday and I cannot believe how good my headlight looks! If you are having any doubts trust me, if you actually follow the steps you should be fine! Thanks ChrisFix!!!
Thanks for teaching me more in 5 months about engine maintenance, care, parts repair and prevention on a lot of aspects from it, than my automotive career has done in 2.6 years, love your dedication!
I'd recommend adding this in the description so it's easier to know what the steps are:
1. Tape around headlight
2. Wet sand 400 grit swirl pattern
3. Wet sand 400 grit horizontal pattern
4. Wet sand 600 grit swirl pattern
5. Wet sand 600 grit horizontal pattern
6. Thoroughly clean
7. Wet sand 2000 grit swirl pattern
8. Wet sand 2000 grit horizontal pattern
9. Thoroughly clean with alcohol and let air dry
10. Tape plastic bag around area of headlight
11. Spray 1st coat clear gloss UV rated
12. Wait at least 5 minutes
13. Spray 2nd coat clear gloss UV rated
14. Wait 24 hours
15. Apply Carnauba car wax
16. Buff out wax
17. Remove taped off material
clear coat for PLASTIC
You missed the 3rd clear coat
Thank you!
Why use of 2000 grit after 600 grit ?? Brandon .
@@tonycervantes4816 Because you always go to a finer grit
I reckon in just a few videos this guy has increased the value of my bike by a few hundred dollars, many many thanks.
Awesome! That is what I like to hear!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Guys if you do this do not forget to change your blinker fluid or it will get hazy again
you're joking, right?
This is a really good introduction to headlight restoration. Like most of his videos, he makes the task so approachable. Doing this shows the impact clear coat has, how unintimidating wetsanding is with stellar results, and is a good transition into familiarity with fixing bad clear coats on cars. My experience found that it does require more sanding than youd expect, that using different sanding motions increase results exponentially, and that it seems almost impossible to do damage if wetsanding with the ultra high grit because the layer removal is so gradual--you start to get to a point where you can sense when you're done sanding. I can see how paint work is such an art.
I did this to two vehicles recently. The price to replace the set of headlights was $350, this made the headlights look amazing for less than $20. Thank you sir!
Awesome!
Did this actually work? I’m extremely nervous to do this... how long will this also last? I don’t get how using sandpaper which scratches it is a good think and then somehow magically the clear coat does it lol... just hard to believe.
@@polishmafia1573 then maybe don't do it lol. If you don't understand how it works then it's not for you..
Have you used plastic primer before spraying the clear coat layers? The product that Chris used says that it bonds on plastic, mine doesn't and I'm scared it may look like crap...
@@polishmafia1573 sandpaper removes the haze..by scratching it away, clear coat fills the scratches and adds a protective layer..lol
Surprised that he didn't use soapy wooder
nice :D ;D
soapy wooder didn't exist then. :-D
Wooder
@@jerryray3228 That requires the use of a tree.
Just done this to a older car that I seriously thought I was gonna have to buy new headlight assembly and decided to try this, after doing this it literally looks like I put new headlight assemblies in, what a difference this made, great video and thanks for sharing
A random guy at my local salvage yard told me to take these exact steps to permanently clear up my headlights and it works just as in this video. Great step by step how to.
That's awesome! Thanks a lot!
Im afraid to scratch the headlight with sand paper .it is ok sir?
@@airrolmedestomas if you scratch it a little bit with the 400 grip ir 600 grip just sand it with 2000 grip over the scratch and it will disappear
@@airrolmedestomas Don't be scared of that you will likely be fine and using sandpaper even with sub 1000 grit will not cause irreversible damage. As long as you polish the lights up well after sanding them they will last good.
Spraying tip: Start and end beyond the headlight, this prevents overspray on the headlights. Anytime you use a sprayer use this technique.
Please explain?
@@Stedemn Long response-bear with me. When you spray the clear, you're going to move the can from side to side. When you make a pass with the can, start a foot or so before the spray pattern reaches the light. Press the button and make your pass across the light. Don't release the button till you are past the lens. This keeps the spray pattern consistent on the surface of the light. Consistent pattern=consistent coverage.
Thanks!
Its like pre firing
Hey Chris, been watching your videos for a while now and cant help but thank you for how helpful these videos have been! I just got my first car a couple days ago and I'm so excited to start working on it, starting with the headlights!! Keep up the awesome work my man!! ❤🚘
saw this video 8yrs ago when you first uploaded it Chris, didn't need it then, but man is it coming in clutch today. Bought a truck (Dodge RAM) and the state safety inspection. Just got back from Home Depot and about to put this video to work. Thank you!
Quick Tip: If you're lazy like me, wait until its raining hard outside and then start the sanding part.
haha
good one
🤣🤣
lol work smart not hard 😂👏🏾
@Jeremy K Tape it beforehand, and then pray it starts raining soon enough.
lol
Hey- I did this 5 years ago, and now they're starting to fog up again. Actually I'm happy with the results, I came back as a refresher before I do it again- I even still have all the materials. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing!
How well did it hold up?
Yes, that is about what you can expect. Consider the superior products that are applied from factory supplied headlights. They go yellow. Nothing lasts forever and all finishes are but temporary, but it is better than just buffing. A good 2K clear spray might be a better option as it is a catalyzed finish, but it is expensive and you must wear a proper respirator and not a dust mask when shooting it. Maybe get another year or two out of the finish over the airdry non cat finish.
5 years is pretty good
Keep waxing them every 3 months and you should avoid them fogging up again. Only so many times you ca restore them.
I just did my 2010 CRV and 2000 Explorer using this process. Works great and is easy to do. Beats the expensive Sylvania, Mothers and other kit methods out there today. Thanks Chris!
Awesome! Glad the video was helpful!
This video has been helping the community for damn near a decade now 🙏🏻
I tried a number of products to get the headlights on an older car we have clear again... with no success. They always clouded up again. We just decided not to drive it at night anymore and then I found your video and thought it was worth a shot. My 15 year old took one headlight and I did the other. It was quality time for us both and fun at the same time. The results were AMAZING! We were just hoping it would stay that way.
BTW, I waited until 6 months elapsed before commenting and I'm happy to say this process works... permanently!! Thanks for posting this video and for instructions which were very easy to follow. My headlights are bright again and it didn't cost an arm and a leg. Outstanding!
I'd go through all of this and my transmission would then go out or something.
Kevin Cody thats how it is lol
Man I feel your pain, that really sucks man. I hope things get better for you :)
luckily he has a video on that too :P
Lol
This is why I went w year and a half without fixing my AC
You are so clear with your instructions anyone can do this! Every time I thought of a question, you totally addressed it in the next clip. Thanks so much!
You know Chris, I've lost count of the number of your videos I've watched and I have ALWAYS learned something from every video. I am now 75 and been in transport all my working life. Thanks son. Cheers
+Phillip Paul, I cannot reply to your comment for some reason so I hope you see this. You do not want to buff the lens smooth. You want to have scratches and follow the 400-600-2000 exactly like in this video. The 600 grit puts deep enough scratches into the surface of the lens while the 2000 light sand, cuts any surface roughness off. This allows for the clear coat to adhere properly so it wont peel in a year. If you make it smooth, the clear coat wont grab onto anything and it will peel. You can also have a problem with the paint running.
ChrisFix So basically 400-600-2000 is a must? Not just 600-2000, or 2000 alone?
GigaDonk You can do 600-2000 but not just 2000. You need the deeper 600 grit scratches to help the clear coat adhere for a good long time!
ChrisFix
Why you dont use wd40 ?
Nm
I thought pt cruisers come stock with foggy headlights
Lol I mean the bumper came stock with tape lines so I’d believe it
Very helpful, thanks!
Kept this one in my back pocket for a while having not needed when it was posted. Here all these years later as a refresher since my headlights are now ready for a new coat. Thanks Chris!
Very thorough diy video. Easy to follow, clear instructions. I feel prepared to tackle this restoration on my own car! 👍🏼
"unfortunately for the PT cruiser" lol its unfortunate it's a PT cruiser in general
Glad I wasn't the only one thinking that...
nothing wrong with a pt cruiser .. well perhaps a few issues , but if u want the style, you gotta pay :D no such thing as a flawless car
lol
+Ladosligese who would want the style though lol :D
E. R. i would :D love the english cab / hurse look haha
Holy shit fam dude your a blessing like fr some guy tried to get to pay him $30 for cleaning my headlight one for $7 I doubt they wear permanent this is just a life saver thank you . I'm on your notification squad now
Glad the video was helpful and welcome aboard!
Anything to do with vehicles your my go to, so clear and easy to follow it’s truely a blessing having you do this for us all. Thanks so much truely appreciate it.
I have used this method for years with great results every time! Thanks, Chris!
I actually did this today on our truck. I was always polishing it with toothpaste every couple months to get a somewhat clear non yellow lense. Today I wet sanded with 600 - 1200 - 2000 - 3000, then alcohol wipe. Taped it off and put 3 passes of Krylon Color Master acrylic crystal clear with durable cover max technology (quoting the lable) and later in the day after it all dried nice I finished it off with a quick coat of carnauba wax. It came out awesome, crystal clear, looks like a brand new Glass Lense. I was using the clear coat from a previous project and they did not have any non yellowing clear coat at my local shop, so will have to order a new can from amazon, so for now I will be driving with one super clear lens and one yellow faded out lens. But this really does work great and is super easy.
John Norris I just did mine and I'm waiting to 24 hours for it to dry. It doesn't look super clear after I sprayed the clear coat on, do it dry clear after the 24 hour period?
Mine got clearer as it dried but looked pretty clear pretty quick. Should be noticeable right away.
I did finish both headlights on that suv then l did the same to my other truck. They all look good.
After it dries if it does not look clear, maybe you got the wrong clear coat? I know they have some that are opaque. you can always try more coats to see if that works.After it is all dried, you can also try applying a polishing compound like used to polish your car. to smooth out the finish more. Finish it off with a wax like carnuba wax to help protect the clear coat as it is not as industrial or durable as the clear coat on your paint job. They do have some heavy duty clear coat spray paints out there that have a hardener added to the paint that will last much longer. these cans have a button on the bottom that you depress, this releases the hardener into the clear coat in the paint.
mine is also in small cracks all over the headlight after clear coat
Girl: you're from Jersey right? Say that thing again.
Chrisfix: *whispers* "Wuater"
Wooder*
lmao
Never get the soapy wooder too close to the electrizzity
My brothers met chris at a autozone in old bridge nj
Joey R. Get her a black guy she'll love you forever...
This is an easy process that renders stellar results.
Thanks Chris!
Chris, I walked through the steps provided in this video yesterday and now have clear headlights. Thank you so much for saving me money.
I did this to my tooth, now i have a beautiful smile!
Al Southern I would use cape cod cloth on a gold tooth
Me to
:D
Copy cat
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I just did this on my 350z, WOW what a difference. Small tip is when you move on to the 2k grit, sand until it seems clear while youre sanding, I.E. you dont see much haze while its wet. Learned that the hard way.
Mr. Mills I messed up, the clear coat got bubbly and peeled. do I have to start over or just add wax
Black Titan I would re-sand it. I didn't sand my right one enough with the 2k grit the first time so I went over it again with the 400 then 600 then spent a lot of time on the 2k. After re doing it the light looks great. I would re do
Mr. Mills I only have 600 and 2000 grit, should I start from the 600 grit and up. would that be enough to get the clear coat off completely?
Yea you should be fine
Mr. Mills Did you also respray them with clearcoat?
Crazy seeing how far you came from your old videos man really glad to see you have come so far!
I did this like 9 years ago when this video was new posted on my 2002 VW Jetta 1.8T and it worked like a goddamned charm. Here I am in 2023, 2 vehicles later (2014 Dodge Avenger, and now on my 2021 Chevy Colorado Z71) and I have a wife and kids and a home (I was like 22 when I did this with the Jetta) and my wife's 2016 Nissan Rogue headlamps are so foggy that it's literally dimming the lights at night when she drives. Was looking back trying to find this video because I remembered how great it worked on the Jetta almost a decade ago and boom baby! Found it. Thanks my friend. Headed to the hardware store tomorrow after work for supplies and will be working on my wife's Rogue this weekend.
I'm glad this worked well for your VW way back then and you're doing it again! Crazy how time flies!
I originally found a video years ago of someone doing this to their car. Having watched your other videos, I was glad to find your video. I didn't have the four or six hundred grit, just some of the fiber ones, but it came out wonderful. Thanks so much
Awesome! Glad the video was helpful!
Just tried this on my old Toyota Corolla. The lights were so hazy that I didn’t feel comfortable driving at night as the lights had gotten so dim. This method worked perfectly ! They turned out so nice. Thank you so much for this video.
Same for my ugly 99 Camry, and wow do clear headlights do a lot to the appearance!
Honesty THE best how to RUclipsr by far!!! Thank you chrisfix
Thanks a lot!
My moms 350Z had very yellow headlights and now it looks brand new, thank you Chris! Another great tutorial!
What clear coat did you use?
Chris - this video is excellent. My 2007 BMW Z4 had some mildly oxidized headlights.
I started with 600 grit and soon to that someone had tired to correct these before (I’m the second owner).
Once all of the sanding was done and I had a nice even haze I shook the clear coat for a good 2 minutes.
I carefully applies VERY light coats, waiting 10 to 15 minutes between applications. After 3 coats I checked for uniform, even coverage. I then applied my last coat and waited overnight to remove the tape and bags.
Wow! Just beautiful. Pure carnuba wax was carefully applied and removed. The results are spectacular.
Thanks Chris - I WAS nervous sanding, but I trusted you and the results exceeded my expectations.
How long did you wait to apply wax?
I'm amazed!!! Update: I actually did this and the results were fantastic! I can't thank you enough for all the empowerment you provide. God bless you!
Awesome. I've been looking for comments on if someone had done it. Thanks fore saying something! I'm about to do it on my Santa Fe.
@@kimberchick8527 He inspired me to change my own headlights, tail light, interior light, and that AC filter that's under the hood (I already knew how to replace the cabin one). I even used this headlight recovery trick on the faded solar lights around my property. ChrisFix is truly my hero!
@@Amyzgr8r hey Amy, every time you sanded, did you do 5 minutes each time or how long?
@@jlkeeper8901 Oh, I didn't really time it. Just eyeballed it.
Ive done this using the same clear coat and it all was in spider webs after 10 minutes. Did three coats and that did not help a single but. Then talked to a professional, they said need a plastic adhesion promoter, used that (doing everything form scratch again), this time the clear coat did not have the spider web, but the headlights are hazy and dont look "amazing". Now when i rewatch the video i realize that his headlights are hazy as well, it is just his comments that made me think they did look great.
After 3 coats of clear gloss... There is some haziness from paint I believe. What shall I do to get absolutely clear glass now?
Wait a few days for the paint to harden and cure. Then wet sand with 2000 grit so it is uniformly hazy. Then move up to 3000 grit, then 5000 grit and then use a polish like this and buff it until crystal clear: amzn.to/2sJbZXk
Can a wax be used instead of this polish?
Buy a new headlight if you want perfectly clear glass.
wabash that makes no sense because headlights are plastic and the glass ones don't haze
sharkvshark i
Nice video. You have to love how everyone is now an expert on how you should change your video and what they would do. Thanks for taking the time to make this tutorial.
finally did this on my 2009 Toyota Rav4 - I was nervous....it didn't look that much better after all the sanding... UNTIL i sprayed that clear coat. Amazingly clear results!! Thanks ChrisFix
Girl, are you 2000 grit sandpaper? Because you're Super Fine! ~ Chris Fix
Hahaha how did you know that’s my pickup line?
ChrisFix lol
@@chrisfix 😂 badass!
That's "CRAZY SUPER FINE !"
Awwww girls go like awwww!!!
Chris, I appreciate the time and effort you put into make these video's available to your viewers. They are always very informative, clear, concise and to the point. Because of your expertise and the way you present your video's, you make it look easy and inspire novice like myself to give it a try. Keep up the good work, it is much appreciated!
You are truly the best! I am a single 60 year old female who has never had enough money for repairs of any kind or anyone to ever help me. I have cried so many times about troubles that have happened with my vehicles thinking now what? I can't do that as in different repairs ...but then each time I found you except one issue recently. You have always had such clear verbally and visually videos. You have saved me so much money! And you gave me a pride or great feeling when I was done saying ... Wow I did it myself! The one thing I did not find from you that I needed help with was for a 2005 Buick rainier specifically how to get the washer fluid reservoir out and check to see where fluid is pouring out from. In my case it was a crack in the base of the rear fluid pump. Car shop said they checked it out and there was a huge hole or maybe they said crack and wanted est. Of $400!! There was neither! My lights tho had some kind of vinyl cover over them that was peeling off and then once I just pulled all the film off .... my headlights were ruined and I could not see clearly out of them and nothing ever worked that I tried but I kept making them worse. So thank you so much again!!
Mam, you should be commended for your attitude! Keep on keeping on so to speak
Quick tip that I learned the hard way: If you've applied too much clear spray, use alcohol and microfiber towel to remove it. It will take time, and was a pain in my rear, but it will eventually get it off. Afterwards just restart the process all over again, beginning with 400 grit sand paper.
thank you bro i just did it an i messed up left headlight it had some drips and i didnt sand both headlights enough they both had some yellowing
Can you restore the relantionship with my girl?
Chris Fix can do anything!! 😂
Try polishing her
lol
@Alex Jay chill man it was just a joke
@Alex Jay srry i didnt see that lol
I've done that 3 months ago. Still looking good. My dad was impressed, thank you very much
😂
Awesome glad to hear it!
Yo dude
Mine is dead and there was never ever any way to impress him.
any news on how it looks now after 8months? im interested to do the same.
THATS CHRIS I WILL BE DOING THIS TO BOTH OUR CARS. MY HUSBAND WILL NEVER DO IT. I'M NOT SCARED.
I did this on my 2003 Honda Accord and it looks absolutely stunning. I thought I messed up because of the haze the next morning but the wet sand and polish did the trick. You’re the best Chris!!
Awe man no soapy wooder in this one?
This was helpful, here's the summary:
1. Put masking tape all the way around both headlights. Don’t leave paint around lights showing.
2. Spray headlight and 400-grit sandpaper with lots of water.
3. While keeping surface wet the whole time, use sandpaper to swirl in circular motion. Don’t push too hard.
- Milky colour will run, which is fine.
- Make sure grooves are done around the edges
4. Finish by sanding horizontally. Include grooves.
5. Do steps 3-4 with 600-grit sandpaper. Slightly more pressure than before.
6. Use water and paper towel to wipe off the headlight.
7. Do steps 3-4 with 2000-grit sandpaper. Not too much pressure.
8. Repeat step 6.
9. Use alcohol on paper towel to clean it off. Leave to dry.
10. Use garbage bag to cover the front of the car around the headlights. Tape it down to the car nice and tight.
11. Push down bag over headlight. Lift up slightly, then cut a hole around the edge of the headlight. It can be slightly bigger, but not bigger than the masking tape.
12. Tape the inside of the headlight hole tape to garbage bag.
13. Repeat step 9. Do not touch from this point on.
14. Once dried, use light and fast sprays of clear coat over the headlight. Cover lightly twice: up to down, down to up.
15. Let dry for 5 minutes.
16. Repeat step 14. Make sure grooves are sprayed too.
17. Let dry for 5 minutes.
18. Repeat step 14.
19. Let it dry for at least 24 hours. More is better, up to 7 days. Do not drive car during this time.
20. Remove garbage bag cover, but not original masking tape around headlight.
21. Do wet sand to remove orange peel: 2000-3000-grit wet sand in the same manner as steps 3-4. Can repeat more if needed while increasing in fineness.
22. Dry.
23. Use car wax on microfiber towel and swirl it around.
24. Leave on until it hazes. Once it does, buff it out (wipe using clean buffer).
25. Remove rest of tape.
Nice bro
Thanks
I have a 3m kit and it doesnt say to wet sand for the first two rounds of sandpaper. will that make a difference?
@@AlexSchwartzATV I dunno chrisfix suggested wet sand for every time you sand it here so...not sure how it'll work if you don't
@@AlexSchwartzATV I would wet sand every time, especially on plastic. The water helps avoid build up of material (in the sandpaper) that is coming off the headlamp and makes the sanding much more consistent over the entire surface.
Wow!! just doing this on my twenty year old Jeep, and the results are so much better than I had hoped for!!
I remember watching this when it first came out 9 years ago. Man this guy is awesome.
Thanks!
@@chrisfix Thank you!
@@chrisfixcan’t believe you still reply to comments on a video this old!
Idk why im watching this i dont even have a car lmao
Hahahahaha! Too frikkin' funny! Best comment ever.
Same lol
Tasi Asuega fucking same
Tasi Asuega... Car repair porn. It's an addiction. Don't get me started on the slow-motion woodworking videos with jazzy background music.
Tasi Asuega Hahahah
I swear Chris Fix you have helped my detailing business so much man you are the goat 🐐 💯
Seven years since this was first posted.
This is awesome. Wow!
thank you!!!!!!! my lights were so dim on my 09 altima because of how hazy and yellow, now they are almost crystal clear, it’s nice to be able to see the road clearly now!❤
Chris your instructional video really gave me the confidence to work on my dirty old Mazda 3 lights. It only took about 2 foo fighter albums and they turned out beautifully!!!
My wife's car is a Mazda 3, and the headlights look terrible. I was considering doing this, and hearing you had success helps me get up the nerve to try it. Thanks!
Sandpaper works better than Foo Fighters albums, but you do you.
All products I use are listed in the description as well as links to update pictures of the headlights 1 year and 2 years later. You can also follow me on social media:
Instagram→ instagram.com/chrisfixit
Facebook→ facebook.com/chrisfix8
Be sure to tag me in any before/after shots you guys take! Thanks!
ChrisFix Great work. Hope u do more for the teens that are into Automotives. better tricks and education to help
ChrisFix TV CT garden
This was a great tutorial. Thank you.
ChrisFix I actually restored my headlights using your method. but I skipped the rubbing alcohol because I'm affraid it will damage plastics. Thanks
to get
Did this today just as you instructed and it worked 100%! Thank you for the step by step video.
Been watching for multiple years and I just barely got my first car. I'm really excited to put some of these videos to use, including this one :)
You have a PT Cruiser? I will pray for you.
Vini C watch his other videos he has wayyy better cars
Vini C theres always that judgmental person on utube
I feel bad for anyone who has a PT Cruiser.. but I read that some people actually like them. Whhhaat?!
While you pray for him, I'll go ahead and call the pope for a anti ptcruiserism
Glycerin I'm a hard guy to hate, but I hate PT Cruiser and all people that drive them. For some reason people that own PT Cruisers are trouble makers
I like to think Chris goes around taking people’s cars at random fixing them and then returning the vehicles after making the video on their issue.
I would never steal a car haha, I always work on my own cars or friends cars!
@@chrisfix I would be a happy man if you stole my car, all the issues would disappear.
This worked great for us! We just did my sisters and my car and they look fantastic! Many years later and this video is still helping people thank you!
Did this to Mums car in 2020 the results hold up to this day its brilliant.
Dude, you are amazing. I am so gonna try this, on my car. I bought headlight cleaning kit, $34 X 2 , one for each headlight. And one turned out okay, the other still shit. Thank you for this well done, step by step, thorough and clear to understand video. I can't wait to see some of your other videos.
Man you can sand fast!
Comes with years of experience :P
instructions unclear i drank the entire bottle of soapy wooder
:o
@@chrisfix
Hi Chris Thank you so much for your tips and instructions.
I cant find Isopray Alcohol.
Woul the Methyl spirit do the cleaning after sanding? Please let me know. Thank you.
@@aldobiglari4575 I believe it's Isopropyl Alcohol, dunno if that helps.
@@cooper_jay_studios yes the point is it is not available in this part of the world!!
Soapy water isn’t in the stuff neede
So glad there is a DYI. Thank you, your voice style and presentation is excellent. I feel confident to do this myself.
Great job, easy to follow instructions. Thanks!
I did this to my teeth. Now I have a beautiful smile.
P.S. cut nostril holes in the plastic. I found out the hard way.
Funniest comment I've ever read! LOL
thecosmicsnail lol
you might be low on blinker fluid ....
What did the clear coat taste like ?
Thank you so much!! Saved me $80. Now when I was applying the clear coat, I turned all the headlights to heat up while applying the clear coat, which prevented the orange peel
KherielTheCereal Wow wish I read this before I sprayed the clear coat. I’ve got a lot of bumpy orange peel that I have to sand down and refinish
DANG IT! Wish I would have read this too! Now i have to sand but, it's OK. Still grateful for ALL information ♥ .•:*¨¨*:•. ♥
Heated headlights? That's a thing?!
@@a.j.9727 I think he ment the natural heat that the lightbulbs put out. Especally xenon lights. They warm up the surface nicely.
@@TheBestGames974 I'm aware 😉.
I followed these steps with my totally yellowed headlights on my 21 y.o. Opel Corsa.
I had no finer sandpaper than 600 grit. I gave it a try and it worked wonders. Done sanding within the hour.
Sprayed them in 4 layers. The result the next day was kind of dull. (Orange peel)
Since I didn't have any sandpaper to buff it up, I used Commandant M5 polish with a polishing pad on my cordless drill.
The end result really is amazing! And I still think the paint cures a bit more to full clarity.
This video saved me from buying new headlights, so thanks man! Total costs under $10,-
You are the G.O.A.T Chris. You are my go to for all things related to DYI vehicle projects
unclear instructions, my blinker fluid is leaking out of my headlights
Too old joke to be funny
funny😂
Booooo
You sanded wayyy too much.
Don't sand too hard!
I hope this glitch is not patched
Same. The gov better not vault this
Eddie M alright Eddie
Eddie M Go back to watching street fighter videos calling people virgins you’re the biggest one😂
The FBI probably already did that
This channel is not only one of my top 3, as far as usefulness goes I could probably say Chris is my number one favorite creator on all of RUclips! This guy is genuinely a national treasure! Much of this stuff, I already know, but all of it includes subtle details That can save every day people looking to improve the quality of their lives thousands of dollars. Please don't ever stop doing what you're doing or the way that you're doing it. You have the perfect theme, subject matter, & layout. Nothing you're doing will ever get old, or fall out of favor. I've been following you for a very long time & the day you stop making RUclips videos, I'll know this platform Is obsolete.
I guess what I'm saying is thank you for everything!
I have 2011 4runner and the headlight has a multi faceted lens so it was much more challenging. but it does look much better, DEFINITELY.
Probably should have spent more time sanding but I was afraid I was doing too much so there you go.
Thank you Chris We're pleased 😀