With headlights that that aren't horribly bad (i.e. no yellowing, can still see through the plastic...mainly just a mild haze), is it worthwhile simply to try rubbing compound? I have the kit from 3M that involves several steps of sanding. However, I wonder if, in my case, I should just try rubbing compound and see what happens. No harm, I suppose.

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14 E250 Bluetec "Sinclair", Palladium Silver on Black, 153k miles
06 E320 CDI "Rutherford", Black on Tan, 171k mi, Stage 1 tune, tuned TCU
91 300D "Otis", Smoke Silver, 142k mi, wastegate conversion

19 Honda CR-V EX 61k mi
Fourteen other MB's owned and sold
1961 Very Tolerant Wife

That's all I ever use. Either rubbing compound or Meguiar's 105 with a medium buffing pad on a random orbital. Works great.

Don't use the sanding kit until the haze has gone deep into the plastic. The plastic lenses have an outer coating which is a "hardened" surface. Once it is gone then the U-V rays will attack the softer plastic beneath. No big deal but you'll finding yourself buffing them more often.

I find the occasional scrub using toothpaste of all things to be a good way to keep their appearance at their peak.

I thought it was a crazy idea when I first heard it but it makes sense. The mild abrasives in the paste don't dig deep into the plastic and the glycerin "fills" the minor scratches.

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“Whatever story you're telling, it will be more interesting if, at the end you add, "and then everything burst into flames.”
― Brian P. Cleary, You Oughta Know By Now

There are several You Tube videos on various techniques for headlamps and taillights. I second avoid sanding unless absolutely necessary.

I was recently told in another auto group that WD40 also works. I don't recall if that was for heads, tails or both.

Also I seem to recall someone using a paste made from baking soda, with an orbital polisher. Any stuff like this requires a LIGHT touch until you get a feel for how it's working.

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Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

Using toothpaste, is it best to use with water or without?

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14 E250 Bluetec "Sinclair", Palladium Silver on Black, 153k miles
06 E320 CDI "Rutherford", Black on Tan, 171k mi, Stage 1 tune, tuned TCU
91 300D "Otis", Smoke Silver, 142k mi, wastegate conversion

19 Honda CR-V EX 61k mi
Fourteen other MB's owned and sold
1961 Very Tolerant Wife

Just enough water to keep the paste fluid. I use a spray bottle. Don't apply pressure to the surface. You are trying to buff it not re-surface it.

And of course, floss those hard to reach areas.

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“Whatever story you're telling, it will be more interesting if, at the end you add, "and then everything burst into flames.”
― Brian P. Cleary, You Oughta Know By Now

A good tint shop can provide a protective film. Blocks the elements and UV rays. I can give results in a few years...

I tried the "As Seen On TV" stuff on ME's HHR. It sorta works. I used their 2000 grit sandpaper w/water and followed their direction exactly. What they don't tell you on TV is that you have to keep the headlights dry for at least overnight though they prefer 24 hours. I put the race truck up on the hoist and drove the HHR under it for her nightly slumber.

As I said, it sorta works. There are still "ghosts" of the deteriorated areas so it isn't crystal clear. I did it about a month ago and so far so good but we'll see if it holds up.

Dan

My auto detailing place will do it for $40 a side… So maybe if I'm unable to do it I'll go that route.

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14 E250 Bluetec "Sinclair", Palladium Silver on Black, 153k miles
06 E320 CDI "Rutherford", Black on Tan, 171k mi, Stage 1 tune, tuned TCU
91 300D "Otis", Smoke Silver, 142k mi, wastegate conversion

19 Honda CR-V EX 61k mi
Fourteen other MB's owned and sold
1961 Very Tolerant Wife

Sam's Club does it for $30 with a 5 year warranty, which includes damage from chemicals. It's the best option out there IMO, much better than one of those kits or doing it yourself. They polish the lens then use heat to cure a UV coating they put on it.

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Current: 1975 450SEL, 83 300D, 88 Yugo GVX, 90 300D OM603 swap, 91 F150 4.6 4v swap, 93 190E Sportline LE 3.0L M104 swap, 93 190E Sportline LE Megasquirt, 03 Sprinter, 06 E500 4Matic wagon.

Wow....that sounds like the way to go.

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14 E250 Bluetec "Sinclair", Palladium Silver on Black, 153k miles
06 E320 CDI "Rutherford", Black on Tan, 171k mi, Stage 1 tune, tuned TCU
91 300D "Otis", Smoke Silver, 142k mi, wastegate conversion

19 Honda CR-V EX 61k mi
Fourteen other MB's owned and sold
1961 Very Tolerant Wife

Just did the GFs Dodge van headlights, 2000. Removed the light, took it over the sink, started with 800 grit, using soapy water as a lubricant. Then did 1200. Then 1500, then 2000.then used Meguairs plastic polish, then a clear coat, following its instructions without using a solvent to clean the surface. If you don't do this last step, it will oxidize again fast and you'll be in the same boat. If m very pleased with the results, they look nearly new. Investment? 30 bucks, and I've got polish left for next time.

I used to do this a bit at the body shop I worked at, but that clearcoat used there was auto grade and sprayed professionally.

Don't use any chemical on the lense, it will permanently screw up the surface.

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1998 VW Cabrio
2001 Audi SomeRoad A/T (no air suspension)
2003 Audi DeadRoad M/T (no vroom, for later)
2002 Audi NoRoad A/T (nothing under the hood, being rebuilt)

Walmart in USA will also do it for a low cost. Don't know if they do teh heat cure though.

I did the lenses on my E320 using the sanding method. You do need the sandpaper to get the old film off. I got the lenses looking pretty good. But after a couple of years now, they need to be redone. But this time should just require buffing because the film is no longer there.

For those using toothpaste. It works, but only if you use old fashioned type toothpaste. Not the gel stuff. We used to use toothpaste on our boat plexiglass ports when they became foggy.

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5

Just got it done at Sam's. Unbelievable. Did all four for $29.88. They look perfect. Interestingly, they said mine took the most time of any they've done....two guys working for close to two hours. Best $30 I've ever spent.

While I was in there, I noticed their tire installation package: $15 per tire including everything you can imagine.

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14 E250 Bluetec "Sinclair", Palladium Silver on Black, 153k miles
06 E320 CDI "Rutherford", Black on Tan, 171k mi, Stage 1 tune, tuned TCU
91 300D "Otis", Smoke Silver, 142k mi, wastegate conversion

19 Honda CR-V EX 61k mi
Fourteen other MB's owned and sold
1961 Very Tolerant Wife

I did my dodge mini van with a 5 part kit and a six pack of beer. looked like crap but it got it thru state inspection

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1993 MB 300D 245K died.