View Full Version : How do I get rid of oxidation on my headlight lenses?
redbanditZ28
05-25-2010, 02:47 AM
As the title asks, how would I go about removing the oxidation from the headlights of my 03 Hyundai accent? I use it as a daily driver and the headlights are so hazey anymore. MY Camaro headlights got like that eventually, but I ditched them for pro beams anyway.
Is there a liquid solution or something easy to get rid of the oxidation? Also, once I take off the headlight lense, is there any trouble I may have putting it back on or sealing it at all? I'd really like to try and do this myself, so I appreciate any advice.
I know a lot of hyundais from the 2000s suffer from this. You get what you pay for, but I just want to fix this.
NastyEllEssWon
05-25-2010, 04:58 AM
sand em down, from a lower grit to a higher then polish....800 grit should be good enough to start. they make kits though
Blackbirdws6
05-25-2010, 05:38 AM
Depending on the level of oxidation, you can try a couple different things. If its not that bad, pick up one of those kits like meguiars and it should workk well. I did this on my wifes Lex which was showing some mild fading.
If its worse than that, you will have to get more aggressive and use different grits of sandpaper with a good plastic polish to get them looking nice. There are some guides you can find pretty readily online.
CHRIS67
05-25-2010, 06:13 AM
3M makes a nice kit that attaches to a drill. Just tape off any surounding paint and follow the directions. Be sure not to hold the sander in one location for too long or it mets the plastic then you have to sand deeper.
Squirrel
05-25-2010, 08:38 AM
is it on the inside or outside?
greenformula92
05-25-2010, 08:42 AM
toothpaste and a tooth brush will work if its very mild
WildBillyT
05-25-2010, 08:58 AM
3M makes a nice kit that attaches to a drill. Just tape off any surounding paint and follow the directions. Be sure not to hold the sander in one location for too long or it mets the plastic then you have to sand deeper.
I used the 3M kit on my GP. Worked awesome.
redbanditZ28
05-25-2010, 12:20 PM
I think the oxidation is on the inside of the headlight. I would assume if it was on the outside, it wouldn't feel smoothe to the touch like it does. Do any of you anticipate any problems getting the lense back on with the sealing/lining in place so water doesn't get inside the headlight?
I really need to invest in a power drill while I am at it. But I may try to use the toothbrush/toothpaste thing first and try my luck.
Thanks everyone for your help. I appreciate it.
ShitOnWheels
05-26-2010, 05:31 PM
My 02 Hyundai Elantra had the same issue. We tried the kits, but it made it worse. So we just bought OEM replacement headlight housings and replaced them.
T69SS
05-26-2010, 07:40 PM
I used the 3M kit on my GP. Worked awesome.
+1. I used the kit on my old Mustang headlights and it worked great.
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