Headlights on my fabia have always been a bit oxidised. Bought a kit from Halfords (a maguire one that doesn't need the drill), and it does make an obvious difference, they never look "new".

 

there appears to be some clouding on the insides of the lenses, although I think the worst of it is on the outside. 

 

Is there any better way of polishing up the lights, maybe a kit that requires a drill? I'm guessing taking the lights apart is nigh on impossible. If not, any idea where to buy cheapest new lights from?

3M do a good kit that is used with a drill. Made my lights look nearly new.

 

https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/328980-yellowcloudy-headlights/

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3M-Headlight-Headlight-Restoration-Kit-/172643663657?epid=602516771&hash=item28325d3f29:g:5lkAAOSw44BYfTCX

 

Edited 23 August, 20178 yr by TMB

You've got to be careful with the heat from using a drill otherwise the polycarbonate melts and smears and you'll never polish it out.

 

I just used really fine wet and dry with lots of soapy water to get the oxidised layer stripped right off before polishing with finer compounds. Easier to remove the headlights and work on them in your lap.

I did an old set I got from the scrap yard and they came out like new with a wet sand and a machine polish with a few different compounds.

And yes you can take the lights apart to clean but probably not necessary as most will be on the outside surface

Edited 24 August, 20178 yr by clarendon462

Did I read somewhere that if you apply toothpaste and rub it in gently with toothbrush, let it sit on for a while, then rub off - works well.......

2 minutes ago, king_o said:

Did I read somewhere that if you apply toothpaste and rub it in gently with toothbrush, let it sit on for a while, then rub off - works well.......

 

Tried it on mine and it didn't do a thing. Also tried T-Cut and Brasso - no good either.

Not tried toothpaste, but have heard that one before. I have used T-cut, which did have positive results, but with the right care wet, sanding and machine polishing trumps everything else I've given a whirl. 

On 25 August 2017 at 17:35, king_o said:

Did I read somewhere that if you apply toothpaste and rub it in gently with toothbrush, let it sit on for a while, then rub off - works well.......

It does work for a bit, but will go back to a hazey look in a month or 2. My car prefers Colgate. 

Edited 28 August, 20178 yr by stuart vrs
Wrong word.

12 minutes ago, stuart vrs said:

My car prefers Colgate. 

 

Regular coats of wax mine lasted a year until i sold the car and still looked like the day I did them. Ive bought some UV sealant for my current headlights so will see how it lasts

Ok, google micro mesh, its a product used on aeroplane cockpit covers, comes as a kit of various grades of wet n;dry papers and a very fine rubbing compound, I've used it on the plastic rear quarter covers with success removed cleaning swirls etc,  and also on bang and olufsen plastic and stainless  panels with great success  --  give it a try!!!   ; - ))