lincolntowncar.org - Repairing Fogged Headlights

By Jason Quillen

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You will need the following;

  • A high speed machine buffer. (Between $200 & $375 for a decent buffer, or borrow one.)
  • A bottle of 3M Micro-finishing Compound.
  • A bottle of 3M Imperial hand glaze.
  • A 3M Ripple Foam compound pad. (Pads will will either have velcro or bolt-on, depending on how it is affixed to your buffer.)
  • A couple of soft terry cloth towels.
  • A roll of two inch masking tape.

    The Procedure:

  • Be sure lenses are clean from dirt and bugs
  • Apply a small amount of 3M compound to the headlight lens, a teaspoons worth should do.
  • Take the buffer and adjust the speed about half way. (if speed control is available)
  • Center the Ripple Foam Pad onto the surface of the buffer.
  • Take some 2" masking tape and tape surrounding paint and chrome.
  • Gently move the buffer back and forth over the lens. Apply more compound as needed. (BE CAREFUL NOT TO HOLD THE BUFFER PAD IN ONE PLACE FOR TOO LONG OR TO LET THE EDGE OF THE PAD HIT THE PAINT ON THE CAR. THE PLASTIC LENS OR THE PAINT CAN BE BURNED.)
  • Buff the lens till the fog clears away and you get a nice clear luster on the lens. (BE CAREFUL OF THE PLASTIC TIPS ON THE LENSES, THEY TEND TO TEAR THE PAD AND MAKE THE BUFFING DIFFICULT.)
  • Wipe off the excess compound from the lens with a clean terry cloth.
  • Apply a small amount of the 3M Imperial glaze to a clean terry cloth towel. Rub the lens vigorously wit the glaze.
  • Take a clean terry cloth tire towel and buff of the hazed polish by hand.
  • Pressure wash the excess compound and polish from the car (if a pressure washer is available) or just wash the vehicle as you normally would.

    NOTE: This will only work if the fog is on the outside of the lens. Sand pits and deep scratches may not come out. If this is the case may I suggest purchasing new head-lamps from a dealer or from an aftermarket parts company such as VENG.

    : If you do purchase a buffer, and you have experience in buffing it can save oxidized, or sctratched paint on your vehicle.