I swapped out my fog bulbs with Silverstars to match my headlights, so I figured it would be a good time to clean up the lenses. After reading flxsunxchick's post, I went out and grabbed some Meguiar's Plastx and gave it a whirl.

Straight from the car, nothing applied(Left), 3 Coats of Plastx(Right)


Close up of left


Close up of Right

 

As you can see, the Plastx had only a minimal effect. Wasn't satisfied, so moved on to sanding. Used 400, 800, 1500, 2000 paper and soapy water. I skipped out on the 600 bc I couldn't find it, and didn't use 1000 bc I forogt it and was too lazy to go back out.

Some pics after each sanding stage:

400


800


1500


2000

 

Then applied 3 coats of Plastx using a foam applicator and a terry cloth to wipe clean and buff.

Right Side After Sanding + Plastx, Left Side Untouched


Close-up


Both Lenses After Plastx Application (Left side looks a little dull do to the lighting)

 

Close-up of Left side


Close-up of Right side



All in all, I'm extremely happy with the results. These foglights were pretty bad with a lot of pits and besides one or two small specks, they are pretty much flawless. They should look great with the Silverstars once I get them installed again.

Im definitely doing my headlights this weekend, but I'm wondering, can I wetsand and Plastx the side portion of the headlight (where the blinker is)? I noticed that this isnt flat like the rest of the lens.

 

Whoa nice. I need to do mine. My one side is all fogged up.

 

Wow! Nice job. I was using scratchX for my headlights. I picked up some plasicX today. Ill have to use it, didnt get nearly the results.

I dont know about your blinker. By not flat, you mean rough? Im sure someone will chime in.

 

Isn't the side of the headlight beveled? Or is that the inside maybe? I'll have to check again.

 

5th gen fogs are plastic? i thought they were glass

 

nope, plastic...and good thing too, otherwise I dont think we would be able to fix them

 

lucky. 4th gens are glass and we cant sand em

 

looks like i know what my project will be before classes start! good work man, looks great.

 

02-03s are glass.

 

has anyone done the inside of the lend?? headlights for example get some film of some sort on the inside (i think) kinda light yellowish color, ill be sanding mine down soon but just wondering good job !!!

 

Yeah this does suck. I wish I could get rid of all the rock chips and crap that has caked to them from years of new england winters.

 

Nice. I will be doing this tomorrow.

 

any particular pattern to your sanding?

 

how much you charge...I need this done.

 

just got done doing mine... they look nice! i'll put pics up, after i go put them back on the car.

 

I sanded horizontally, then vertically, then finished with small circles. Not sure if this is thie best way or not

 

just did mine this afternoon. quite a difference!

here's the pics.

 

I <3 before and after pics


but I like glass housings and 3M lens protectors even more

 

Wow. I would like to do the same but I went to home depots today but couldn't find 400, 800, 1500, 2000 ones. xD Where can i get 400, 800, 1500, 2000 ones? thanks.

 

i got mine at autozone. i went to homedepot too but it wasn't there. just try an auto store, they'll have it.

 

Okay thanks a lot, I'm gunna go right now =D

 

You have an '03. This won't work for you.

 

oh geez, i just noticed that. i hope it's not too late!

 

oh damnit the 03s are glass. ah oh well

 

That sucks... did you sand them?

 

Doesnt that make the plastic more fragile to crack.

 

I wouldn't think so.... your not sanding down THAT much of the plastic

 

whered you get the 3M ??

 

does anybody know the answer to this question? is it actually on the inside of the lense or just the outside?

 

^^just the outside. If you think about it, how could it get that dirty from the inside if the assembly is completely sealed?

 

i dont know.. maybe all the heat from the bulb slowly builds up some kind of crap on the plastic over time.. i dont think its that far fetched

 

WOW!!!! Thats one helluva difference, ill be doing this when i finally get around to doing that 2k2 headlight upgrade....along with DDE's