Plastic Headlite lenses - Dodge Diesel

freedomrider · 08-30-2008, 04:13 PM

Hi Guys: Ever had a plastic headlight lense go dull on you? Well rather than buying a new factory unit, I found a kit by Permatex ( sandpaper & polish) that does a great job of making those lenses clear again. At $16 a pop, much cheaper than buying a whole new lens. Now here's where I start feeling stupid. I tied some Blue Magic chrome polish on the other lens, & guess what? It came up just as bright & clear even without sanding. Just thought I'd pass this on to you guys.

scottsjeeprolet · 08-30-2008, 04:36 PM

I use Meguiars on mine and it only lasts about a month then back to yellow lights.

CarlJensen · 08-31-2008, 05:52 AM

What you used has a fine rubbing compound in it. Toothpaste will also polish them out. If they are bad enough you can use 2000 wet paper (wet) and medium compound with a wool bonnet/buffer. Works well. Seal them after polishing with a good wax or clear coat to make them hold longer.

blackimpala · 08-31-2008, 08:49 AM

I have heard of the clear coat before but what does that mean? Go to wal-Mart and get clear paint or is there a product called Clear Coat?

Floyd

freedomrider · 08-31-2008, 09:39 AM

I think you should watch the clear coat, some products melt plastic. Actually on my truck, there was a thin film that pealed off then they truned yellow I had the truck for 4 years before I had probs, so some kind of clear coat is good.

Dave Miller · 08-31-2008, 10:26 AM

Clear Coat is like a clear polyetheylene finish like lacquer to seal/protect the lense.

CarlJensen · 08-31-2008, 02:12 PM

Right, I used the poly on mine. Nothing with laquer thinners in it. They will craze the plastic. All you need to do is remove the very top layer of plastic and repolish. Sealing it delays the same thing happening again.

01RAMer · 09-03-2008, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Miller

Clear Coat is like a clear polyetheylene finish like lacquer to seal/protect the lense.

Is this the same Clear Coat used over paint touch-ups, or are you talking about something else? Do you have a brand in mind?

Dave Miller · 09-03-2008, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 01RAMer

Is this the same Clear Coat used over paint touch-ups, or are you talking about something else? Do you have a brand in mind?

I have not used anything yet on mine but this Colorbond Clear Coat works on plastic. I used the Colorbond paint on my dash replacement and it is very good paint. You could probably use any Clear Coat from automotive store (Kragens..etc) from the paint section:

http://www.lmctruck.com/ICATALOG/DE/full.aspx?Page=70

GFB · 09-03-2008, 04:11 PM

Meguiars makes a product called Plastix specifically for this. I polish them up every time I wash the truck. It only takes a few minutes.

Dave Miller · 09-03-2008, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GFB

Meguiars makes a product called Plastix specifically for this. I polish them up every time I wash the truck. It only takes a few minutes.

Great! I'll have to try it.

91rangerturbo · 09-04-2008, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GFB

Meguiars makes a product called Plastix specifically for this. I polish them up every time I wash the truck. It only takes a few minutes.

Yep i have used plastix a few times and it works great. If your cheap like me I have also used GOJO hand cleaner. It has a grit in it and cleans them up rather well also.

gotslicks · 09-04-2008, 08:29 AM

if you get a metal polishing kit from eastwood,use the soft flapper/buffing wheel (Buff Wheel Ventilated ) and the white rouge compound on a high speed drill .....it will take it off asap and shine em up better than new!
itll take you 5 minutes and your hands wont hurt

blackimpala · 09-04-2008, 08:32 AM

OK, another tip I read about: cut the little alignment **** off w/Dremel tool and use a jitter bug sander or other sanding device. I haven't done it yet but the next time I will.

Floyd

gotslicks · 09-04-2008, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackimpala

OK, another tip I read about: cut the little alignment **** off w/Dremel tool and use a jitter bug sander or other sanding device. I haven't done it yet but the next time I will.

Floyd

eeeeeeeeeeeeekkkkkk

08-30-2008, 04:36 PM	#2
scottsjeeprolet Chapter President Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Kingsville, MD Posts: 3,466 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	I use Meguiars on mine and it only lasts about a month then back to yellow lights. __________________ 1999 3500 4X4 DRW, QC, LB, Auto, 4.10 posi rear, 235 85R16 Dunlop RV, S&B Intake, Adrenaline w/Pulse, ISSPRO guages, AirDog 100, BD VB & TCI Maximizer TC, B&M Super trans cooler, ATS Co-Pilot, HX 35/40, F1 Mach 3's for tailgaters to enjoy Scotte Maryland DTR Chapter #33 Wanna join? PM me for details. Find out what's going on in MD Chapter #33 Forums

08-31-2008, 05:52 AM	#3
CarlJensen Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St Augustine, Florida Posts: 658 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	What you used has a fine rubbing compound in it. Toothpaste will also polish them out. If they are bad enough you can use 2000 wet paper (wet) and medium compound with a wool bonnet/buffer. Works well. Seal them after polishing with a good wax or clear coat to make them hold longer. __________________ Retired US Navy Chief, 95 2500 auto, peeling white (junk paint), BHAF, #5 plate, EGR brakes, KDP dead, EGT, Boost and Tran temp gauges. Billet TC, upgraded valve body.Three position TC lockup switch. Timing at 15.5

08-31-2008, 08:49 AM	#4
blackimpala Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 610 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	I have heard of the clear coat before but what does that mean? Go to wal-Mart and get clear paint or is there a product called Clear Coat? Floyd __________________ 96 4X4 Auto, Gauges, Full time power windows, headlight relays, By-pass filter, KDP Done, Lukes Link, GM Wheel cylinders, removed fuel heater, Banks triple disc TC, Transgo Diesel shift kit, Homemade freespin manual lockout hubs w/old school bearings. I need no stinking chips. For those who fought for it Freedom has a taste the protected will never know.

09-03-2008, 04:11 PM	#10
GFB Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 645 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Meguiars makes a product called Plastix specifically for this. I polish them up every time I wash the truck. It only takes a few minutes. __________________ 2001.5, 4x4, NV4500, Adrenaline/Pulse, Super B, stage 5 jammers, walbro, 4" to 5" miters, 2" Skyjacker, 315 BFGs, valair 13" OFe, tunes by Alpine and JL.

09-04-2008, 08:29 AM	#13
gotslicks Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 280 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	if you get a metal polishing kit from eastwood,use the soft flapper/buffing wheel (Buff Wheel Ventilated ) and the white rouge compound on a high speed drill .....it will take it off asap and shine em up better than new! itll take you 5 minutes and your hands wont hurt __________________ 01 2500 4x 5sp 3.55,valair 3600dd, adrenaline w/pulse, farmboy diesel 5", afs big dog walbro fuel system,big line kit,ddp 250hp comp injectors,afe torque tube,top gunz 6" lift rock krawler long arms,20" rockstars w/37s BD SUPER B SPECIAL 458hp 963tqw/xzilliraider new 483hp 1047tq w/adrenaline 62/71/14

08-31-2008, 09:39 AM	#5
freedomrider Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: ONTARIO CANADA Posts: 12 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	I think you should watch the clear coat, some products melt plastic. Actually on my truck, there was a thin film that pealed off then they truned yellow I had the truck for 4 years before I had probs, so some kind of clear coat is good.

08-31-2008, 10:26 AM	#6
Dave Miller Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ahwahnee, Ca Posts: 300 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Clear Coat is like a clear polyetheylene finish like lacquer to seal/protect the lense.

08-31-2008, 02:12 PM	#7
CarlJensen Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St Augustine, Florida Posts: 658 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Right, I used the poly on mine. Nothing with laquer thinners in it. They will craze the plastic. All you need to do is remove the very top layer of plastic and repolish. Sealing it delays the same thing happening again.

09-04-2008, 08:32 AM	#14
blackimpala Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 610 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	OK, another tip I read about: cut the little alignment **** off w/Dremel tool and use a jitter bug sander or other sanding device. I haven't done it yet but the next time I will. Floyd

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode