How 4 Different Headlight Restorations Held Up After 3 Years

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In this video I'll go over how 4 different headlight restorations or fixes for foggy, faded or headlights with a flaky UV protective layer have lasted after 3 years under the hot California Sun.
Here are links to products which were used in this video:
2K Clear Coat: amzn.to/3juz7Rn
My Patreon Page: www.patreon.com/RnW
Facebook: Ratchets2015
Twitter: Ratchets15
Instagram: ratchetsandwrenches
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Ratchets and Wrenches assumes no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from doing a repair on your vehicle after watching any of my repair video's. Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Again Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Ratchets and Wrenches.

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24 окт 2020

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Комментарии : 333

@myRatchets 4 года назад

Here are Links to Products used in this Video: 2K Clear Coat: amzn.to/3juz7Rn 3" Sanding Kit with Drill Adapter: amzn.to/31CYDOB 3" Polishing Kit with Drill Adapter: amzn.to/31BA9VV

@jobanirubio5683 2 года назад

Hi my headlights are polished and I want to add a coat of 2k clear do I need to sand before spraying the clear, Or can I just spray the 2k clear over the polished headlight?

@morenutshell1565 Год назад

@@jobanirubio5683 i also would like to know the answer to this

@jobanirubio5683 Год назад

@@morenutshell1565 You can spray clear coat over 800 grit sandpaper.

@kwa4819 4 года назад

The man is doing mad sience for us ty

@georgemartin1436 4 года назад

THANKS! We NEVER get to see how long these methods last without doing them ourselves...which won't happen...AWESOME

@shmutube 4 года назад

Strong ditto! Really helpful!

@Daddyme92 4 года назад

Lol right on. Atleast we have the video to look back at incase we forget

@John-bu4rb 2 года назад

Check this out: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-E9NP0_nF2ak.html

@deramon1000 4 года назад

really appreciate these follow-ups

@Ensource 3 года назад

same, here

@StoneMountain66 9 месяцев назад

Agreed - Thanks for the follow-up and product comparison.

@WorkinOnIt 15 часов назад

To me, the long-term results matter most, so this is the best headlight restoration video I have found. Thanks!

@-ExperienceWithMe- 4 года назад

Finally! After waiting 3 years I can finally choose what to use on my headlights! Thanks!

@sat_sonic 4 года назад

This quantifies over time what ChrisFix told us to do. I did mine over 3 yrs ago with 1K clear coat and it’s still looking good 😌

@jonnyboat2 4 года назад

Thanks for solving the mystery of how to fix foggy headlight lenses. 2K clear. Thanks. I wish they’d switch back to glass lenses.

@heyyou5189 4 года назад

It would be nice but the complex headlight shapes of today would not do well with glass.

@Brandon-uy1uv 4 года назад

It costs money, money that the car manufacturer rather not spend xD

@bernardkinsky1637 4 года назад

¹thats why I have 2000 prado with glass headlights

@austinnorton7855 3 года назад

@@bernardkinsky1637 so you drive a 20 year old car, on purpose, just because it happens to have glass headlights instead of plastic? then you came to this video so you could tell us about it? yeah I don't think so buddy

@bernardkinsky1637 3 года назад

@@austinnorton7855 I have a couple of old cars and only 1 has plastic shit.

@LakshmananLM 4 года назад

Clearest video on YT for me. Thanks for giving me the courage to finally try the clear coat on the headlights!

@getsomezs 4 года назад

After 3 years? Now that's some commitment! Thanks for the video!

@2old4allthis 4 года назад

This is ‘Project Farm’ level stuff here. Impressive. I agree, however, with one of the other commenters (benland22) - paint protection film is a much better alternative. Mine is 10 years old, always parked outdoors, and looks like new except where the film didn’t quite cover some edges. Plus, it wasn’t toxic to apply it. And, no taping off required.

@clauderivet7745 4 года назад

was thinking the same thing, after i read your comment i search the WEB for benland22 film with no luck and your talking 10 years ago however 10 years of improved Engineered paints i will go with the R&R method. Good one though

@stinkycheese804 4 года назад

PPF is not optically transparent, so while it looks good to the eye, it is permanently worse than other methods in their new/good state.

@2old4allthis 4 года назад

@@clauderivet7745 I was giving credit to another commenter who had mentioned film. Sorry for the confusion.

@2old4allthis 4 года назад

@@stinkycheese804 I’ve heard and read that. I suspect the difference is marginal to negligible. I’ll just say that based on my personal experience, and 130,000+ miles of driving in 10 years through 2/3 of the U.S. and a little bit of Canada on the original halogen bulbs and through nearly every driving condition, and having always parked in my driveway, that I’ve never once felt that road illumination was a problem. And I don’t ever have to mess with headlight restoration. YMMV.

@clauderivet7745 4 года назад

@@2old4allthis Its all good brother, I was searching the web for that exact film that last 10yrs however i could not find it. could it be due to it was that awesome companies therefore manufactured cheaper material for a way cheaper price. If you to find that same material could you Please share it with us. Thank You ... me and you both 2old4itall LOL

@LeverPhile 4 года назад

I've done 4 cars (wet sanding by hand 400, 600 then 1000 grit, followed by 2k clearcoat) and they all are looking good. 2.5 years on the first one, about 1.5 years on other three. You can put wax or sealant on after they fully cure (helps get bug splatter off). Definitely worth the effort.

@billarroo1 2 года назад

I have done all the different methods and your correct. Sanding down the old clearcoat completely off, then fine sanding with 400 grit wet and dry with water, then spray 2 wet coats of 2K clearcoat is the longest lasting job by far. Great tutorial😃😃😃

@troysmith5582 3 года назад

I thought I had seen all methods when it comes to headlights. Wasn't aware of the 2-part clear coat. This appears to be the best by far. Excellent real world information.

@brianszymanski2971 4 года назад

Nice video on plastic headlamps clear coat the way to go after sanding down and polishing with out wax. 2K clear coat and don't wax for at least 4 weeks after. Have a great day!

@gregbellinger5765 Год назад

Very good "how to" : comparison. Voice, modulation, volume, and eye contact all very good. Keep the slight accent: that helps people pay attention. Video quality. Overall I appreciated the pace and you were not screaming at the audience. Thumbs up. GB

@pedrogonzalez9943 4 года назад

Excellent. Following up the results over time is almost always missed in most videos. Feedback of results over time is the most important factor in the DIY decision making process.

@boots7859 4 года назад

Agreed, Project Farm level testing here. Thanks, this is exactly what I needed!

@ikocheratcr 4 года назад

Very good to have a follow up on the diff methods you used, nobody else does this. You made the difference.

@kevinsorensen367 Год назад

Thank you for doing the work and posting results from YEARS later to really show what's best in the long run!

@swflguy9466 2 года назад

Amazing video. Thanks so much for the follow-up. Obviously the clear coat method is the way to go. And for all of you out there, this also applies to freshly painted vehicles, you should never wax or add any type of sealant or cerami coat to fresh paint. I had my front hood repainted due to rock chips and waited 60 days to apply ceramic.

@hawkertyphoon4537 4 года назад

Thank you for confirming what i suspected... fine grit sandpaper, finest grit sandpaper - and then 2k.

@interceptor847 3 года назад

Before even watching this video, this man is a legend for doing something like this. Thank you!

@sproutingresilience4787 4 года назад

I did this for my headlights and my grandmas when you made the last video they still look great!

@myRatchets 4 года назад

That's awesome!

@austinnorton7855 3 года назад

Thats cute

@johnnys1963 2 года назад

Some headlights will last longer if you park your car in the garage but if you park them outside I live in California Fresno area gets hot so mine get yellow haze every season and have to redo them every year because of the hot sun here in California might try the clear you use in your video clip thank you for posting this and hope everyone is having a Great Day

@artsnow8872 Год назад

It would lessen sun exposer if you parked your car heading north (as much as possible).

@skidrowoffroad 4 года назад

Thanks for the look back. It's nice to see how the different methods worked over time.

@mikepettengill2706 4 года назад

That is the video that I found your channel through. No one else had straight answers, they were all selling things.

@wes326 2 года назад

Thanks for sharing. I just use steel wool, then rubbing and polishing compounds. Followed up with 303 protectant. Because of the cost, I would use 2k clear coat only if I had multiple vehicles to do.

@SLR_home62 4 года назад

Thanks so very much for your very honest video demonstrations. Your years of experience as an automotive technician really shines through. Again thanks again. There needs to be a best ever page on You Tube. I’d definitely support you. Stay safe!

@rudolfhuijs4526 4 года назад

There's also the option of applying UV film. The label states up to 5 years. Great follow up video.

@edv8819 4 года назад

Great comparison of the different methods. Definitely worth taking the time to clear coat your headlights.

@csiguy6 4 года назад

Excellent to see results years later. Thanks for doing this video!

@tedenderpalmer6550 4 года назад

My experience with a two-part clearcoat is excellent. To apply at all you have to do is send your headlight with 1000 grit paper, clean it with alcohol wipes, give it a few minutes then apply the paint.One of my vehicles has held up for over 4 1/2 years is that technique.

@Deepseaotter 3 года назад

Just found your video. Wish I had found it earlier... I watched Chris fix restoration video, did exactly as he explained. Started with 400 grit, then 600, 2000. Cleaned it off with alcohol, and applied clear coat. Two coats looked good, but third coat left orange peel, along with a bit of foggy areas........ Three days later decided to resand to remove orange peel. Used 600, 1000, then 2500 grit wet sand. Rinsed and dried off, then applied meguiar plastx polish, and hand buffed it in. Results, not as clear as before, foggy streaks in it. Before I resanded, it had orange peel, but it looked somewhat like new, minus the foggy spots. Now it is far duller, with foggy streaks. Still far better than what it was to begin with, but sorta dull. I finally applied Big White, for a bit of a final protection, buffing by hand. I will probably have to be happy with this for now, but where do you think I went wrong? And what do you think I could do to get the clear new look again? Any suggestions would be much appreciated! Thanks!

@artsnow8872 Год назад

You should have waited a month, to allow the clear coat to fully cure.

@unclebs4732 4 года назад

Spraymax 2k clear is AWESOME! Not cheap because it works.

@toycoma98 3 месяца назад

A lot of detailers hate 2k clear coat headlights, they say its bad, it cracks, they have hard time fixing it. People say buffing and polishing is just as good. Then ceramic coating is the best also ppf. I am pro 2k clear coat. Thank you for this video.

@venividivici6418 Год назад

Really awesome to see the results of a long term test! Thanks for all the info over the years. It's been extremely helpful & I'm sure that I'm speaking for many thousands to millions people.

@Pallidus_Rider 4 года назад

Looks like content for Project Farm. Thank you for the follow-up. Very helpful 👍

@flyboy2610 3 года назад

Great video! I just bought some brand new headlights for the wife's 2006 Trailblazer. The ones on there now are looking REALLY sad! I plan to use some 1500 grit sandpaper and wet sand them, then use some 2K clear coat (exactly the same one you used, BTW!) and coat them. They'll cure down in the workshop for a month, then I'll install them. Then I'll refinish the ones that are on her car now, and they'll go on my 2004 Trailblazer (we're a 2 Trailblazer family). The ones that are on my TB now will become a spare set, which we'll probably never need, unless one of the others gets damaged.

@Jeff_Seely 3 года назад

Thank you! Good to see someone explain 2K clear and the curing process. All the way to the end, I wondered if you were gonna be one one of these guys that werent going to use these key points and I was very glad to hear it this time. ALL headlight manufacturers use uv protective clear. That is why when you do a headlight restoration it looks like your first two cars. You tore off that precious clear. But this driver headlight was good! Awesome video!

@sohackitj 4 года назад

I agree that 2 part clear coat is good stuff. I used it to restore the finish on my Mazda B2500 hood and roof. However, it's kind of expensive for headlight repair. (Currently on Amazon for 24 dollars a can, usually over 30) It would be best if you had another project, and used the left over to do a headlight repair. Once mixed it needs to be used fairly quickly (within 48 hours at room temp). It would be a waste to mix a can and only do a set of headlights.

@CycloneCyd 3 года назад

That's why I used HB Body Pro C496. Take a look. Every bit as good as Spraymax once cured.

@legioner9 2 года назад

@@CycloneCyd I used those greek products too. They are very good.

@captainzantor2952 Год назад

The Sylvania kit works great! I did my headlights over a year ago and they still look super. The kit includes a clear coat and takes about an hour or so to do both headlights with no power tools. They have a good video on RU-vid.

@nicholaslynch7694 4 года назад

Your the man. The other youtubers forget 10 minutes after the videos up

@sizzlacalunji 3 года назад

Curing period is 2 weeks. Mad respect for this review.

@jefffch 4 года назад

Finally! a No Kosse-Shear video. 2K clear coat is the secret. Great video!

@unclemarksdiyauto 2 года назад

That last headlight with the 2K clear coat looks best for sure. I am impressed!

@deathstrike8992 Год назад

Another great video. And heads up in 2023 Spraymax now has a 2k clear coat specifically for headlights with more UV protectors.

@jimmysapien9961 4 года назад

Thanks for the Follow up. I’ve bought a polishing kit from Wal- Mart ( aluminum package) it worked great . You hand Sand it - not use a Machine . It looked very good . Lasted about 1 yr .

@edwardpuentes1310 3 года назад

I did it with the clear coat on really foggy yellowish headlights. The result after a year is great. They still look newish and it did not take too long to do this task. The only issue is that once you open the clearcoat you have to use it all in a lapse of 2 weeks top. The headlights take a half spray can at the most.

@summerforever6736 11 месяцев назад

Exactly would be nice to have a smaller can

@ferndog1461 4 года назад

Finally! The real take on this headlights restore methods....

@Elcapulove 4 года назад

Good morning and good health to everyone. Thank you very much for the valuable information 🙏👍

@HK-qj4im Год назад

I just picked up a 93 K1500. Im gonna need some clear coat!

@amiesports 4 года назад

I restored CBFsa motorcycle headlights with the 2 parts SprayMax Headlight Restoration Kit: theres a 1k muddy clear primer and then the 2k gloss clear. The clear primer is supposed to even out the scratches even further so it looks pristine. Great option if you're afraid you sanded the headlights too much.

@garryhalim5460 Год назад

Thanks for sharing

@50calBeowulf 3 года назад

This is the most useful headlight video on RU-vid.

@mr.mckinnon5680 4 года назад

We have been sanding and reclearing your headlights in the body shop for years. We knew this decades ago. I like how youtube contributers are just figuring this out.

@eco_logic 3 года назад

that's all nice but people private at home want to solve this issue themselves instead of bringing their car into a body shop

@kimokahikolekalihi 4 года назад

I've restored several sets of lights and they always fade and yellow after a year or two. I've ever tried clear coat afterwards. I didn't know what 2k clear was so I used normal clear. Now I gotta try the 2k. Thanks. My best results have been the 3m drill kit with the sanding discs and the wipe on clear followed by sealing it with opticoat headlight sealant every few months.

@rustypotatos 2 года назад

2k clear coat is the greatest thing in the world. I love 2k clear coat

@1995RangeRover 4 года назад

It pays to be thorough. Great vid as usual 😎👑

@danielsimpson8929 4 года назад

Well this certainly puts to rest which is best. I didn't think a 3 year follow up video was coming. Lol

@asusreviews 4 года назад

I used the rustoleum UV clearcoat 1K, it doesn't last before yellowing. Looks nice for maybe a year. I'll sand down and try 2K.

@thepaulinator6934 3 года назад

I did the same

@frugalfun8467 4 года назад

Somebody should let Scotty and Chris know about this vid to settle RU-vid longest beef! To Scotty: see, using clearcoat to restore your headlights can work *and* last.... To Chris: ..but you gotta use 2k clearcoat and apply it properly! 😁😁 Anyway, thanks for this video - helps clear things up, if you pardon the pun

@CycloneCyd 3 года назад

Scotty talks a right load of shit. He's blagged his way to RU-vid success. Simples

@criticaljim1 4 года назад

Love this video!! Great and honest results. I just restored headlights by sanding, compounding and polishing with a ceramic coat finish. on an elantra this lasted around 2 months before looking terrible, on my mercedes it's fogging up 6 months in. Will try the clearcoat method! Thanks for sharing

@StephenJohnson-jb7xe 4 года назад

years ago I tried a 1K clear coat and even though it was labeled as UV stable and for outdoor use it yellowed pretty quickly. Since then I have been using the headlight restorer polish which has UV protection and try to remember to re-apply it regularly that works pretty well. I have recently tried ceramic coating one headlight to see how long that lasts. However when all is said and done I think you have shown that 2K is the the best long term solution. Oh yeah, I tried using paint protection film like others have suggested and made a total arse of myself trying to apply it, I think it was too thick and I couldn't get all the creases out.

@brysonrodden5112 2 года назад

My favorite way is to apply a paint protection film. Sometimes with the clear coat it will crack overtime, plus if it gets messed up(on installation or down the road) you just remove the film and re apply. But the film reacts better to the expansion of the lights much better.

@ryanh3285 3 года назад

Finally a video that show's the truth about headlight restoration so often they only last a week or so.

@PedroDelgado724 4 года назад

I've been using ceramic 9H coating since they are super resistance to oxidation and whatnot

@tyriquesmithen 3 года назад

which 1 you use and how long it last?

@efrensaclolo7021 4 года назад

I use the polishing compound and wax it every month so far it is still as clear as water.So there your answer to last the clear condition.The 2k clear coat is expensive and you cannot save it once you mix the hardener you have to finish the whole can.

@yourdiytechlife 4 года назад

Very cool. I have never seen the clear coat you used. I used a single spray product that worked on but the stuff you have looks much better.

@Ludak021 2 года назад

sand it, polish it, put 3M UV protective foil over it, you are done. It will look new as long as the foil is not ruined. I have done this once several years ago and my headlights still look new.

@tomasjones3755 4 года назад

Love the 2K. Will try that out, soon. Short of that, I've had good results by following sanding with 3M Headlight Polish on 3" sponge on D/A. I did one 4 yrs ago and it's still 90%

@dugfriendly 4 года назад

I used a cream & clearcoat kit. No sanding. Held up pretty good under Southern Oregon sun.

@ForagingYoutube Год назад

Very nice work and information for all of us to use. Thank you!

@tomc6734 2 года назад

Great job following up and sharing the results with everyone. THANKS!

@Cartier_specialist 3 года назад

Decisive win to the 2K clearcoat.

@thejflores1219 4 года назад

I know you care about us. Thank you for the follow up.

@TheOriginalBumper 4 года назад

Looks good but what about performance , I would like to see the beam pattern with the clear coat and with out it . Well polished to new like conditions for the prior versus the clear coat after . Kudos on the long term vid .

@robertwolfiii8711 2 года назад

They made lots for these cars really neat to

@WJHandyDad 4 года назад

great video - I think we all know that quality paint is the way to go. What would have been interesting to see is if you had continued to apply wax or UV protectant to the other lenses, would they still look decent

@stinkycheese804 4 года назад

There is no question about it, I never put clearcoat on, only a polishing sealant reapplied a few times a year when doing vehicle detailing or washing and it does great to preserve the headlights, without having to sand off a clearcoat later once it is degraded. People seem to not understand that while it is UV causing it, your sealant need not be a clearcoat that needs sanded off, anything that stops oxygen from getting to it works so one that replentishes itself with ease and low cost application works out best in the long run.

@snowvalley11 11 месяцев назад

@@stinkycheese804Can you recommend any specific UV protectant products that you feel work well at delaying or stopping yellowing and clouding? Based on your experiences. Thanks in advance!

@stinkycheese804 11 месяцев назад

Yes, I recommend specifically NOT to use any type of permanent protectant product. Instead, use a polymer cleaner wax/sealant, same as used for antomotive paint sealant. No need to drop brand names, if it's claimed to clean (or polish) and sealant, that's what you want. You simply reapply that every several months, how often depends on how much weathering it has. It is very quick and easy to put on and buff off in a minute, unlike having to refinish away a permanent coating product that wears away anyway.@@snowvalley11

@snowvalley11 11 месяцев назад

@@stinkycheese804 Right on thanks for the advice 👍👍

@nestorap 4 года назад

I love your videos and tips. I recently used a kit for my headlights called Meguiar's G2980 Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit it's around $20 on Amazon. It comes with plastix, protective coating, sanding disks and drill polisher, It's a pretty complete kit and my headlights look really good. I want to try out using clear coat next time my headlights fog up. Thanks again!

@compu85 4 года назад

Great companion. Thanks for the follow up!

@garryhalim5460 Год назад

The Best headlight restore channel

@B_r_u_c_e 11 месяцев назад

Thank you.

@heyyou5189 4 года назад

Next video: how to keep your Avacado trees looking great for years to come.

@benland223 4 года назад

Clear coat is not recommended because it distorts the light. The best solution for headlight protection is a film. It not only protects the lenses for well over a few years, but is also easily removable and cheap- I bought for my car a film that's enough for headlights and rear light for only £6 and it looks great. Another thing is a safety. Clear coat especially 2K is super toxic and dangerous even with very low exposure to it.. And I don't think anybody who will fallow advice in the video will buy along with a clearcoat, a professional £50 mask to protect itself..

@flowerchild777 4 года назад

You should include pictures of your filmed headlights 👍

@stigonutube 4 года назад

2k=Toxic, True..Thumbs Up.

@gregbellinger5765 Год назад

Also, thanks for the links.

@MrCharlesEldredge 4 года назад

This was in the back of my mind. Thank you!

@jeffsmith63 4 года назад

you should redo the other 3 headlights but use 3 different super cheap clear coats

@edwardthayer9386 4 года назад

Your videos are the best! I really enjoy them! Plus they have helped me ALOT!

@alguzman1072 4 года назад

Thank you so much for the advice I will take it!!!!

@mikewinn1484 4 года назад

Nice to see you again.

@domingodeanda233 4 года назад

That was pretty damn good.

@_Epictetus_ Год назад

From what I hear a 3m clear film or ceramic hard coat are the best and in that order.

@claudiosantana2019 4 года назад

hehehe, funny the truck wont start, keep us updated, grest channel

@hardytch8264 2 года назад

Thanks , I follow yr advice and it works like a charm

@JF-iu3xw 4 года назад

You made it seem so easy. Dope

@ek5926 4 года назад

Yes more videos of the 2.7 im about too rebuild my k04s

@Doing_Time 10 месяцев назад

My cheapo 5 minute method: paper towel applications of the wd40 --> aim + baking soda --> rinse --> dry --> wax...repeat every 3 months until prime day or black friday --> install new headlight assembly

@BigEightiesNewWave 4 года назад

2-part with hardener is the key. Personally , I just buffed mine out and rub in Blue Magic every week. Only takes a few seconds.

@wyattoneable 4 года назад

Nice.

@myRatchets 4 года назад

Thank you, Cheers

@headlightvideotraining Год назад

I absolutely agree that 2K clear coat is the best stuff to use but I chose not to use it before the stuff is very hazardous. Persons using it would have to make sure they are wearing protective goggles and a respirator. And definitely spray that stuff in a well ventilated area or outside. I never used it even though I bought the can. I frankly hate UV spray ons. I am sensitive to the chemicals of it but for the most part, I hate, hate, hate when flies, bugs, dust, pollen, and ants get on it before the stuff drys. Of course there's the orange peels you would deal with also. Good video though because your video helps persons to see how long some methods would last.

@artsnow8872 Год назад

Just like car paint, you can sand and compound polish the clear-coat. This will remove the orange peel, and make the surface glossy, again.