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Clean oxidation off headlights

Discussion in '2nd Gen Tundras (2007-2013)' started by TXTundraFan, Jul 18, 2020.

  1. Jul 18, 2020 at 9:04 PM
    #1
    TXTundraFan

    TXTundraFan [OP] New Member

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    How do I get rid of the yellow tinting off my headlights?
     
  2. Jul 18, 2020 at 9:42 PM
    #2
    JimboSlice413

    JimboSlice413 Super Nice Guy

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    Bilstein 5100/5160 Toyo at2 295/70r18 Ray10 GunMetal
    My 1st gen Sequoia is terrible about this. I pull the headlights and wet sand them with 2,000 grit until the yellow is off. Next, I hit it with a cutting compound and DA polisher, then buff wax on by hand. I do this every few months, got it down to about 15 minutes for both. Unfortunately, it does keep coming back. I've heard of a film you can buy to cover it after you polish them but I have no experience with it.

    3.jpg
     
  3. Jul 19, 2020 at 6:58 PM
    #3
    GI Joe

    GI Joe New Member

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    I second what JumboSlice said. For a longer lasting result, use an automotive clear coat to top coat them. I did mine on my ‘07 a couple years ago, just noticed today the clear coat is starting to chip at the top.. time to scuff and shoot fresh clear. No Yellowing to deal with.
     
  4. Jul 19, 2020 at 7:54 PM
    #4
    Zebruaj

    Zebruaj New Member

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    I've had good luck with the Meguiars Headlight coating spray as a finisher. You can buy the coating separately from their headlight kits if you have other supplies.
     
  5. Jul 20, 2020 at 1:41 AM
    #5
    reimord

    reimord New Member

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    Check out the Sylvania headlight restoration kit. It comes with a clear coat.
     
    Bprose likes this.
  6. Jul 20, 2020 at 4:59 AM
    #6
    0.S.T.

    0.S.T. New Member

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    EAST COAST
    2007 BLACK TUNDRA 4X4 CREWMAX LIMITED 5.7 LITER
    I use 3M rubbing compound.

    Light sand w/ very fine sandpaper dipped in water. Battery powered drill working the rubbing compound.

    Works great "for me"!


    O.S.T.
     
  7. Jul 20, 2020 at 5:07 AM
    #7
    Rex Kramer

    Rex Kramer Vinyl Spinner

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    I purchased brand new Toyota OEM headlight housings... they look great!

    I am not a fan of Meguiars Headlight coating spray, bug guts ate right through it within hours.
     
    Tundra2 likes this.
  8. Jul 20, 2020 at 5:13 AM
    #8
    ZeRussian

    ZeRussian New Member

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    seal them with clear coat. I just did this. SprayMax makes a 2 part kit that has primer and automotive clear coat. Pricey but worth it. My headlights came out looking new.
     
    deptrai likes this.
  9. Jul 20, 2020 at 6:18 AM
    #9
    Hickory Nut

    Hickory Nut New Member

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    I got a RainX kit from Walmart and did my mom's VW Bug headlights $18.00. It worked Great. Just tape everything off that you don't want to scratch and follow the instructions. Comes with several different abrasive pads you chuck into your drill, you will also need a spray bottle of water. Both headlights took about an hour.
     
  10. Jul 20, 2020 at 9:14 AM
    #10
    GI Joe

    GI Joe New Member

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    Also a Very good option! I didn’t realize you could get the spray separate! My Son did his car with that, came out Awesome!!

    87E9DAA1-746F-411E-B75A-59DD5A9F4FDB.jpg
     
  11. Jul 24, 2020 at 11:58 AM
    #11
    ZeRussian

    ZeRussian New Member

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    awesome video walkthrough! And yes on the respirator. I have a professional respirator that has vapor and gas cartridges and I could still smell through those.

    SprayMax doesn’t even compare to the quality of clear coat like Rustoleum on anything off the shelf.
     
  12. Jul 24, 2020 at 12:10 PM
    #12
    Iowa12tundra

    Iowa12tundra New Member

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    You can try tooth paste.
     
  13. Jul 24, 2020 at 1:13 PM
    #13
    Tundra2

    Tundra2 Zoinked

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    I bought new headlights for mine partly because of the oxidation, and partly because I hit a deer. :rofl:
     
    deptrai and YardBird like this.
  14. Jul 25, 2020 at 5:30 PM
    #14
    bleach

    bleach MEME Fiend

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    I read somewhere bug repellent works. I tried some Off! Deep Woods bug repellent on mine a couple of months ago and they still look OK. It took less than a minute for each one. They don't look perfect but they look much better than when I bought the truck.
     
  15. Jul 25, 2020 at 6:11 PM
    #15
    TNTundra16

    TNTundra16 YOU BIG DUMMY!

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    20200321_142505.jpg
    I used a 3M headlight restoration kit and it worked great however it doesn't come with a clear coat like some other kits
     
  16. Jul 26, 2020 at 8:51 AM
    #16
    huntertn

    huntertn New Member

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    I like the 3m kit. I have done several cars and I think it does a good job of removing the haze. I had not put clear coat on them afterwords but after reading some of the posts on here I think I am going to clear coat the next ones I do and see how well it works. I also did the bug repellent on a set one time and it works too. Not as good as the 3M kit but it is really fast. I was wondering if it works by softening the plastic so I have not done it again.
     
  17. Jul 26, 2020 at 8:59 AM
    #17
    bleach

    bleach MEME Fiend

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    I did the bug spray thinking what I have to lose since they were really bad. I have three other vehicles with plastic head lights that are older and none are as bad as the Tundra was.
     
  18. Dec 9, 2021 at 3:48 PM
    #18
    Kramegroeg2021

    Kramegroeg2021 New Member

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    How much did you pay? Did you get LED?
     
    Tundra2[QUOTED] likes this.
  19. Dec 9, 2021 at 3:59 PM
    #19
    Tundra2

    Tundra2 Zoinked

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    For OEM turn signals and headlights was right around $500.
     
  20. Dec 9, 2021 at 4:52 PM
    #20
    Danny3737

    Danny3737 New Member

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    This is by far the best stuff I’ve ever used and it lasts. Walmart carries it too

    CERAKOTE Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit – Guaranteed To Last As Long As You Own Your Vehicle – Brings Headlights back to Like New Condition - 3 Easy Steps - No Power Tools Required https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084RQKLV8?_encoding=UTF8
     
  21. Dec 9, 2021 at 5:45 PM
    #21
    Tundra2

    Tundra2 Zoinked

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    That same box is what I used on the Corolla which I think I posted about above.
     
  22. Dec 28, 2021 at 6:58 PM
    #22
    Borgunit

    Borgunit New Member

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  23. Dec 28, 2021 at 7:00 PM
    #23
    Tundra2

    Tundra2 Zoinked

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    EW PT cruiser...
     
  24. Dec 28, 2021 at 7:11 PM
    #24
    COElkHunter

    COElkHunter New Member

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    3" OME lift w/ UCAs. ARE overland shell w/ ARE roof rack. 34" Falken Wildpeaks. ARB awning. Road shower. Wilco Offroad Hitchgate Solo High Clearance. LED lighting upgrades. Lockerdown console safe. Weathertech floormats. Duluth deluxe rear seat cover to go under the offroad approved car seats.... :P
    I vote for the 3M kit too, took 2 of them for the big Tundra headlights, but take your time and they come out crystal clear.
     
    TNTundra16[QUOTED] and Tundra2 like this.
  25. Dec 28, 2021 at 7:42 PM
    #25
    VWTim

    VWTim Mid-Travel Crew

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    Most of the headlight kits work great. I was going to get 2 part clearcoat but saw a post about using ceramic coating.

    I ordered some cheap ceramic off AliExpress and it's been holding up the past year.
     
  26. Dec 28, 2021 at 7:44 PM
    #26
    ThePolak

    ThePolak 2022 Platinum hunt/tow/haul/family ride on order!

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    The Land of the Cobra Chicken
    I used Meguiar's Headlight restoration kit with good results. Did it a few years back and they are still clear.
     

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