Protecting new headlights

[Michael F]

Hi all,

I`ll be replacing some well worn headlights for my `02 Mustang shortly.

What can I apply to the lenses to keep them from aging prematurely?

Your thoughts?

THX



Mike in Montreal, Canada.

[FordFan2009]

I`d say just keep a good sealant on them, a lot of people never wax their headlights cause they think waxes and sealants are only for paint. Thats why they get yellow and oxidized. I`d use duragloss 501 marine polish. Its pretty tuff stuff, has to be to stand up to the marine enviroment, top it with some optimum opti-seal.

[Dsoto87]

That clear bra type of material.

[Don]

I`d say just keep a good sealant on them, a lot of people never wax their headlights cause they think waxes and sealants are only for paint. Thats why they get yellow and oxidized. I`d use duragloss 501 marine polish. Its pretty tuff stuff, has to be to stand up to the marine enviroment, top it with some optimum opti-seal.



+1 for regularly polishing & waxing the headlights along with the paint. I had an `02 Cavalier w/106,0000 mi and now an `06 Suzuki w/55,000 mi and on both cars the headlights are like new

[Domas]

What about headlight protective film, something like this:

Installing 3M Headlight Protection | Evolved Performance - Tuning and Racing a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX RS (http://evolvedperformance.com/?p=93)

[imported_Ivan Rajic]

Ford Mustang GT (99-04) Headlight Covers (http://www.lamin-x.com/Ford-Mustang-GT-99-04-Headlight-Covers-p/f009.htm)



Just fine a source that sells it for cheaper... should be around $20-25

[Michael F]

Thanks for the suggestions. Up until now, I have been using a polish (Zymol)

on the headlights.

For the most part, it did a fine job but the finish gradually deteriorated.

What would you say to an application of wax (Meguiars Gold Class)

as a preventative measure.

BTW, those 2 products do a great job on the paint!

[Domas]

IMHO, no wax or sealant will protect your headlights from scrathes and stone pitting, I believe everyone agrees with me.

The best option - protective film, a 100% protection from even big scratches and stones. It can be as strong as this:



http://www.mingofwinnipeg.ca/paint_film.jpg

[imported_Ivan Rajic]

As Domas said, your best bet in protecting the lights from rock chips, etc. is a plastic film... whether you go with the film or not (I`m not doing it because my new headlights will be glass and they have replacement lens for $35-40, and I don`t mind spending that once a year or so...

[boxcartommie22]

on my new grand marquis i firdt use once or twice a month "plexus" plastic,protectant,and polish on them followed by 303 aerospace protectant..this will keep them clear.