Best Product for Headlights? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Nighthawk89 · 06-27-2015, 12:42 AM

I am going to be installing a heritage grille and with that i will gain complete access to my headlight housing and the ability to shine them up a bit better. What product have you found to be the best out there for my type of application? I don't have any yellowing or discoloration.. Just want to bring them back to life a bit while protecting them for the rest of their life span.

seven · 06-27-2015, 06:53 AM

I actually messed mine up by hand applying a too aggressive Polish to get some marks off mine only a week after I got her. Ugh! Advice on forum so helpful. I got a 3 inch backing plate for my DA polisher and used a finishing Polish menz 4500 and it removed the scratches and they looked crystal clear. I then sealed them.

ihaveacamaro · 06-27-2015, 08:03 AM

meguiar's plastx will do what you are looking for. But I don't recommend it until you get yellowing because you're shortening the lifespan of your factory coating

Joe M 2012 2SS · 06-27-2015, 08:06 AM

A protective film to cover them will provide you with more durable protection vs. a sealant. There is no product I know of that will last permanently on them, the film usually lasts between 3-5 years.

Bad@ssCamaro · 06-27-2015, 10:38 AM

I would definitely add the Xpel headlight protection film after you polish the lens to prevent any further damage to the lens. After a few years, you can replace the film and the headlights will still look great (as long as they didn't get hit hard by flying debris) Less maintenance for sure.

revived · 06-28-2015, 08:33 PM

I had tons of rock chips, I bought a 3m restokit and it worked wonders but to get perfect results you need to wet sand instead of dry and really take your time.

the real trick to finishing was using blackfire compound leaving the residue then hitting it with there polish over top... then plast x to really make them pop.

it takes a while though...

seven · 06-28-2015, 08:56 PM

I have Xpel Ultimate on my headlights.

rdanzel · 07-03-2015, 02:31 AM

How about using Opti-Lens headlight coating. It provides permanent solution.

nUcLeArEnVoY · 07-04-2015, 12:52 PM

I have a bit of a different answer for you, since you say you have no yellowing or discoloration; so this is telling me that your issue may have nothing to do with the outside of the lens. Also, your car is placed right within the model year range where what you're about to read is a common problem.

After a few years, RS headlights typically get a film of residue that forms on the *INSIDE* surface of the lens, making the headlight appear hazy when lit. Believe it or not, our RS headlights are vented, and the headlamp housings "breathe" as they heat up and cool down. When they "inhale" (as they cool) they suck in air, water vapor and whatever crap is in the air at that time. Smog, oil mist from the engine bay, beer farts, whatever. All of this crap condenses on the interior surfaces in an even coat and will remain there, building up, forever. One trick to removing this residue is to remove the headlights and pour around half a cup of 100% methanol in through the back opening (has to be 100%, or else it will leave water stains), swish it around for around a minute along the inside of the lens, pour it out, and repeat the process 4-5 times until all traces of the residue and debris are gone. It will dissolve the residue without harming anything else, leaves no stains, and restores crystal clear clarity. After the last repetition, you then take a blowdryer and just aim it inside the headlight on a cool setting for around 5 minutes and then give the headlights another 20 mins or so to completely dry. Methanol is a polar solvent, so it is a drying agent in and of itself. It will dry relatively quickly. I've done it myself and it works wonders.

Another thing that commonly happens with RS headlights is that the halo LED begins to burn cooler as it ages, which causes the color of your halo to become more yellowish as time goes by, as opposed to the pure white from when they were new. Fixing this would require replacing the halo LED with a new one.

Whatever you do, do not bake and open your headlights if you decide to perform these interventions. You can get the halo LED chip out without having to bake and pry open the headlights - it's a pain, but worth it knowing your headlights are still factory sealed.

Nighthawk89 · 07-04-2015, 01:15 PM

Great Advice forsure!!! I wish someone offered the led replacement. I would deff send my Headlights in for this service. I always see a newer model SS with thos damn bright LeD rings and im not going to lie. It looks really good!

nUcLeArEnVoY · 07-04-2015, 01:25 PM

I can link you to a website where you can get replacement LEDs. In fact, the kelvin level (temperature) on these replacements is a little higher than the factory LEDs, so they have an even purer white hue to them. At that point, your job would just be to have them sent in to make the replacement.

If you decide to do the methanol trick, I would do that yourself. If you send it to your dealer, they might pry open the headlight and just wipe the residue off the inside of the lens. Bad idea, since the plastic is very delicate and will scratch easily; and you don't want scratches on the inside of the lens.

cadelennon · 07-10-2015, 12:06 AM

I wax mine after every wash! other than that i don't worry too much about them.

Nighthawk89 · 07-10-2015, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nUcLeArEnVoY

I can link you to a website where you can get replacement LEDs. In fact, the kelvin level (temperature) on these replacements is a little higher than the factory LEDs, so they have an even purer white hue to them. At that point, your job would just be to have them sent in to make the replacement.

If you decide to do the methanol trick, I would do that yourself. If you send it to your dealer, they might pry open the headlight and just wipe the residue off the inside of the lens. Bad idea, since the plastic is very delicate and will scratch easily; and you don't want scratches on the inside of the lens.

Who does the led replacement?

nUcLeArEnVoY · 07-10-2015, 06:46 AM

Osram. You want the Platinum Dragon SMD.

06-27-2015, 12:42 AM	#1
Nighthawk89 Drives: 2011 Camaro 2Ss M6 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Southern California Posts: 4,013	Best Product for Headlights? I am going to be installing a heritage grille and with that i will gain complete access to my headlight housing and the ability to shine them up a bit better. What product have you found to be the best out there for my type of application? I don't have any yellowing or discoloration.. Just want to bring them back to life a bit while protecting them for the rest of their life span.

06-27-2015, 06:53 AM	#2
seven Drives: 2015 Camaro RS 2LT AGM Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 672	I actually messed mine up by hand applying a too aggressive Polish to get some marks off mine only a week after I got her. Ugh! Advice on forum so helpful. I got a 3 inch backing plate for my DA polisher and used a finishing Polish menz 4500 and it removed the scratches and they looked crystal clear. I then sealed them. __________________ 2015 RS Camaro 2LT with Sunroof, Performance Exhaust, Ground Effects, Tinted Windows, LED Fog Lights(DD), CAI Cold Air Intake, Ghosted Side Markers(Showstopper), Elite Catch Can, Xpel & SunTek PPF, Replica Z28 High Wing Spoiler, ZL1 Replica Wheels(Satin Black Factory Reproductions)

06-27-2015, 08:03 AM	#3
ihaveacamaro I like teeth. Drives: #198 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Posts: 4,817	meguiar's plastx will do what you are looking for. But I don't recommend it until you get yellowing because you're shortening the lifespan of your factory coating __________________ . Please check out my youtube detailing channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/roshan517 "When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you will be successful."

06-27-2015, 10:38 AM	#5
Bad@ssCamaro BeckyD Rocks :-) Drives: 2015 1SS/1LE Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: CT Posts: 5,778 View My Garage	I would definitely add the Xpel headlight protection film after you polish the lens to prevent any further damage to the lens. After a few years, you can replace the film and the headlights will still look great (as long as they didn't get hit hard by flying debris) Less maintenance for sure. __________________ 2015 CRT 1SS/1LE RS/Recaro's/NPP/Nav/Rear vision pkg./BA speaker upgrade. Stage 3 BMR cam, ARH 1 7/8 headers, CAI, BMR 1.25 drop springs, JPSS Billet Bushings, Peddars Cradle Bushings...460 whp...so far....SOLD, but not forgotten!

06-28-2015, 08:33 PM	#6
revived Vrrrm. Drives: 2011 2SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: MA Posts: 1,495	I had tons of rock chips, I bought a 3m restokit and it worked wonders but to get perfect results you need to wet sand instead of dry and really take your time. the real trick to finishing was using blackfire compound leaving the residue then hitting it with there polish over top... then plast x to really make them pop. it takes a while though... __________________

06-27-2015, 08:06 AM	#4
Joe M 2012 2SS Drives: 2012 2SS Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Shelby NC Posts: 2,549 View My Garage	A protective film to cover them will provide you with more durable protection vs. a sealant. There is no product I know of that will last permanently on them, the film usually lasts between 3-5 years.

06-28-2015, 08:56 PM	#7
seven Drives: 2015 Camaro RS 2LT AGM Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 672	I have Xpel Ultimate on my headlights. __________________ 2015 RS Camaro 2LT with Sunroof, Performance Exhaust, Ground Effects, Tinted Windows, LED Fog Lights(DD), CAI Cold Air Intake, Ghosted Side Markers(Showstopper), Elite Catch Can, Xpel & SunTek PPF, Replica Z28 High Wing Spoiler, ZL1 Replica Wheels(Satin Black Factory Reproductions)

07-03-2015, 02:31 AM	#8
rdanzel Drives: 2010 Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Ga Posts: 249	How about using Opti-Lens headlight coating. It provides permanent solution.

07-04-2015, 12:52 PM	#9
nUcLeArEnVoY Oldbie that nobody knows Drives: 2011 1SS/RS M6 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Homestead, FL Posts: 3,459 View My Garage	I have a bit of a different answer for you, since you say you have no yellowing or discoloration; so this is telling me that your issue may have nothing to do with the outside of the lens. Also, your car is placed right within the model year range where what you're about to read is a common problem. After a few years, RS headlights typically get a film of residue that forms on the INSIDE surface of the lens, making the headlight appear hazy when lit. Believe it or not, our RS headlights are vented, and the headlamp housings "breathe" as they heat up and cool down. When they "inhale" (as they cool) they suck in air, water vapor and whatever crap is in the air at that time. Smog, oil mist from the engine bay, beer farts, whatever. All of this crap condenses on the interior surfaces in an even coat and will remain there, building up, forever. One trick to removing this residue is to remove the headlights and pour around half a cup of 100% methanol in through the back opening (has to be 100%, or else it will leave water stains), swish it around for around a minute along the inside of the lens, pour it out, and repeat the process 4-5 times until all traces of the residue and debris are gone. It will dissolve the residue without harming anything else, leaves no stains, and restores crystal clear clarity. After the last repetition, you then take a blowdryer and just aim it inside the headlight on a cool setting for around 5 minutes and then give the headlights another 20 mins or so to completely dry. Methanol is a polar solvent, so it is a drying agent in and of itself. It will dry relatively quickly. I've done it myself and it works wonders. Another thing that commonly happens with RS headlights is that the halo LED begins to burn cooler as it ages, which causes the color of your halo to become more yellowish as time goes by, as opposed to the pure white from when they were new. Fixing this would require replacing the halo LED with a new one. Whatever you do, do not bake and open your headlights if you decide to perform these interventions. You can get the halo LED chip out without having to bake and pry open the headlights - it's a pain, but worth it knowing your headlights are still factory sealed. Last edited by nUcLeArEnVoY; 07-04-2015 at 01:13 PM.

07-04-2015, 01:15 PM	#10
Nighthawk89 Drives: 2011 Camaro 2Ss M6 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Southern California Posts: 4,013	Great Advice forsure!!! I wish someone offered the led replacement. I would deff send my Headlights in for this service. I always see a newer model SS with thos damn bright LeD rings and im not going to lie. It looks really good!

07-04-2015, 01:25 PM	#11
nUcLeArEnVoY Oldbie that nobody knows Drives: 2011 1SS/RS M6 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Homestead, FL Posts: 3,459 View My Garage	I can link you to a website where you can get replacement LEDs. In fact, the kelvin level (temperature) on these replacements is a little higher than the factory LEDs, so they have an even purer white hue to them. At that point, your job would just be to have them sent in to make the replacement. If you decide to do the methanol trick, I would do that yourself. If you send it to your dealer, they might pry open the headlight and just wipe the residue off the inside of the lens. Bad idea, since the plastic is very delicate and will scratch easily; and you don't want scratches on the inside of the lens.

07-10-2015, 12:06 AM	#12
cadelennon Drives: '15 Camaro 1lt, Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Texas Posts: 112	I wax mine after every wash! other than that i don't worry too much about them.

07-10-2015, 06:46 AM	#14
nUcLeArEnVoY Oldbie that nobody knows Drives: 2011 1SS/RS M6 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Homestead, FL Posts: 3,459 View My Garage	Osram. You want the Platinum Dragon SMD.