Tired of my Hazy Headlight housings! Buff or Buy new ones?

[dream merchant]

I have a 2002 P5 and I've grown tired of my hazy headlight housings. I have a few questions.

1. Are the plastic headlight buffing kits worth it?

2. Where is a good place to purchase new OEM housings?

3. What non-OEM housings are worth considering?


The front glass on both of my foglights are also broken so I plan to replace both of those as well.

4. Where is a good place to purchase new OEM foglights housings?

5. What non-OEM foglight housings are worth considering?


Thanks a ton for you help guys!

 

[P-Funk!]

FS section has some beautiful 'retrofits for HID'. See MattVs retrofits.

 

[Hank3]

The cleaning kits provide great results, however, the hazing will come back with time depending on where you live and the climate there. It's not a permanent fix, but they're not hard to do. I used the 3M kit on my wife's '02 Protege last year, but can see some hazing coming back. Will just do another application soon instead buying new headlights. Meguiar's PlastX has also received plenty of good reviews, and it's an easier/faster process. I have found that the 3M kit is better for headlights that have heavy hazing. The PlastX is good if your lights have light to mild hazing.

As far as buying OEM replacements, that's gonna cost you a pretty penny. But if you do decide to go that route, try onlinemazdaparts.com as they're one of the cheapest online and you'll get free shipping since you'll be spending over $150.

There are some eBay headligths, too, that cost a fraction of what the OEM ones go for, but their fitment might be a little off and they're for the Sedans, IIRC...which means you'll need to do some rewiring since the P5 headlights have separate low and high beams.

As far as fogs, they're pretty expensive also from Mazda. Best bet is to look for used ones to come up in the Private Classifieds. I've seen them pop up on eBay, too, but go for way more than what owners are letting them go for on here.

And P-Funk mention Matt V's retrofit HIDs which would be a great option. He uses the Sedan eBay lights and puts in high quality bi-xenon projectors. Top notch stuff all around for an amount that's comparable to the OEMs. But you get much better lighting that can enhance the appearance of your P5 to boot. I actually have a set right now that's pending sale. If you're interested, let me know and I'll put you next in line if the current buyer falls through.

 

[HKPRO5]

If you go with DEPO lights they are for the P5 and not as expensive as OEMs.

When you do the lense cleaning be sure to put a heavy coat of wax on the lense. And reapply everytime you wax your car.

=) works good man.

 

[fkmp5]

i used the 3M kit to do my headlights earlier this year. so far, so good. i wouldn't be surprised if it came back in time.. but it's so easy to do, no big deal.

 

[slavrenz]

Some of the higher end buffing kits come with a sealant that supposedly restores the UV protection and eliminates re-hazing.

 

[dream merchant]

thanks a ton for the info guys! I really do appreciate it!

 

[Ride92]

Yep, I just used some buffing compound and my rotary on my headlights to bring back the clearness then used sealant and a coat of wax. It's just one of those things, like the paint, that needs to be brightened every now and then. I would waste my money on new housings when it's so easy to restore your old ones.

 

[WhiteKnight]

I've used a clearing kit twice, takes about 20-30min and the results are great. The first application, the hazing came back in a little over a year. This second time, I've been applying Plastx to them once a month. Seems to stop/slow the hazing as it hasn't returned yet.

 

[jtlinna]

Buy the kits or just wetsand the crap out of them. Then I use automotive clearcoat on them.. Mine are clear now and it hasnt come back. I also do this at work all the time..

good luck..

JT

 

[P5 Fan]

It cost me 276.00 CDN for replacement fogs

 

[P5 Fan]

I buffed my headlamps today (not my fogs they are 6 days old) I used Turtle Wax Buffing Compound, Cost $4.99 plus tax. It's like wet sand, Did a good job and made my faded head lamp covers a lot better nice and clear. I have used this stuff in the past on my 1991 Protege DX and it restored the faded paint, Yes it was a lot of work but in the end it was nice results.