Expert: Brandon Sievers - 1/3/2007

Question
I have a 1999 Dodge Caravan with both headlight lenses having significant hazing or etching on the upper surfaces that is beginning to reduce their already meager light output.  Is there any way to effectively polish the lens surfaces to restore the clarity?  I've seen headlight treatments advertised, but I'm skeptical.  Should I just bite the bullet and pay the price for new headlight assemblies?  Thanks.

Answer
Believe it or not some of those advertisements do work, (not all) If you use 2000 grit wet sanding papre and wetsand the plastic very lightly and then buff with rubbing compound it will restore a lot of clarity. But the haze if from the plastic breaking down due to sun and weather. Dodge are notorious for this.