As our Mustangs age, those Mustangs that arrived with plastic headlight covers or assemblies gradually start to get cloudy and fog over.
They sell headlight clearing gimmicks at stores and on the Internet. However all you really need is a small piece of 400-600 grit wet-or-dry sandpaper, a small piece of 1000 grit wet-or-dry sandpaper and buffing compound and a buffer. If you don’t have an auto buffer, you can use a drill and a small cheap buffing wheel purchased from K-Mart, Wal-Mart or lifted from your neighbor’s garage.
First, over a small pan of water, wet your 400 grit sandpaper. Then start sanding on the plastic with round motions. While sanding, constantly dip the sandpaper in water so the water carries the plastic particles away. Sand with the 400 grit paper until the yellow fog disappears and the plastic is a milky/clear opaque.
Next, over a small pan of water, (most likely the same pan and the same water)wet your 1000 grit sandpaper. Then start sanding on the plastic with round motions. While sanding, constantly dip the sandpaper in water so the water carries the plastic particles away (sound familiar). Sand with the 1000 grit paper until the plastic has cleared up a little bit more. The whole purpose for the 1000 grit sandpaper is to remove any deeper scratches caused by the 400 grit paper.
Finally, using some polishing compound (toothpaste will also work) put the polishing compound on your headlight and using your buffer with a firm pressure, buff out the headlights. Keep buffing until the headlights are sparkling clear and beautiful. If you used your wife’s toothpaste, hide the empty tube.
This last step is not necessary, however I apply a good coat of wax to the plastic. It keeps the plastic from oxidizing again. Wax your headlights every time you wash and wax your car.
