1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Headlight glass changing

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by pvdo, Jul 9, 2008.

  1. pvdo

    pvdo New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2008
    11
    0
    0
    Location:
    Lithuania
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    I bought a used Prius and headlights doesn't seem as bright as a new ones. It looks like it has a soft mist on the glass and my question would be, is there a possibility to change headlight glass only? What would be your advice how to make the glass look brighter?

    Thanks,
     
  2. Huntceet

    Huntceet Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2008
    85
    2
    0
    Location:
    Chicago area
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius
    Model:
    II
    The plastic lenses can be polished to remove the fine scratches. There are a number of products that will work. Do a Google search for "Headlight Restoration".

    Rod
     
  3. fnc

    fnc Metro owner

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2008
    11
    0
    0
    Location:
    NH
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Plastic polish and a random orbit buffer will do the trick.
     
  4. KayakerNC

    KayakerNC Member

    Joined:
    May 15, 2008
    399
    7
    19
    Location:
    Eastern North Carolina
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Maybe the previous owner slapped on some of that "clear" protective film.:brick:
     
  5. pvdo

    pvdo New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2008
    11
    0
    0
    Location:
    Lithuania
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    No, there are no protective film. I'll try a plastic polishing. Thanks, guys.
     
  6. Rest

    Rest Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2005
    1,210
    53
    2
    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Actually the plastic lens does have a UV protective film. Eventually it will peel and then the plastic will yellow and turn brittle. If you polish the plastic that will also remove the UV protection.
     
  7. priusenvy

    priusenvy Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2004
    1,765
    14
    0
    Location:
    Silicon Valley, CA
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    You can shoot the lenses with a layer of clearcoat to give them back UV protection.

    Also, unless you're really patient, an orbital buffer is way too slow. A rotary, or even a cordless drill, with a 4" pad mounted is way faster.