Foggy Lenses

go with 2oldman's recommendation.

There is a how to for permanent restoration.

Works for me

landyacht318 wrote:
DOT does not approve aftermarket headlamps, nor does the SAE.

I'm sorry but your mistaken. Here: link is just one example of aftermarket lights for my truck that are both DOT and SAE approved.
Personally, I would not buy aftermarket lenses without at least the DOT approval. You can even buy aftermarket LED tail-lights with DOT approval but they are harder to find and they only come in the correct red colors - not smoke,etc.
It all depends on whether the maker wants to build them per spec and jump through the hoops.

DOT does not approve aftermarket headlamps, nor does the SAE.

Aftermarket lamps need to meet no requirements to be sold, and most beam patterns compared to OEM, lights are jokes, which nobody will ever acknowledge.

POlishing basically removes the original failed UV protectant and clouding will return even faster afterwards.

One can use wetsanding techniques in steps upto to 3500 grit if they want, starting with 600 or perhaps lower grit, and then apply a UV clearcoat and extend the life of their efforts.

https://www.amazon.com/U-Pol-Products-0796-Clear-CLEAR/dp/B009LHER0M

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?426653-Cloudy-Aftermarket-vs-New-OEM-Headlamps

I despise Glare from aftermarket lights, or HID or LED bulbs in halogen housings. I will return the favor with my high beam assists, and we will both see spots before our eyes. Childish I know. So be it.

I've found I can buy collision replacement parts that are pretty good quality and are DOT approved. They fit and look like OEM and cost around $100 for both headlights.
The last pair I bought have lasted just as long or longer the OEM's

I've used Sylvania's Headlight Restoration Kit a couple of times. Available Amazon, Walmart, and many other places. The results were great. 3 easy steps is a crock though; expect to spend a couple of hours to do the job.

Doug

Flitz... polishes but will not scratch the plastic.

BRASSO! Works great!! I used to use it on the light bars on fire trucks! If you look on the front of the can is says one of the uses is for cleaning plastic watch bezels!
In the fire department we used to clean all of our brass weekly and sometimes daily, we went thru allot of Brasso!!
Its a cheap alternative to all these whiz bang polishers out there!!

youtube

I use Seapower cleaner wax. My 2002 RV and 2004 jeep headlights are still like new. If you have faded yellow lenses, Try spraying Deep Woods Off on them and wipe with a couple paper towels. YES, it works, but the cleaner wax will polish the lense. I do it 4 times a year.

If you get at them when they first begin to deteriorate, they can be restored, but if they're really bad, replacement is the only option. The aftermarket is much cheaper than OEM. Try Rock Auto.