headlight updating

[foxgap]

So I am working on some of the final updates to the 95 Legacy and polishing the headlights is one of the projects.  I see kits out there that supposed to clear the plastic up, has anyone used of these?  I read one time to use brake fluid to clean the lenses and have tried that.  It works for a little while, but I am looking for a longer lasting fix.

 

How about brighter bulbs, the originals are not the brightest.

I really do not want to go with projectors or anything else complicated like that.

 

Any suggestions are appreciated,   Mark 

[montana tom]

None of the polishes that i have seen work very long.  Cost of replacement housings is down , looks like $150 a pair on ebay for your year group. I polished mine on a 2000 obw ... lasted a month...  bought replacement housings and WOW clear lenses really light things up.  Yes , all these are coming out of china and the bulbs are junk, put your original bulbs in before installing.  You won;t be sorry.

[Numbchux]

I just stumbled across this write-up. Looks awesome, and I've seen him posting since then that they're still looking great. I intend to do this on our Outback this weekend.

 

http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/110-gen-2-2000-2004/53099-my-diy-fx-r-projector-headlight-retrofit.html#post514132

[1 Lucky Texan]

all the kits work to a fairly good degree. The 'secret' seems to be a thorough cleaning after, followed by a good UV blocking clear-coat.

 

what types of bulbs are in your car? there may be an option but, most brighter bulbs will have a shorter lifespan. Don't do HIDs without proper projector installation. check State regulations before adding additional 'offroad only' driving lights.

[gregsplett]

I just sand and polish much like this guy does.  

   I have it down to where I wet sand with 4000 grit and polish.Your auto parts store should have a spray on uv protectant.

 

I am  torn on the bulb issue.I am running 55 watt Sylvania.Stock head lights.I live on the Olympic Penninsula where it rains a lot.During the winter I typically have head lights, wiper,front and rear defog,radio  and by default, the cooling fans running.The cooling fans run any time your a/c compressor does.Your a/c kicks on with the defrost.I gutted the a/c system and one cooling fan.I rewired the remaining cooling fan so that i control it from the inside.Doing this has made a difference in how bright the stock lights are.I am still thinking of getting the brighter bulbs but they burn up quick.

 

First gen legacy wagon.

[sirtokesalot]

wet sand and after use clear coat.

 

[foxgap]

Ok,  it looks like a wet sand project.  I have a few sets of headlights from the parts cars so I will pick out the best 2 and give it a go.  If that does not work it looks like china lighting.  

 

No need to take these apart and clean the inside of the lens right?

 

Mark

[BB's93LegacyL]

I have had good results wet-sanding with 800 followed by 1200 grit paper. Then Meguires plastic cleaner followed by Meguires Plastic Polish. I agree it is a temporary fix without the proper sealant, but in the short term, the lenses look great, and the light transmission through them is greatly improved.