Anyone know if there's anything you can do to clear up the headlights, other than replace them? they look like they've been sandblasted. thanks

You found the answer yourself. Indeed, in the good old times, for a few dollars you had a new bulb, a new reflector and a new lens all packed together and sealed, and the solid glass did withstand time, ultraviolet and sand.
These plastic POS are just that...and on top ot if they scatter the light everywhere so that to get some on the road you have to use 80 watt where 35 used to do, and all the remaining watts are thrown in the face of incoming drivers so driving at night is not fun anymore.

I have had mine redone before at our local Autoshine/detailer and they didn't charge much (I think it was 40.00) and my lights looked like new and that was 2 years ago and they still look great...

I got some more light out of mine by using polishing compound & a buffing wheel, but finally I bought aftermarket replacement lens/reflector combos

a buffing wheel and compunds works great,just be sure if you are going to buff them that you don't hold the buffer in one spot for to long or it will burn the face of the headlight.Someone also told me that they went too a glass shop a bought plexi glass cleaner and used a rag with some elbow grease.

Yes, I was able to get the lens quite a bit more clear, clear enough to see that the reflector was also covered in dirt and moisture, so less than effective.

I found replacement capsules (lens / reflector assemblies) for $38 per side on ebay, the seller is an auto parts place in WI & sells via buy it now only. The brand on the box is Eagle Eye. They came UPS just the other day, I haven't had a chance to put them in yet.

I was concerned that they were going to be difficult to install, but I see by another thread that in order to put replacement lamps (bulbs) in, you remove the capsules anyway, so it should be a simple swap.

Thanks for your reply
theaterlon

Had the same problem w/ my Avenger. The best way to clean them up is to wetsand them with progressively finer wetsand paper. They'll come out show room new.

I am thrilled with my new lights. Before I polished out my old ones, they didn't even throw a beam, just a diffused glow. After polishing them, there was a dramatic improvement, however they were still not 'crystal' clear, and with the reflectors also grungy, I didn't even get flashed by oncoming drivers if I had my high beams on. With the new lights, the beam is better than when the car was new, as they have an improved pattern. Best $63 dollars I've spent on the car, not counting the last 2 tanks of gas (groan)

YOu should check out Headlight Restoration Service ( www.hrslights.com (http://www.hrslights.com) ). They were the only ones that could help me with my foggy headlights. I hope this helps.