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 

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.

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

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.

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.

wet sand and after use clear coat.

 

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

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.