Kancil Headlamp Restoration – DIY on a Budget
With Chinese New Year just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to freshen up your ride. I decided to do just that—starting with a Kancil headlamp restoration project. My Kancil’s headlamps were in bad shape—yellowed, oxidized, and dull. While cleaning and detailing the car, I realized they desperately needed attention.
Sure, I could have replaced them. A new OEM headlamp costs around RM250, while the smoke glass version is around RM280. The original Daihatsu Mira L200s smoke headlamp? A whopping RM500+. That’s way beyond my budget.
Instead, I took it as a chance to try restoring them myself. If I screwed it up, at least a replacement would still be affordable. But if it worked? Even better. So I rolled up my sleeves and got started.
How I Did the Kancil Headlamp Restoration
Materials Needed:
- Sandpaper: 600, 1000, 1500 grit
- Clear coat spray
- Water
- Clean cloth and dryer
Steps:
- First, wet the headlamp surface.
- Sand it in this order: 600 → 1000 → 1500 grit.
- Rinse and inspect. If needed, repeat sanding.
- Dry the headlamp completely using a clean cloth and a dryer.
- Spray a thin, even coat of clear coat paint.
- Let it dry. It may look cloudy at first, but don’t worry—it clears up nicely.
The result? Not 100% brand new, but definitely a huge improvement. The restored side looked way better compared to the untouched one.
Fixing My Foglamp Using Toothpaste
Next up, the foglamp. Since my L2s bodykit came from a halfcut shop, one foglamp was severely oxidized. Replacing both would cost RM100–200. But until I get a better pair—or switch to projector foglamps—I tried another budget trick.
Yes, toothpaste.
What I Used:
- Toothpaste (one that removes tobacco and coffee stains)
- Microfiber rag
Steps:
- Apply a small amount of toothpaste onto the rag.
- Rub in small circular motions on the foglamp lens.
- Wipe clean.
- Repeat until satisfied.
- Optionally, use a buffer for better results.
The oxidation faded fast! While not permanent, this method lasts 2–4 months. For longer protection, apply a wax or clear coat over the surface.
Conclusion: Cheap and Satisfying DIY Fix
This simple Kancil headlamp restoration and foglamp fix saved me money and brought clarity back to my car’s lights. With a bit of effort and just a few tools, you can achieve similar results. Try it yourself—whether you’re prepping for CNY or just want your Kancil to shine again.
Have you restored your own lights before? Share your tips below!
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