ok, memphis, i know you think you have to make your point, and you have. all non oem lights are junk. Check, can we move on now?
OP, I replaced the totally cataract covered OE housing on my neon a couple years back(had no luck with any of the restoration kits), bought a set of "Eagle Eyes" branded units off amazon, and after having them aimed at the dealer,(don't trust myself to do it) they worked every bit as well as the OE units.
as others have said, if you sand/polish them back to clear, you need to reapply some sort of UV block coating to keep them from hazing again.
I've had good luck with protective films, and would recommend them whichever route you go. the ones I've used were "Lightgard" Branded from
www.Clearmask.com
The film not only has UV inhibitors built in, but it stops the lenses from being "sand blasted" by particulates in the air. and offers protection from cracks and stonechips.
(I am in no way being paid by them, this is my own opinion, however biased it might seem.)
"Lightgard is a virtually optically clear film from 3M's Aerospace division. This film has been tested at 500 mph, simulating the flying speeds of modern jet aircraft. It has also been tested at temperatures down to -30 centigrade with no damage to the film or adhesive. Used on wing tip lights, landing gear lights and radar nose-cones of jet aircraft, ClearMask Lightgard film is clearly a better option than stiff, hard to apply, hand laminated alternatives."
I put their films on the New lenses for the neon before i installed them in the car, and when i bought my Sable, one of the first things i did was order a set for it.
for your truck the 8mil thick set is $27, the 14mil set $40.80
either is worth the money in my opinion... but i am a bit biased as a satisfied customer...