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  #1  
Old 09-08-2008, 04:12 PM
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Can't find "clear lens" how-to...

Hi everybody,

I thought there was a headlight cleaning how-to somewhere on this site, but I can't find it... probably using some wrong search terms ("clean headlights"). Everything it finds refers to the exchange of the headlight lens...

The problem I'm trying to solve is that there is some dirt on the inside surface of the headlight. How do I clean it?
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Old 09-08-2008, 09:19 PM
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Re: Can't find "clear lens" how-to...

That's a trickier one. for the regular yellowing and scuffing you can buy a headlight cleaning kit from WalMart or wherever. For the inside, easiest thing to do is remove the headlight, pull all the lights out, and shake it to try and get as much dirt out as you can. If that doesn't get it....(I'm reciting this from memory of what I've read, I haven't tried it myself)

There are little steel clips around the headlight holding the clear plastic to the black backing part. Remove the clips. Then, place your headlight on a cookie sheet and put it in the over. I'm not sure on the exact temperature, but be conservative. Start with maybe 175 for 10 minutes. The goal is to soften the glue that holds the light assembly together so you can pry it apart. Once it's open you'll be able to clean it out, but don't touch it if you can. go buy a can of compressed air from Staples or something to blow it out. You'll probably have to re-heat the assembly to soften the glue again so it will all go together nicely.

Anyone more experienced in the art of headlight cleaning want to chime in?
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Old 09-09-2008, 02:47 AM
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Re: Can't find "clear lens" how-to...

http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...t=37876&page=3

Its here, one of my fav. threads. The only extra step I would reccomend is wet sanding the headlights with 400 grit first..remember to keep everything really wet when sanding.
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Old 09-09-2008, 03:23 AM
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Re: Can't find "clear lens" how-to...

Quote:
Originally Posted by SomethingElse View Post
http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...t=37876&page=3

Its here, one of my fav. threads. The only extra step I would reccomend is wet sanding the headlights with 400 grit first..remember to keep everything really wet when sanding.
400??? this is too much... Stilor can you first show us a pic of your headlights?
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Old 09-09-2008, 11:53 AM
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Re: Can't find "clear lens" how-to...

Quote:
Originally Posted by SilverSpear View Post
400??? this is too much... Stilor can you first show us a pic of your headlights?
Sure, will take a picture this evening. However, it seems that the dirt streaks are on the inside, so just sanding it on the outside probably won't help...
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Old 09-09-2008, 04:02 PM
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Re: Can't find "clear lens" how-to...

Quote:
Originally Posted by SilverSpear View Post
400??? this is too much... Stilor can you first show us a pic of your headlights?
I used 400 with my wifes car, gads used what came with the kit. My lights are more yellow than hers. The only difference 400 grit wet sanding. The yellow goes deeper than just the outermost surface. It must be removed or you will have shiny yellow instead of shiny clear.
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