Cleaning headlights

#1 09-08-2001, 07:20 PM

My headlight housings are extremely dirty. I am planning on taking them out, cleaning them, and taking out the normal driving bulbs, and putting blue/yellow bulbs in for the fog lights. Could somebody tell me how to correctly take out the casings and put them back in. I don't want to screw anything up.

Aredubjay · #2 09-08-2001, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SVXtc
My headlight housings are extremely dirty. I am planning on taking them out, cleaning them, and taking out the normal driving bulbs, and putting blue/yellow bulbs in for the fog lights. Could somebody tell me how to correctly take out the casings and put them back in. I don't want to screw anything up.

If by "casings" you mean the "innards" of the fog lights, I regret to inform you that there is no "correct" way to take them out, at least none I've heard of. The lenses are molded onto the backpiece, so, the only way to separate them is to break them or cut them apart. You might contact "Museumquality" and ask how he handled it when he did the "restyling" on his lenses (look in his locker).

If you're talking about the lenses, they can be cleaned using Novus products (or similar) available from JC Whitney. The bulbs are H3's and are replaced via the twist connectors in front of the radiator -- just make sure the radiator is cool when you do the swap.

#3 09-09-2001, 05:05 PM

another greaqt product for cleaning lights is MeGUIARS CLEAR PLASTIC POLISH. worked wonders for me.

#4 09-09-2001, 05:16 PM

How bad were your headlights?

Aredubjay · #5 09-09-2001, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SVXtc
How bad were your headlights?

Mine were cloudy and yellow. Now they're clear and clean. The center piece has some "peeling" from what I can only guess is some type of protective coating, but, it isn't that noticeable. If You use the Novus products, it comes in three different "stages." 3 is for deep scratches, 2 is for fine scratches and 1 is a "clean and shine" step for cleaning and protecting. Start with number three (even though you might not have deep scratches) and work your way down. I think you'll be pleased. The guys at the MWM were.

Ron Mummert · #6 09-09-2001, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SVXtc
How bad were your headlights?

I managed to really screw up one lens by using using Goof-off in an attempt to remove some "white stuff" that wouldn't come off with everything else I tried. Anyhow, I wound up with a lens that smeared & "melted". I cried! I bought some of the Mequires product, number 10 & number 17. First used some old rubbing compound that had to be 20 years old, then the Mequires stuff. After mucho elbow grease, I must say the lens looks (almost) new. I would guess any of the plastic polishing products will work. They're all concocted by LarryIII in his basement vat anyway, & sold to the highest bidder. By the way, anyone use this stuff on the tail lights? Gorgeous! Ron.

Aredubjay · #7 09-09-2001, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ron Mummert

I managed to really screw up one lens by using using Goof-off in an attempt to remove some "white stuff" that wouldn't come off with everything else I tried. Anyhow, I wound up with a lens that smeared & "melted". I cried! I bought some of the Mequires product, number 10 & number 17. First used some old rubbing compound that had to be 20 years old, then the Mequires stuff. After mucho elbow grease, I must say the lens looks (almost) new. I would guess any of the plastic polishing products will work. They're all concocted by LarryIII in his basement vat anyway, & sold to the highest bidder. By the way, anyone use this stuff on the tail lights? Gorgeous! Ron.

HAHAHAHA! Goof-off! How relevant is that?!?!?

dromano · #8 09-10-2001, 10:48 AM

My front lenses were so pitted that I could barely see what was in there. I've used every kind of scratch & pit remover for plastic I can get hold of, very little improvement. Micro-MarK has a kit, #81601, consists of six wet/dry sanding pads, 2400 grit to 12000 grit. I have improved the front lenses and the red rear lenses are better than new, just amazing. The 2400 grit is scary, when step six starts with 12000 grit it's high polish time, then do the 3,2,1 Novus stuff.
I need to do the front lenses more due to deep pits, there's hope. I did all the sanding wet.
Micro-Mark has online ordering.

Ron Mummert · #9 09-10-2001, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Aredubjay

HAHAHAHA! Goof-off! How relevant is that?!?!?

You wouldn't be picking on my choice of hobbies again, would you Aredub? Ron