Cloudy headlight assemblies

[pickemup]

I have a 2000 Sonoma and Headlight assemblies are almost white instead of clear. I tryed some Meguiars Plastix, no dice. Anyone find a product that does work? New assemblies are well over 100 bucks a piece.

 

[Molson02536]

I have a 2000 Sonoma and Headlight assemblies are almost white instead of clear. I tryed some Meguiars Plastix, no dice. Anyone find a product that does work? New assemblies are well over 100 bucks a piece.

Yellowing is a problem, but these designs are “light years” (sorry) ahead of glass assemblies from the 1990s or the Stone Age sealed beam units. They weigh less, project a better beam, are less likely to crack and allow designers to make some cool shapes. Or really generic, googly eyed shapes. Whatever: yellowing over time and usage is the only downside, but that’s a function of the plastic.

Regarding the law: everyone needs to understand that plastic headlights are like a painted surface, and must be maintained as such. And much like restoring a faded paint job, this is an easy fix. Parts stores sell polish that’s marketed for headlights or plastic windows on Jeeps: follow the instructions and use a spare cloth. The best way is to apply/buff with a power buffer, just remove the light or mask the body to ensure you don’t burn off your car’s paintwork.

If the polish doesn’t work, you have a thicker layer of bad plastic. That’s when sand paper and a little water is needed. Which sounds scarier than it is, especially if you have a hand held orbital power sander. If this sounds excessive, price a new set of lights from the dealer and you might change your tune.

When you’re done, enjoy the best of both worlds if you “clear bra” the lights or wax them regularly: that’s an easy way to make sure you’ll never have this problem again. Here is a link for you to how to fix your yellowing issues.

http://www.lincolnsonline.com/tech/00019.html

 

[andy57]

I had to resort to sand paper/emory cloth. Just go over the lenses with 1000 grit, with plain water, than 1500 grit then 2000 grit. After that I cut rags into small peices of 2 x 2 inches. After wiping the water off the lenses with paper towels, I then rubbed the paste on a small area of the headlight, when it was dry I used the other side of the cloth and saw an improment. I kept on with the rags until i liked what I saw. Amazing results if you are patient.