aka rotten
Full Access Members
Will you gents tell this old man how to get to headlamps in order to clean them.What kinda job is this from 1 -10 with 10 being the worst.That way I,ll see if this old man wants to tackle it.Thanks,Paul
Headlight cleaning
- Thread starter aka rotten
- Start date
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Bedrck47
Full Access Members
Check on youtube for some videos on How TOO
Seven11
Full Access Members
Just buy new headlights!
I think I paid $60 on eBay for new headlights. You will spend more on supplies to clean them. I had a shop do my BMW headlights and that cost $100.
before
after
I think I paid $60 on eBay for new headlights. You will spend more on supplies to clean them. I had a shop do my BMW headlights and that cost $100.
before
after
Mark Smith
Full Access Members
using toothpaste with baking sofa... smear it on, work it in with a pad of some kind, whatever you may have on hand, seems to work so far... may take a couple of tries. toothpaste cost $2-3; works for this old man!
I agree with Seven11. Buy some new ones. Cleaning works for a time but after a while the inside of the headlight oxidizes as well. However, if you want to clean the outside I would rate it as a 1. Like Mark said, a rag, some toothpaste/baking soda, and a little elbow grease will do the trick.
rtbrjason
Full Access Members
Polishing compound on a pneumatic polisher or DA will likely get them fairly clear again. If you go that route you should finish with a quality synthetic wax to protect them.
I agree though, the cost of a set of lights on Amazon is under $50.
I bought this set a couple years ago. (https://www.amazon.com/Expedition-L...id=1474157543&sr=8-6&keywords=f150+headlights)
These literally took 5 minutes to swap over, no tools required.
I've since replace these with this set as I wanted a simple approach to having projectors: (https://www.amazon.com/IPCW-CWS-501...-848-152-3-0&sr=1-88&ymm=1999:ford:expedition)
I agree though, the cost of a set of lights on Amazon is under $50.
I bought this set a couple years ago. (https://www.amazon.com/Expedition-L...id=1474157543&sr=8-6&keywords=f150+headlights)
These literally took 5 minutes to swap over, no tools required.
I've since replace these with this set as I wanted a simple approach to having projectors: (https://www.amazon.com/IPCW-CWS-501...-848-152-3-0&sr=1-88&ymm=1999:ford:expedition)
Grind
Member
I spent a day cleaning, wet-sanding, clearcoating and polishing the headlights on my old GMC. They looked good. For a few weeks. Then they got cloudy/yellowed, again.
So, I did others have suggested, and bought new headlights on eBay. Took all of 10 minutes to change, and they even came with new bulbs (that I promptly changed for the Sylvania Silver Stars, that were in my old headlights).
So, I did others have suggested, and bought new headlights on eBay. Took all of 10 minutes to change, and they even came with new bulbs (that I promptly changed for the Sylvania Silver Stars, that were in my old headlights).
docraymund
Full Access Members
Yes with the easy availability of replacement headlights in your area its logical to replace them. Just use the old ones as trouble lights.
But if you want to scrimp, check this out:
But if you want to scrimp, check this out:
whitelightning99
Full Access Members
Before and After sanding an buffing head lights,They weren't that bad.Took about 1/2 hour to do both ,Sand paper and compound my father had so it didn't cost me a dime.I wet sanded with 600 grit,then 1000 grit, then rubbing compound "by hand" then polishing compound "by hand" then spray waxed them.Not sure how long it's going to last being i didn't clear coat them with any kind of clear but i guess i'll find out. In the future id like to get some smoked out headlights/corner lights/taillights with led bulbs
ExplorerTom
Full Access Members
So I followed this method on mine. My results were...... Eh.
I bought new housings recently and glad I did. They look better during the day and give off better light at night.
