cleaning headlights

[cvpi71]

what do you folks recommend when cleaning the inside of the headlights, mine are dusty and dirty on the inside. it's for 98 Expedition.

 

[ELVATO]

Compressed or canned air?

 

[cvpi71]

what about water spots on the inside lens, I want to removed them completely.

 

[ELVATO]

Hmmm...I'd think maybe using some alcohol or something that evaporates might clean them up.

 

[expeditionman]

I actually heard that you put the assemblies in the oven for a bit, not sure at what temp ( I'll need to dig around for the article). That should loosen the glue and then you can separate the 2 halves and clean them up that way and then just glue them back together. Not quite sure how tried and true this method is.

As stated on a another ford truck forum......

I found this when a person took apart there projection headlight to replace the Halo Ring. Maybe it will help.

I had to open apart my headlight unit. This is done by heating it in a cooking oven for about 10-15 minutes at 350�F or until the glue loosen. I had to remove any access components that may melt, including my 8000k HID bulb and any attached wires. Be very careful when separating your projector unit because the glue will stick to anything it can get a hold of. Think of hot melted cheese on a slice of pizza when you pull it apart.

Here's my recommendation: As you pull apart the front cover from the headlight unit, cut/trim the cheesy web-like glue. Remember, pull a little and then trim a little, and repeat this step. Take your time and do it slowly. You have about 20 minutes before the glue harden. Plenty of time. As you trim, the glue will retract, and you can reuse the glue later when re-attaching the headlight back together.

I'd imagine you could do this with any headlight assembly.

 

[ELVATO]

On F150online, they usually recommend 250 degrees for 10 minutes. There have been a couple cases of reflectors melting if the lights are left in for too long.

Granted, the 250 degrees is for the 04+ clear headlights. Maybe the older ones are a little tougher?