2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Head light fix "on the cheap"

[Texis]

I recently posted about how bad my 97 head lights were. Here's my el-cheapo solution and it worked great.



The lens were VERY badly UV yellowed, crazed, faded, etc. and let very little light get out. On the lens I used 1000 grit wet sand paper, followed by 2000 grit wet sand paper and finished them off with Mcguires #10 clear plastic polish. I am completely amazed at what $10 bucks and some elbow grease accomplished on the lens, they look new. There is no reason to pay $100 bucks for the lens restoration kits.



I could have stuck with the OEM bulbs but opted for the $50 Sylvania set.



No more fear of hitting the road after dark.

 

[SRath]

Unless the headlight switch melts down? Or did they fix that problem by '97?

I'm going to assign your regimen to my sons to try on their grandma's '98 Dodge van headlights, which are terribly hazed. The light bulbs themselves seem to put out good light, but the plastic lenses are really bad.

Thanks for the tip!

 

[Texis]

It works! Make sure they use the wet sand paper "wet", plenty of water keeps the paper working correctly.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Most decent auto parts stores sell relatively inexpensive lens restoration kits for that purpose...

 

[pdxkid]

I have seen a few kits at $30 and up to 50. This seems cheaper and virtually the same as the kit, just not all packaged up and marked up. I will give this a whirl, thanks a lot.

 

[WilsonF]

If you cut off the little t*ts that they use for aiming it makes the whole process easier I used my drimel tools to cut them.

Floyd

 

[georgej]

Got a cheap kit at napa for $12 with 6 polishing pads and an arbor to use in a hand drill. Worked great and only used 2 of the pads.

 

[GaryOwen]

Wife suggested using Comet cleanser on my headlights. Gave it a try tonight and it worked great! Wet sponge and sprinkle with Comet and a minute or two of rubbing and rinse off. Not exactly like new, but MUCH improved! Still leaning toward sport headlight conversion though.