Headlights Cleaning

[Seph]

I'm going to attempt this when I get back home from class, is it pretty simple? I haven't even looked at anything yet.

I just assume I'm going to open the hood, take the screws outta the headlight holder and pop the thing out.

Sound about right?

[rydog]

Quote: Originally Posted by Seph I'm going to attempt this when I get back home from class, is it pretty simple? I haven't even looked at anything yet. I just assume I'm going to open the hood, take the screws outta the headlight holder and pop the thing out. Sound about right?

I actually dont ever take any screws out i use needle nose plyers and squeeze the black gromets the screws go through and pop them back through the holes and pull the headlight out

[bluemustang]

if i remember correctly arent the 99+ on some slides that you gotta pull out?

[Seph]

Hrm I dunno. I do know about the black tac like things that are planted in there. After I washed my car, cleaned the rims, I looked at the headlights and sighed. All foggish and they look dirty on the inside.

I remember someone cleaning their headlights awhile ago and they turned out great. I found an old picture of my Mustang when I first got it, the headlights looked great. I want to at least get it looking back to when I first got it stage :P

[Brent]

Restoring Ford Mustang Headlights

[Cajun JungleBoy]

advance auto parts has a headlight cleaning kit... hear it works very well

[Seph]

Quote: Originally Posted by Brent Restoring Ford Mustang Headlights

Quite a lot of steps in that O_o

And things I don't have.. The final product looks great, but geez..

[SpectorV]

you pull the two pins holding the headlight in then you put a cloth in front of the headlight to keep the paint from being scratched then you pull out on the headlight making sure you pull directly forward so it doesnt get hung. Then it comes out and you carefully unplug it trying not to break the clips. Thats it.

[lowflyn]

The clips break, part of it lol. Now when I pull my headlights out the bulbs pull themselves out...but it works.

[Seph]

O_o I'm nervous now lol

[SpectorV]

yea the clips do suck pretty good, even if they break its not a big deal they still hold on there fine just try not to break them if you can help it.

[Seph]

Alright, I tried the steps on trying to restore the headlights from that link Brent posted, but it only made my headlight look worse. I'm pretty sure all the dirt and stuff is on the inside, I can see a lot of moisture inside of the headlight itself. I may have to just buy new lenses if I can't repair the one lens I tried restoring. I used the really soft sand paper, used the restore solution and the plastic cleaner, nothing worked.

[PureVenom]

Quote: Originally Posted by Seph Alright, I tried the steps on trying to restore the headlights from that link Brent posted, but it only made my headlight look worse. I'm pretty sure all the dirt and stuff is on the inside, I can see a lot of moisture inside of the headlight itself. I may have to just buy new lenses if I can't repair the one lens I tried restoring. I used the really soft sand paper, used the restore solution and the plastic cleaner, nothing worked.

What do you mean by soft sandpaper? Did you use the 1500 and 2000 grit that was mentioned in the writeup?

[Seph]

Quote: Originally Posted by PureVenom What do you mean by soft sandpaper? Did you use the 1500 and 2000 grit that was mentioned in the writeup?

I just used what I had on hand when I sanded down my Garand wood, the stuff is pretty light. Figured there wouldn't be much of a difference?

[lowflyn]

Look on the back of the paper, there should be a number on the back. If it says anything under 800 it's gonna take alot to get it back....

I did mine with 800, 1200, 1800, 2400, and 3000 then rubbing compound, a coat of polish, and a few coats of wax. Still not perfect, but alot better.

BTW, wet sand it....makes it alot better...as in sand with water running over the headlight, this will not be as abrasive.

[OsirisGuy]

I was able to get the yellow out of my headlights with 600 and then 1500 wet. I forget where but I heard 600 was fine to use and 1500 was also listed and also the finest grit I was able to find. I also did it wet, which I suggest and isn't really all that more difficult to do. My instructions also suggest Mother's Mag and Aluminum Polish to restore the plastic from all those little microscopic scratches. My headlights are still a little foggy but I didn't finish off with wax or a hard polish and buff. My car is also a lot of work so that might of made it harder to get out and others might find other results.

I think over at AmericanMuscle.com they have a tech article on resealing headlights to stop condensation.

I'm just happy they aren't yellow anymore and at night the light is much clearer and not as fogged up as you would think.

[Seph]

My lens is kinda messed up, I'll take pics of it tomorrow so you guys can give me any suggestions. I think the stuff is built up on the inside, and I'm going to have at it with the headlights tomorrow as well. Pics will be taken to show the progress and how badly I am doing :P

[Seph]

ok the headlight is OUT.

How the hell do I get the covering off of it now so I can actually clean the inside of it?