cloudy headlight lens question

Noxxzious · 04-14-2005

I dont know if this is the right place to post this but I saw something similar here.
I have a 1996 GT and the headlight lens covers and fog light covers have become yellowish and cloudy.
Is there any chemical, like CLR or Windex, or something to clean them clear again?
If not, what is a good replacement source for just the lenses?

thanks

99GTtony · 04-21-2005

We used a chemical compound on our lights on our firetrucks in NC for the fogging problems. We ordered it online somewhere, it worked really well. Just do some research online, I'm sure you'll find it.

Noxxzious · 04-22-2005

Would this be the stuff you used ?

http://www.mdwholesale.com

I think I might try it for $15.00

Blind_Guardian · 05-10-2005

if you still havnt fixed your problem try metal polish it worked on my brothers car very well

wsd42 · 05-11-2005

On a 9+ year old car the best thing to do is replace them. Once you do get new ones, install some of the clear film protectors to the lense. This will help some, but over time the plastic lenses will do the same again. Some of the newer replacements are a much more scratch and haze resistant material. Also, DO NOT USE Rain-X on them! It is great for your windshield, but will cause them to do exactly what yours did. I ride motorcycles and I have found a product called Plexus that will not cloud the lense (face shield and fairing windshield in my case). I plan to use this on my new '05 GT (Lights and all glass). Also, use a soft mitt or sponge with soap and water to clean them. Wet them first to soften bugs and such. But when treated with the Plexus, it will make it easier to remove the bugs again. Not trying to sell the stuff, just know it works. I used to just use car wax, it works, but some contain mild abrasives that will eventually haze them again. My two cents worth!

Noxxzious · 05-12-2005

I ordered the junk from my above link...

Its a rip off.
Its just polishing compound in small unlabled bottles for $15.00.
The actual problem seems to be inside the lens.

The outside is mostly clear now but you can clearly see some kind of stuff inside the light.
I wonder if C-L-R or Windex or Vingear will clear the flim from the inside, since you cant scrub the insides.

Also, how do you remove the lenses from the car?

newguy · 05-13-2005

Flitz polish, and old tee shirt and some elbow grease.

bgt98 · 05-26-2005

sounds like too much trouble. ive got my eye on the smoked cobra headlamps and smoked fog lights.

AlexDeLarge · 06-08-2005

You might as well try and soak a clean cloth on brake fluid and then apply by rubbing directly on each lens... it worked on mine

Saludos !

merlynr · 06-08-2005

This thread has been around a while, but about 2 weeks ago I performed a test using Bon-Ami,Ajax,Brasso, and Auto cleaner/wax. The Bon-ami didn't do much. The Ajax did a little. The Brasso and the auto cleaner/was did the best and about the same results. I cleaned my mother-in-law's Windstar headlights and they looked a lot better, but not perfect as you could still see some discoloration.

mustangracer05 · 06-28-2005

Try using "Mother's" plastic cleaner. If that doesn't work buy new one and run a bead of silicone around the edge to insure a good seal. A lot of aftermarket lights don't have very good seals on them. My aftermarket clear foglights did the same thing on my 94 v6 because i didn't reseal them.

glowstang93 · 10-15-2005

You can sand, polish, cuss, swear, and then try it again, but the only cure for yellow headlights is to replace them. I got 12 years out of mine. The outsides were still looking good after I polished them out, but what you don't realize is, the inside reflector also gets weathered and does not reflect the light like when new. I splurged for factory ford lights, but went with reproduction corner and inners on my fox. It will amaze you when u put on the new ones how much nicer and brighter they look.

wildmandave · 10-24-2005

Try some toothpaste with a micropolish in it on a rag.My friend details cars and he uses this with decent results.

cannongroup · 11-24-2005

I have a 95 Gt and the best thing to do is go to ebay and get two new lights for about 20 dollars a piece. I tried to clean mine but I think it is more trouble than its worth. Besides when you see your car without any trace of that yellow film, your car will look brand new. Yeah not to mention you can actually see the road at night. THAT FILM ISNT ON THE OUTSIDE. IT IS INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. Which cant be taken apart unless you want to glue it back together and hope it looks alright.

Charming007 · 07-03-2006

I have tried flitz polish and it worked great. Clear them right up