Cloudy headlight lenses

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smoker
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Cloudy headlight lenses

Post by smoker »

Hi again. The headlight lenses on my recently acquired '02 Xsara 110 are cloudy. This was noted at the last MOT. I've gone over them with white spirit/cloth and removed a fair bit of brown looking residue, but they are still not as clear as other cars' lenses. They almost look like plastic that's had too much sun, yet I'm sure they're glass? Any ideas on causes or rectification?

Cheers all
52 reg Xsara 110 hdi
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Re: Cloudy headlight lenses

Post by wurlycorner »

Don't know Xsara's, but I assume they're polycarbonate (plastic) lenses?

If so, that's a common affliction with modern cars and the cure is... Yes believe it or not... sandpaper and T-cut!

Here are a couple of guides;
http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/s ... p?t=229157" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.preludeonline.com/f65/headli ... cs-238137/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You don't have to go to the expense of so many different polishing solutions after the sanding, people do get away with just one.


If they're not polycarb headlights, then ignore this answer of course :lol:
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handyman
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Re: Cloudy headlight lenses

Post by handyman »

Try toothpaste as a polishing compound before you use any other abrasive. 8-[ I use it to clean grime off windscreens. Works a treat & smells nice & minty, even on my gnashers. :-D

H
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Post by addo »

So you smear it all over the glass and lick it off? :mrgreen:

I'd think there's a market for chocolate scented car wax...
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Re: Cloudy headlight lenses

Post by SaabC5 »

Spot on by Handyman, try a whitening compound toothpaste, the micro crystals in the tootpaste bring up polycabonate headlights a treat. :mrgreen:
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Re: Cloudy headlight lenses

Post by waynedance »

We use G3 at work, works a treat but as said T-Cut is a good alternative.
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Re: Cloudy headlight lenses

Post by Hell Razor5543 »

I believe that an Australian dentist is working on a formula for chocolate flavoured toothpaste, to try and make children clean their teeth more!
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Re: Cloudy headlight lenses

Post by citronut »

i have heard if you gently wave an electric hot air paint stripper at them it turns them clear again,

its also mean to work on plastic bumpers when the fade,

i have never tried it myself though
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Post by addo »

That's a fairly temporary fix. Polish plus nano sealant is probably the simplest option.
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Re: Cloudy headlight lenses

Post by smoker »

Many thx for replies. Was thinking along the T cut lines but was worried about scratching or causing swirls. Reassured now tho' and will give it a go.

Cheers
52 reg Xsara 110 hdi
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