Cloudy Lenses

[eezergood]

OK, my lenses in the headlights of my Fiesta (ok pls no OMG FORD again comments) have started to become foggy. I assume the seals are dead? can i get these re-conditioned anywhere or can someone recommend a sensible replacement option? Rather than the dreaded dealership? Phuket based if possible  

[Dmaxdan]

I have never tried it myself, but I understand that cleaning the lenses with mosquito repellent that contains some DEET can be very effective. It's worth a try before you look at replacing them.

[transam]

Could be outside as the lens is a "plastic"..Sun stuff. I use car polish to "skim" the plastic,  put a bit of elbow grease into it..Works on mine...

[canthai55]

Seen kits in Big C or Tesco. Can of paste. Cloth. Never used the ones here, but the kit you buy in N. America work well, so imagine same thing here. As said above, is a mild abrasive and polish - sometimes two parts. Look like new after.

[eezergood]

thanks guys 

[transam]

3 minutes ago, eezergood said:

thanks guys 

One of my 10 year old ride lights sees the sun everyday, that is the one that discolours...Drag my finger over both and the sun one shows resistance on my finger.  Car polish fixes it.....You must work on it...

[eezergood]

1 minute ago, transam said:

One of my 10 year old ride lights sees the sun everyday, that is the one that discolours...Drag my finger over both and the sun one shows resistance on my finger.  Car polish fixes it.....You must work on it...

will give it a go this weekend 

[JAS21]

2 hours ago, eezergood said:

will give it a go this weekend 

If the problem is outside then there are lots of videos on Youtube showing how to recondition ... if condensation etc on the inside as you infer again many Youtube videos eg ... How to Fix a Headlight with Water or Moisture in it

 

enjoy

 

[Sam Lin]

Also, when you recondition the outside, you remove any UV protectant coat that they may have had when new, and they will usually cloud and yellow quicker after. If you're going to keep the car, get some clearcoat and spray the outside of the headlamp lens after you polish it, it'll protect from UV and your polishing will last a lot longer.

 

Sam

[kartman]

I use Brasso 

[tifino]

other suggestions heard of in the past:

 

WD-40

 

Toothpaste

[eezergood]

essentially just something with a little abrasive in it to remove the gunk 

 

[DavisH]

I used fine (1200 grit wet and dry to sand them - then some 2000 grit). This will make them cloudy. Then you get a cutting polish (or scratch remover), then use a cloth to polish them. Then finish with some good quality wax. It works well (check youtube for videos). I eventually changed my headlights as they had developed some leaks in the seals and wasn't bothered to fix that. 

[Just Weird]

On ‎1‎/‎12‎/‎2018 at 1:00 PM, eezergood said:

thanks guys 

If you suspect that they have become foggy because of dodgy seals presumably that means that they are misted up on the inside?  Obviously, no amount of polishing the outside lens will remedy that.

 

The only way that condensation on the inside of the lens can be fixed is by opening the lights, which involves heating them in an oven usually, drying them out and resealing them properly with a sealant.  It's a giant pain in the arse.

[eezergood]

Ok the issue is definitely on the interior of the lens. Aside from Ford direct, does anyone have a parts supplier etc...... thanks in advance  

[canthai55]

Drill 2 holes. One at the high point. On at a low point. Park facing the sun. When water gone seal with small dab clear silicone. Returns ? Repeat.

Sent from my [device_name] using http://Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[JAS21]

56 minutes ago, canthai55 said:

Drill 2 holes. One at the high point. On at a low point. Park facing the sun. When water gone seal with small dab clear silicone. Returns ? Repeat.

Sent from my [device_name] using http://Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

Returns ... repeat    Returns ... repeat         that's the thaiway    Youtube shows you the correct way but you maybe able to shortcut by 'slapping' clear silicone all around the seal ... maybe ... this is of course after removing the moisture ...

[watcharacters]

 

Loads of great suggestions .

 

 

I hope the OP finds a solution.   

 

 

WD 40,  toothpaste,  and others sound like a solid approach.

 

 

And I love the Youtube suggestion as well.

 

 

 

 

 

[eezergood]

Did the toothpaste/rubbing compound route  - the issue is internal, have neither the time nor inclination to do a full on dry & re-seal experiment. Looking for a replacement, so if anyone has a used part specialist  i would be most grateful