Shite lights

[pompei]

I've just replaced the headlamp bulbs in the Saab.  The lad at Halfords commented that the front of the lamps (the glass) had oxidised  -  the glass is rough to the touch and opaque.  He

[pompei]

Dunno what happened there ...

 

He said that to make them good, they need to be done with wet and dry and then machine polished.  Does that sound reasonable?  Is there an easier fix?

 

Thanks

[fordperv]

that does sound reasonable machine polishing is probably the fix that requires the least elbow grease, there are kits available to clear them as well like this, pretty much the same thing but without the need for a machine polisher

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/QUIXX-HEADLIGHT-HEADLAMP-RESTORATION-KIT-REPAIRS-DULL-HEADLIGHT-LENSES-RESTORER-/141423043054?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item20ed7861ee

[Andrew353w]

Toothpaste is easier to use and quicker (and there's a lovely minty smell, too!) Bicarbonate of soda is much the same, as well.

[Six-cylinder]

My next door neighbour has a Ford Focus that failed its MOT on opaque head lights on advice I polished them with T cut and they looked a lot clearer and it passed its MOT. I am told they are plastic.

[scruff]

Brasso also works

[Bren]

My vectra lights are so shit I can only tell when they are on by seeing the instrument get brighter.

[gordonbennet]

Proper metal polish does the job well, peek or solvol seem about the right grade, Peek made a good job of all the family cars lights that have needed doing.

 

Some people clear lacquer  the lenses after, as the poor finish will return, i'd be inclined to put several coats of a good wax polish on after and see how they go.

 

One nice thing about the old MB's, glass headlight lenses.

[pompei]

Thanks guys

[saucedoctor]

[Partridge]

Yeah toothpaste works a treat. Takes a lot of work but it really makes a difference. Set aside at least and hour though, it will take longer than you think!

 

Plus your lights won't get cavities and will be free of 99.9% of all bacteria which is the leading cause of gum disease.