headlights clouded/yellowed

[yodabill]

i need to replace my plastic lenes. in real bad shape! anybody know where i can get a set without spending an arm&leg for them ?

2000 camaro convert.

[Sommer86@6LE]

can clouded headlights be buffed? Is the "clouding" a melting of plastic? or just natural condensation?

thanks

[TransAm11973]

usually the clouding or yellowing of the plastic is due to the reaction of the polys making up the plastic reacting with UV rays. Before you go buying new lenses, check out some lense reconditioner. I have never used it myself but maybe its a route you would like to try first. I would assume you can get it at any auto parts store. Good Luck.

[Firebirdjones]

I've used a lens polish in the past,,,can't remember the brand, but it was only to remove a few fine scratches. I'm not sure it would work on yellowing plastic but it's worth a shot before you buy.

Otherwise it's a new set,,,and GM is where I prefer to get them. Only way I would consider aftermarket is if they were made of real glass,,,which is what they should have been in the first place.

[Lucky 13]

wet sand the clear coat on the outside with fine sandpaper, and re clear coat the lens

they sell kits for pretty cheap.

[LS2Tuner]

Mothers aluminum wheel polish first then go back over it with a quality glaze.
Here is some links we have covered this in great detail before.
http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread...udy+headlights

http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread...udy+headlights

[Sommer86@6LE]

thanks fellas!

[rbob93]

PM sent

[22chet]

wet sand with 1000 or 2000 grit sand paper till it is clear then spray a layer or two of clear coat on it...itll look as good as new

[bigrondownhiller]

I've used a lens polish in the past,,,can't remember the brand, but it was only to remove a few fine scratches. I'm not sure it would work on yellowing plastic but it's worth a shot before you buy.

Otherwise it's a new set,,,and GM is where I prefer to get them. Only way I would consider aftermarket is if they were made of real glass,,,which is what they should have been in the first place.

They would be expensive to replace when a rock got thrown up and cracked them. I used to spend 20 bucks a month to replace the ones on my car.

[Firebirdjones]

They would be expensive to replace when a rock got thrown up and cracked them. I used to spend 20 bucks a month to replace the ones on my car.

Likewise when they turn yellow,,,,quite frankly I would rather take my chances with the rocks,,,just as I do with paint and windshields. Honestly though, after 30 years of driving I have only had one rock break a glass headlight, of which all my other 9 cars have glass lights,,,so the ratio isn't bad,,,eh??

Precautions can be taken for that anyway,,,never follow semi's or large trucks, stay off of sandy gravel roads etc,,,,all of which can easily sandblast the cheap plastic.

You broke a headlight every month???? I think maybe a change in driving route is in order,,,,lol.

[bigrondownhiller]

It is hard with only 1 highway to choose from. There are times that the sand and rocks make it sound as if it is raining out. The lights are the least of the problem. The sandblasted paint on the bumper is worse.

[CJREX]

Has anyone tried THESE

Adhesive headlight guards made of clear vinyl?

[Firebirdjones]

Has anyone tried THESE

Adhesive headlight guards made of clear vinyl?

It's a thought. It may protect from mild scratches and rock chips, but I'm not sure it would stop the yellowing haze affect,,,,I think thats just the nature of clear plastic after so many years. Might be worth a shot though.

[9t8z28]

It's a thought. It may protect from mild scratches and rock chips, but I'm not sure it would stop the yellowing haze affect,,,,I think thats just the nature of clear plastic after so many years. Might be worth a shot though.

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