F150 headlight question

[Capt Steve]

This one is aimed at F150 Guy or anyone else who might know. I intend to keep my 98 F150 (94K miles), probably for another ten years (at least). Hands down the best, most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. One problem is that after eleven years the lenses on the headlights have gotten cloudy and emit far less light than I would like. Is there a product that can polish out the dullness and clear/clean them? I'm sure they are a one piece unit and replacing just the lens probably isn't an option. Replacing the entire unit is bound to be pricey. What's the best way to go?

 

[Capt Steve]

This one is aimed at F150 Guy or anyone else who might know. I intend to keep my 98 F150 (94K miles), probably for another ten years (at least). Hands down the best, most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. One problem is that after eleven years the lenses on the headlights have gotten cloudy and emit far less light than I would like. Is there a product that can polish out the dullness and clear/clean them? I'm sure they are a one piece unit and replacing just the lens probably isn't an option. Replacing the entire unit is bound to be pricey. What's the best way to go?

 

[Alphonso]

I went through this with my 98 150. Tried a number of polishes and a number of techniques. Nothing worked.

Then I bought some after market replacements. They did not fit. One even broke while I was trying to install it.

Bite the bullet and spring for a OEM set. They go in easy and they work well.

Hey, with 100k on the truck you are still way ahead...

 

[pberry]

I saw something for that on tv a while back. They polished it out with some product. I didn't pay attention because I didn't need it. Check the parts house. They may have it on hand. You may need a buffer.
Phil

 

[Indiana George]

Capt. Steve,

Are the headlight covers made of some type of plastic? If so, do you know what type?

BIL is a pilot and uses a couple of different products to polish the "glass" on his helicopter. I'll check with him tomorrow and let you know.

I have used a product called NOVUS on the windshields of my Harley dressers. More of a cleaner than a polish, but works well.

 

[sar4937]

NAPA used to sell a kit that contained everything you needed. I would not spend much money trying to fix the cloudiness. Alphonso has the right idea, but new aftermarket assemblies. Most do fit, and most times cost lots less.

 

[bayfisher]

As stated above, On a 98 model, you probably won't have much luck. On my 98 Z71, I got a couple of years more time out of my headlamps by doing the polishing bit, but in the end i replaced them from a place on the web called carlightswholesale. But if you want to try, I'm a mechanic and I use maquires PLAST-X and an air powered polisher on a lot of the newer vehicles. If you get to them in time it has made major differences. But if the damage is on the inside of the lense there isn't a lot you can do outside of replacement. My new headlamps costed me 28.00 a side and came with both high and low beam bulbs.

 

[gunsmith11]

now that you mention it, mine are getting cloudy also, 97 f150 guess tomorrow I will try a few things on them

 

[Bob R]

I have seen some pretty good results using soapy water (lots), 600 grit sandpaper, then 2000 grit sandpaper. After all of that is is a lot of elbow grease and rubbing compound. Finish off with a plastic polish.

If you do a search on google you will see several do it yourself approaches (like above) and some kits you can buy.

bob

 

[caseydog]

The problem most people have when trying to sand and polish is they don't go far enough. There is a UV protective coating on the lens , once it starts to cloud you have to take it ALL off to get it back to like new. I use 800 then 1500 and finish with 2000 grit and buff with a car buffer , but there are purpose made kits that can help. Here are two kits, you'll have to decide whether you need the regular or heavy duty, once you do this you"ll probably need to touch them up about once a year to keep them spiffy.

http://www.autodetailingsoluti...ght-restoration.html

Ray

 

[Capt Steve]

You guys are amazing. Thanks for all of the good info. I took a closer look and the lenses are plastic and the cloudiness seems to permeate the entire lens. I checked out the carlightswholesale website and have several options. I will contact them directly tomorrow for more info. I think replacing the entire unit will be required and after a quick look under the hood it looks doable. I'll call the dealer to get quotes on OEM replacements with and without them doing it. Thanks one and all for the great info and timely response. No wonder we all enjoy this board so much!

 

[jframe]

I am a Ford parts man; yes the lights are kind of pricey from Ford. A company called BG makes products such as fuel injector cleaners and trans flush kits for dealership technicians. They also make a kit to clean these headlights. We have sold several thru our service department, but I haven't seen any actual results yet. For about thirty bucks, it may be worth a try; everything else this company makes is an excellent product that performs as advertised.

 

[caseydog]

Originally posted by Capt Steve:
I took a closer look and the lenses are plastic and the cloudiness seems to permeate the entire lens.

I doubt it, here are some expensive lights and what can be done with them:

 

[Bassamatic]

Those are plastic. You are going to spend hours researching this, then who knows how much on a plastic polishing kit, then hours trying to rub/buff out those scratches.

In the end you will just end up buying the replacements. Save yourself the grief and pony up the $$ now.

Been there...done it.

Well, looking at the post above, maybe there is some hope. Those look pretty nice. I'm thinking a buffer wheel.

 

[Mike W.]

I work in a body shop and we do that quite often. A buffing wheel will melt the plastic in no time, so don't go that route. An electric or air powered hand buffer works the best.

For plastic, all you really need is buffing compound and a foam pad. It'll take that oxidation right off. If there are a lot of scratches, 1000 to 1500 wet sanding followed by buffing with compound should do it.

If you don't own a buffer or know someone with one, buying new lights might be best.

 

[Rhinorev]

I've used Brasso (metal) polish on them before with great results. It's cheap and easy

 

[Grayfox]

We use the NAPA polishing kit on our vehicles at work. It takes time, but they come out looking like new.
Another option is to call local body shops and auto detail shops. They do this stuff everyday and may turn out to be cheaper than doing it yourself.

 

[wundudnee]

I just did the buffer kit on my 95 Towncar. It came out pretty good. The kit came with the different grades of sandpaper, foam pad, polish and a mandrel for use with a electric drill. When I started, I figured it was a bust, but following directions gave a pretty good result. The kit was only about $15.00, I dont remember the brand. I got it at an auto parts store.

 

[Capt Steve]

So much good info. I found the local distributor for BG's Class Act headlight restorer. I will also visit a couple of Auto parts stores to see what they carry. Until tonight I never knew such products existed. Being the cheap SOB that I am, will try to restore them first. Failing that, then it is either OEM's of the after market kits.

As luck would have it this is my 250th post, yeah, yeah, just another FNG. Once again I'd like to say "THANK YOU!" to one and all for your help. You guys are the best!

 

[f150guy]

Sorry Capt Steve...Just saw the post. Bob was right on the money. If not replaceding new, wetsand with a course sandpaper to start, and then finish with a very fine paper. Flitz is supposed to work wonders also.