• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

How to fix cloudy headlights and keep clear

  • Thread starter Thread starter cervinistang
  • Start date Start date May 10, 2007

cervinistang

New Member
May 7, 2007
11
0
0
Dearborn, Michigan
May 10, 2007
#1
  • May 10, 2007
  • #1
As a new member of stangnet i would like to offer some of my past experience from working with crownvics/grandmarqs. It seems some people here are replacing headlights.


Got yellow headlights? dont throw them out! reuse them or get back resell value.

(From a friend of Crownvic.net)


If they are cloudy on the inside, remove the headlamp from nthe car and take out the bulb.
Pour in some rubbing alchohol, cover the headlamp bulb openings with your hands and shack the lamp around some.
Dump it out, and repeat.



Ok, if they are very bad on the OUTSIDE this has always worked well for me:

Tape off all around the headlamp.

Sand down the composite lens past the imperfections with ~500-1000 grit auto sand paper. Some may be too deep to repair, so have a feel for when enough is enough.
Follow up through the grits until you finish off with 2000-2500 grit. You can sand wet or dry, I normally sand wet. Use automotive grade sandpaper (ie 3m)

Wipe the lens clean with a tack cloth or similar.

Use a small buffer, mother's power ball, or similar (hand application is fine, just tedious) and polish the lens using Meguiar's Mirror Glaze fiberglass/gelcoat color restorer. I have a few bottles of this becuase my father purchased it for our boats - but I don't see it around much any more. Mirror Glaze #17 (plastic cleaner) will work good as well. I'm just used to the MG Color restore. Wipe clean with microfiber after polish.

The lens should be looking VERY clear now, but we're not done.
Follow that up with ~2 applications of Mirror Glaze #17 (clear plastic polish) You can do this by hand or with the buffer. I don't think it says you can use it with a DA, but I've not had a problem doing so. Again, wipe clean with microfiber after.

Last, apply Meguiar's PlastiX by hand on an applicator then buff to high glass with a microfiber. The lens should look like brand new now. You could skip the #17 and go right to the PlastiX if you want. Hell, if you work hard enough with it, you could even go right from the sanding to the PlastiX (I would recommend using something in between though, even rubbing compound or scratch remover will work if you're in a pinch)





After you do all this, apply the PlastiX at regular intervals to keep your lenses looking like new :SNSign:
 

Original Owner

New Member
Jul 17, 2006
16
0
0
Michigan
May 10, 2007
#2
  • May 10, 2007
  • #2
I have never heard of using alcohol to clean the inside of the lens, but I think I'm going to try it. For the outside of the lens, I use Griot's Garage plastic polish with a pneumatic orbital, but it doesn't do much for nicks. I had to put about a half-hour into each lens face just to get the scratches out. Welcome to Stang-Net by the way.
 

Flavadave4

Active Member
Nov 28, 2003
1,044
21
49
Utica, NY
May 10, 2007
#3
  • May 10, 2007
  • #3
Alcohol helps keep the moisture down as well.
 
8

86bluecobra

Advanced Member
Dec 20, 2004
4,265
12
69
B.C. Canada
May 10, 2007
#4
  • May 10, 2007
  • #4
Nice tip. Welcome to StangNet.
 

serviator

Founding Member
Jun 12, 2001
182
0
16
Denmark (ex-resident of Colorado)
May 10, 2007
#5
  • May 10, 2007
  • #5
Welcome to Stangnet and great tip!

I thought I was on Autopia for a second while reading your thread
 

cervinistang

New Member
May 7, 2007
11
0
0
Dearborn, Michigan
May 10, 2007
#6
  • May 10, 2007
  • #6
Original Owner said:
I have never heard of using alcohol to clean the inside of the lens, but I think I'm going to try it. For the outside of the lens, I use Griot's Garage plastic polish with a pneumatic orbital, but it doesn't do much for nicks. I had to put about a half-hour into each lens face just to get the scratches out. Welcome to Stang-Net by the way.
Click to expand...

I know what you mean. I highly recomend sanding. i was first a bit weary about it but it works really good. (aslong as you have the right sand paper)
 
J

Joey7508

Member
Oct 23, 2005
198
0
17
Kerrville TX
May 10, 2007
#7
  • May 10, 2007
  • #7
Great tip Thanks . I have also heard of using carb clean and plastice polish to clear up yellowed lights. It works pretty good. Do NOT spray the carb clean strait on the plastic, instead spray some on a terrycloth towel and rub the out part you intend to clear up. It doesn't take alot. If you look at the towel you'll see it looks like nicotine stains from what you have cleaned off. THen just polish with plastic polish. With the carb clean try a little and work your way up.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Progress Thread Nicholase "lights out" build- TKX install
  • nicholase
  • Aug 10, 2024
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 26 27 28
Replies
542
Views
33K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 14, 2026
Mac131
H
Drivetrain 4R70W clutch friction/metals/piston set up questions for transmission guru
  • Hizdudeness
  • Apr 4, 2024
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
2
Views
952
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Nov 15, 2024
slow84lx
S
J
Progress Thread Family member 1989 GT- Backstory and updates
  • JRC99
  • Apr 19, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
15
Views
1K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Oct 26, 2025
JRC99
J
SN Mustang Magnum T56 swap
  • revhead347
  • May 24, 2024
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Replies
7
Views
6K
1994 - 1995 Specific Tech Jun 16, 2026
FastDriver
Took some pics, i do really own a mustang...
  • 2000xp8
  • Jun 20, 2023
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 6 7 8
Replies
148
Views
19K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Oct 1, 2024
Mustang5L5
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?