narsty yellowish headlight housing

[AJ]

One of my front headlights is a little yellower than the other, where could i find new ones? and how much should i expect to spend.  It is just the plastic housing, it can't be that much can it?!

[HippoSleek]

I hated my yellow housing when I bought the car, but found a solution through talking to some others.  For best results, (A) remove the housing (it takes 10 minute for both).  (B) Some say to find the highest # sandpaper possible (1500?) and give then a light sanding (I didn't do this, but wish I would have).  © Then take an orbital buffer, squirt on some wax, and go to them.  Finally, some (D) added clear coat to resist future damge.  Reinstall and check your aiming.  I only did (A) & ©, but my results were quite pleasing.  I've seen pics from people who did all of the above, whose headlights now look like glass (mine look like newish plastic).  Try this first, b/c a new housing will set you back a few hundred bones!  

[misnomer]

if you don't mind being set back a few hundred bucks, check the group buys section. West had a thread going for some european (glass) headlights for 'bout six bills.

[AJ]

i'm not ready to spend 600 <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'> hehee.. &nbsp; and thanks so much hipposleek, i think i'm going to do that. &nbsp;now, do i sand the outside only? or inside too? and where can i find an orbital buffer... and how do i clearcoat <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'> sorry, ,i'm pretty new at this <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'> i'd love for my headlights to look fresh tho <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'> thanks a ton, &nbsp;

[West]

Lauren, did you ever clean your headlights?

There are a few ways you can do this.

Get some WD-40 and wipe the headlight down real good. This will only make it look good for a few days.

Get some super fine sand paper and sand down the headlights and then go on it again with a polish type sand paper and then coat it with some type of sealant.

[HippoSleek]

*edit: &nbsp;I've yet to learn how to multi-quote here <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':('>*
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from AJ on 7:18 pm on Oct. 2, 2001
do i sand the outside only? or inside too? </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

Outside only! I washed mine, then removed them (be careful not to get water into the housing - wash first!). It was after I buffed that I noticed how deep the scarring was (hence, the wish I had sanded and not just used a harsh buffing pad). Removal is not necessary, but using sandpaper and/or a harsh buffing pad near paint is scary if you don't.

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from AJ on 7:18 pm on Oct. 2, 2001

and where can i find an orbital buffer... </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

Orb. buffer can be had at any autoparts or variety store. I'd go to Sears. I used a friend's that was old and weak (but it did the job). I think about $30 (but you can also use it on you car AFTER YOU PRACTICE on someone elses and have read the instruction manual - it'll shine it nice <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from AJ on 7:18 pm on Oct. 2, 2001

and how do i clearcoat </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

I didn't use it and don't know how to do so properly, so I skipped this step. I will say that if you don't know, don't try. The directions I got included this, but the guy had a paint set up to do it. There was also debate about the necessity of this step (as the addition of something will not make the light clearer, but will only protect it in the future). Talk to a paint shop or be prepared to do this procedure every year or so (hey, it only takes 30 minutes when you know what you are doing).

Finally, when you do it, do us a favor and take some pictures... I didn't have my camera and lost the link to the other guy who did it, to demonstrate what a great thing it is. BTW: I know Lauren was looking at that same link - did she complete her weekend project? Good luck


(Edited by HippoSleek at 8:32 am on Oct. 3, 2001)

[saga240]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from HippoSleek on 9:30 am on Oct. 3, 2001
*edit: I've yet to learn how to multi-quote here <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':('>*
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from AJ on 7:18 pm on Oct. 2, 2001
do i sand the outside only? or inside too? </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

Outside only! I washed mine, then removed them (be careful not to get water into the housing - wash first!). It was after I buffed that I noticed how deep the scarring was (hence, the wish I had sanded and not just used a harsh buffing pad). Removal is not necessary, but using sandpaper and/or a harsh buffing pad near paint is scary if you don't.

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from AJ on 7:18 pm on Oct. 2, 2001

and where can i find an orbital buffer... </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

Orb. buffer can be had at any autoparts or variety store. I'd go to Sears. I used a friend's that was old and weak (but it did the job). I think about $30 (but you can also use it on you car AFTER YOU PRACTICE on someone elses and have read the instruction manual - it'll shine it nice <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from AJ on 7:18 pm on Oct. 2, 2001

and how do i clearcoat </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

I didn't use it and don't know how to do so properly, so I skipped this step. I will say that if you don't know, don't try. The directions I got included this, but the guy had a paint set up to do it. There was also debate about the necessity of this step (as the addition of something will not make the light clearer, but will only protect it in the future). Talk to a paint shop or be prepared to do this procedure every year or so (hey, it only takes 30 minutes when you know what you are doing).

Finally, when you do it, do us a favor and take some pictures... I didn't have my camera and lost the link to the other guy who did it, to demonstrate what a great thing it is. BTW: I know Lauren was looking at that same link - did she complete her weekend project? Good luck


(Edited by HippoSleek at 8:32 am on Oct. 3, 2001)
</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

hehe i waxed my headlights like 4 times over the weekend.. it looked pretty #### cool.. &nbsp;too bad my car is in the shop right now or else id send over some pics..

[AJ]

Allright, i got some fine ass sand paper, but when i used it on part of the light, it only made it reaaaallly un-c-thru, well that go away when i buff it with wax? &nbsp;aaahh please explain... &nbsp;please!... i can't stand the yellowness any longer!

[West]

You will need a platic polish of some sort and for good results I would get a high powered polisher.

[AJ]

Plastic Polisher?.. &nbsp;where can i find that? i've never even heard of such a thing.. &nbsp; so besicaly all i need is plastic polishre and a buffer and i'm set?

[AJ]

TTT

[HippoSleek]

I know nothing about the polisher - but a high powered buffer and wax should do the trick.

[91CRXsiR]

try washing it out with soapy water... if that doesnt work and you want new ones then look for either a replacement or some H4 conversions