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Topic: Cleaning the Headlight Lens (Read 337 times) previous topic - next topic
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Cleaning the Headlight Lens
I thought I would try to remove some of the haze from the lens. But, I can not figure out how the lens can be removed. Do you pry it off the headlight assembly?  How to take plastic things apart is more than my wee brain can handle
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy

Re: Cleaning the Headlight Lens
Reply #1

Don't bother trying to polish the headlights, it doesn't last more than few months before the yellow cloudiness returns.
The outer UV resistant coating is worn away and cannot be easily replaced.  Your best choice is to replace the headlights, they are inexpensive..
Each head light is held in with two spring steel clips that need to be pried up and then pulled outward, freeing the headlights.
Details are in the Ford E450 Owner's Manual.

Passenger side replacement.
Amazon.com: TYC 20-3074-90 Ford Econoline Passenger Side Headlight Assembly:...
Driver's side
Amazon.com: TYC 20-3075-90 Ford Econoline Driver Side Headlight Assembly:...
The new headlights may require changing one or two of plastic spacers on the rear of the lights. They twist off and on.

Larry

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Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Cleaning the Headlight Lens
Reply #2
Thanks Larry. I would Like your reply, but I don't know how to do that. When the cursor is over the thumbs up icon the cursor outline disappears.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy

Re: Cleaning the Headlight Lens
Reply #3
Thanks Larry. I would Like your reply, but I don't know how to do that. When the cursor is over the thumbs up icon the cursor outline disappears.
Strange. I just "liked" your message above and it worked fine.
Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB

Re: Cleaning the Headlight Lens
Reply #4
We've successfully "cleaned" headlights on two cars recently -- a Subaru (which is now elsewhere) and a Mini. Used Meguire's Mag wheel polish (which is for metal) as a speedy way to cut thru the haze to clear plastic.  Next step was to wash and dry (with water), then clear coat with a 3M or Meguire's (don't remember which) clear coat spray with UV protectant.  Subaru can't be checked now, but Mini is still looking good after two years.

Replacement is easier and faster (for Fords at least) but this was quick and inexpensive, and seems to be a good time investment so far.  Just another data point...
2000 Front Lounge

Re: Cleaning the Headlight Lens
Reply #5
Thanks Larry. I would Like your reply, but I don't know how to do that. When the cursor is over the thumbs up icon the cursor outline disappears.

I had the same problem.  After a bit of investigation I found it was a chrome extension issue.  
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King

Re: Cleaning the Headlight Lens
Reply #6
“Liking” a response for an iPhone (not sure about other devices) requires that the thread heading be “clicked” (if the thread is being viewed “midstream”) to open the entire thread. This puts the title of the thread at the top in a “Topic” heading and all responses are listed below from the OP on.

For me, this changes the “reply” button to the “ like” button.

Works for me.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"

 
Re: Cleaning the Headlight Lens
Reply #7
Your best choice is to replace the headlights, they are inexpensive.
Given that you linked to "normal" headlights I assume that you don't think it's a good idea to use LED headlights - correct? Why is that so? Are normal headlights good enough, or are the available LED headlights not good, or is there any other reason?
2001 26.5 Mid-Bath

Re: Cleaning the Headlight Lens
Reply #8
Given that you linked to "normal" headlights I assume that you don't think it's a good idea to use LED headlights - correct? Why is that so? Are normal headlights good enough, or are the available LED headlights not good, or is there any other reason?

Never said or implied not to use LED headlights. When properly designed, they work great...at a price.
At this point in time, replacement LED headlights are very expensive, not widely available and still in development.
They do use less electrical power but that really isn't an issue with Ford's big alternator. You will not see a mileage increase using LEDs.
I find the stock headlights to be adequate and don't drive much at night. I added driving lights years ago, for lonely back roads.
If you want to switch to LEDs, be aware that most are not manufactured by a known companies and may not have a good light pattern. Do your research first before buying.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze