Lazy Daze Owners' Group

Restoring or replacing headlights

March 03, 2013, 10:22:19 am

Yahoo Message Number: 137154

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I recently improved the light output of my 1997 SOB headlights by restoring the headlights to their former clarity, using a 3M headlight restoration kit ($16). It did a good job of removing the scratches, frosted areas, and yellowing, taking about 1.5 hours of easy work. Later on, I discovered auto parts stores sell replacement headlights for the Econoline van for $30-$40 each, much cheaper than I expected. At that price, it would be reasonable to consider just replacing, rather than restoring.

Eric Greenwell

Re: Restoring or replacing headlights

Reply #2 – March 03, 2013, 03:36:22 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 137168

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At that price I think I'd replace them.  The restoration procedure is only temporary, because you take off the UV protectorant film when you buff the haze off.  In a year, you need to do it again.  That was my result on a Chrysler Town & Country, anyway.

RonC
 Restoring or replacing headlights Sun Mar 3, 2013 8:22 am (PST) . Posted by: "Eric Greenwell" sewingstuff1 I recently improved the light output of my 1997 SOB headlights by restoring the headlights to their former clarity, using a 3M headlight restoration kit ($16). It did a good job of removing the scratches, frosted areas, and yellowing, taking about 1.5 hours of easy work. Later on, I discovered auto parts stores sell replacement headlights for the Econoline van for $30-$40 each, much cheaper than I expected. At that price, it would be reasonable to consider just replacing, rather than restoring.

Eric Greenwell

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Re: Restoring or replacing headlights

Reply #4 – March 03, 2013, 07:41:41 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 137178

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Oh yeah... those headlights were like "Botox for Ciao Baby!"

Here's my original post on it: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/lifewithalazydazerv/message/112605 or http://tinyurl.com/bye6yrb

And y'all will be happy to know that the fancy blue lightbulbs have since been exchanged for regular white ones.  The blue ones were just not very bright, so while they fortunately didn't blind other drivers, they unfortunately didn't help me see, so no worries now. 
 Those headlights are still clear and look brand new!  With her new side mirrors and headlights, Ciao is a real looker (except for some of the paint that needs work).

Hope everyone's doing well- we're planning a traveling summer

Re: Restoring or replacing headlights

Reply #6 – March 05, 2013, 12:12:35 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 137207

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"Here's a few links for you all that like before and after pics.."
 I have done a couple dozen head light refinishing projects and have seen mixed results. The surface of the housing will never be as clear or flat as the OEM housing was when new. At best, you will see 80% of the original amount of light, plus the cutoff pattern will be fuzzy.
After finishing, the surface coating that protects the plastic from ultraviolet is gone and the yellowing process will continue at an accelerated rate. Usually within a year, the plastic will show discoloration and more surface damage. None of the kits have a true surface coating to replace the original finish.
Having tried most of the kits available, I like 3M's kit the best.
 The key to preventing this problem in the first place is to keep the sun off the headlights as much as possible. If you LD is stored outside, try to point the front end to the north or cover the headlights.
 Some aftermarket replacements are inexpensive but beware that the cheap housings may be just that...cheap knockoffs from China or India that do not have the quality of the OEM parts. Quality isn't cheap.
Caveat emptor.

Larry