The headlights on my 94' 4x4 have been kind of cloudy looking since I bought it two years ago. It's not condensation on the inside, the glass just looks like it has something on it. Is this a common problem?

 

Dunno how common it is. I'd say they get this way from sun, sand/rocks getting tossed around, and washing them when they are real dirty and not using lots of clean soapy water. Try using some MacGuires plastic cleaner followed by MacGuires plastic polish, unless there is now a better product. Let us know.

 

Where can I get the MacGuires polish? Wal-Mart?

 

Not sure about WallyMart; I got mine 15 or so years ago at Checker which evolved into Schucks/Kragen. Those bottles last forever, and it's good stuff on your tail light lenses and the plastic speedo cover that always get's lightly scratched over time. Don't expect the headlight covers to look "perfect" and like brand new, but do expect an improvement; that's why I threw in the part about "a better product". Maybe someone knows of something even better.

I did a quick search and found some, the url is http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars.html
There seem to be many places that carry the stuff, that just happened to be the one I checked.

BTW, I spelled it wrong in my last post, it's Meguiars.

 

Ford has just finished testing and recommends a headlight restoration product from Presta Products (Akron, OH). It comes with a UV cure sealant that is sprayed on as the final step in the restoration process. Ford has tested the sealant in there weatherometer to last a minimum of three years under the harshest UV conditions. Part number 136050. check it out on their website...prestaproducts.com they also have an 8 minute detailed video showing how it is used.

 

All the suggestions so far deal with the outside of the lenses that have aged and are no longer clear. As I understand your question correctly, your problem is with moisture collecting on the inside of the light assembly. There is a small hole on the back side of the lens housing that allows heated or cooled air to move in and out of the lens housing. If the lens cools while the humidity is high, moisture is drawn in and then condenses on the glass. If your truck is left outside on some hot days with the lenses facing the sun, they will heat up, evaporate the moisture and, at least some of the moisture will be vented to the outside. If there is a lot of moisture and the silver reflector is corroded, the only solution is to replace the lens.

OOPS! I misread your question, so the information from the preceding responses is valid and you can ignore everything I said. A couple of years ago I had the inside moisture problem on a lens on my '91 Ranger and I have been waiting to share how I solved the problem. DUH

 

You guys do know this is a 9-year old thread, right?

 

I just joined the forum. Although the thread is "ancient", my reply still applies to all vehicles that are afflicted with the cloudy headlight issue. I've read about so many suggestions of using these "retail" headlight kits. they are just "bandaids"... only work for a short period of time. The Presta kit is designed to offer a OEM looking lens and continue looking that way for a minimum of three years as per Ford's SAE spec and engineering accelarated weathering test, conducted by Ford in their weatherometer.

 

Use the Sylvania kit. It is not a temporary band-aid like so many other kits, it fixes the problem, and Sylvania stands behind the results with a lifetime guarantee. I have used their kit, and have to say, it works just as well as much more expensive kits.

 

Headlight Restoration Kit

 

Since I'm an "old guy" I have the right to rummage around old threads. It's a good way to see if the rest of you are on your toes or not.