Condensation inside Headlights
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,728
Likes: 0
From: Keweenaw Bay, MI
Condensation inside Headlights
Does anyone out there have a easy way to remove the condensation from inside the headlights? I have an 88 F-150 and noticed that both headlights are full of condensation. I have never had this problem before but earlier this year I took a trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula and it was still very cold up there and when I returned to Virginia I first noticed the condensation. There are no cracks or anything that I can see in either one of them.
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Condensation inside Headlights
I just drilled a small hole at the bottom of the lens. Maybe just smaller than an eraser on a wood pencil. If you drill make sure its at the bottom on the sloped part of the lens on the sides away from the grille. First of all what i did was took the head light assembly out of the truck and took the lens off the assembly and used some 3M rubbing compound on the outside of the lens exposed to open air to remove the yellowing build up on the lens. Then put the lens back on the headlight and then reinstalled the headlights. The hole will allow the condensation to escape. As to now i havent had any condensation in my lights and they are clear as when they were new
New User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Condensation inside Headlights
about drilling the hole in the headlight, Virginia State Law prohibits any drilling in the headlight assembly of any vehicle besides Emergency Vehicles. They have been having problems with street racer putting red and blue strobes in their headlights. If you drill the hole, it will fail inspection, I know, I've been through this with my other vehicle.
-Joe
-Joe
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,728
Likes: 0
From: Keweenaw Bay, MI
Condensation inside Headlights
I have thought about removing each light assembly and rinsing them out with something like rubbing alcohol or something similar but I am not sure that it won't destroy the reflective materiel on the back of the assembly. Either that or find a source of very dry air and blow it in there through the hole the bulb fits into.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
Condensation inside Headlights
It's not condensation - it's rainwater coming in thru a hole created by a rock chip. If you drill a hole, do it on the BACK side so air (& water) pressure don't keep it from running out. 1/8" should be big enough since the water should always be clean.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
From: Enon,Ohio
Condensation inside Headlights
Hey Steve, can you replace the bulb and seal the lens back with something?
Stan
Stan
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
Condensation inside Headlights
The bulb comes out the back for replacement, but it's not the bulb. '87-up trucks use plastic lenses glued to plastic housings, with halogen (H-5, I think) bulbs inserted in the back and held by that black lock ring. You have to remove the whole headlight housing to drill the hole, so the bulb will be out anyway. Look it up here.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 649
Likes: 0
From: Covington, Tn
Condensation inside Headlights
i found that to clean glass on the front is Ammonia house hold type , put it in slosh it around , dump it out ( will kill grass and then comes back very thick ) then rinse with water and let dry !! worked real good for me
New User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Condensation inside plastic headlight 1989 F250
Condensation inside plastic headlight, 1989 F250. Rainwater gets in, discolors lens. Does anyone know of a conversion kit to dump the plastic globe & lens for a real glass headlight? To fit a 1989 F250? I think it wouldn’t be too hard to fit a glass headlight in the assembly if I had a dead duplicate in my hands to cut up and investigate the possibility, the wiring plug end would have to be changed too. Any help out there?<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com
fficeffice" /><o
></o>
fficeffice" /><o></o>
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 11,958
Likes: 228
I just bought new ones from JCW I think. NPD and LMC also have them. Ebay has them for like 40 bucks a pair.
Don't use amonia based cleaner on them or anything plastic. That can damage the lense etc. If the headlights are in really bad shape then the amonia could clean the up some.
Don't use amonia based cleaner on them or anything plastic. That can damage the lense etc. If the headlights are in really bad shape then the amonia could clean the up some.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
88_F0RD
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
11
Aug 27, 2016 10:58 PM
Bad Company
Appearance & Dress-Up
2
May 9, 2010 06:12 PM
2003, condensation, escape, ford, headlight, headlights, inspection, lens, moisture, removal, removing, state, towncar, truck, virginia
