New Hedlight lenses?????
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From: Southern MD
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: The Show Me State
All,
Actually, this is similar to a question I've been meaning to ask as well... Has anybody tried the "clear lens" replacement headlights seen on eBay? At $90 a pair, I'm tempted to try them just to see if I can get some extra light on the road. I don't NEED 'em yet, just asking...
On the issue of "cataracts," as I call the yellowed headlamps... I've owned a lot of Fords with the %&*$# composite headlamps, and it's even worse for me because 95% of the time I choose to drive with the headlights. I usually just breakdown and buy a new set every three years and call it good. Using plastic polish is discussed in some length in several posts on the Aerostar forum, that works for a while, but nothing "fixes" the issue long-term. Replacement is the only/best option...
So..... With that said, I'm game for looking at cheaper solutions like these import lamps.
Feedback?
DadVan
Actually, this is similar to a question I've been meaning to ask as well... Has anybody tried the "clear lens" replacement headlights seen on eBay? At $90 a pair, I'm tempted to try them just to see if I can get some extra light on the road. I don't NEED 'em yet, just asking...
On the issue of "cataracts," as I call the yellowed headlamps... I've owned a lot of Fords with the %&*$# composite headlamps, and it's even worse for me because 95% of the time I choose to drive with the headlights. I usually just breakdown and buy a new set every three years and call it good. Using plastic polish is discussed in some length in several posts on the Aerostar forum, that works for a while, but nothing "fixes" the issue long-term. Replacement is the only/best option...
So..... With that said, I'm game for looking at cheaper solutions like these import lamps.
Feedback?
DadVan
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
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If they are not too bad, chrome polish will clear them up. I have also used 1500 grit wet sanding and then follow that with 3M Plastic Polish and Cleaner. Takes a lot of elbow grease but cheaper than new headlights.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,182
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From: Saint Augustine, FL
Originally Posted by DadVan
All,
Using plastic polish is discussed in some length in several posts on the Aerostar forum, that works for a while, but nothing "fixes" the issue long-term.
Using plastic polish is discussed in some length in several posts on the Aerostar forum, that works for a while, but nothing "fixes" the issue long-term.
Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2004
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From: Maryville
You get what you pay for I'm affraid, after helping someone locate affordable replacements, water gets in the replacement when it rains, also has yellowed a great deal.
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Shenandoah, IA.
Originally Posted by skier-24
If they are not too bad, chrome polish will clear them up. I have also used 1500 grit wet sanding and then follow that with 3M Plastic Polish and Cleaner. Takes a lot of elbow grease but cheaper than new headlights.
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Brett Foote
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From: The Netherlands
The point is, the UV in sunlight affects the plastic lens, and this is going down deep in the structure of the plastic.
When you polish it frequently, you can save them for a few extra years.
If they're too yellow you're too late, it's too deep in the structure, you've to grind the yellow surface away and that affects the strenght off the lens.
Maybe, a good solution could be to paint them with a clear coating with an UV-filter or the use of a clear film with the filter.
I'm going to do some research, mine need replacement to, if it's not possible, then i'm lucky that i'm living in a country with not very much bright sunlight.
Rudi
When you polish it frequently, you can save them for a few extra years.
If they're too yellow you're too late, it's too deep in the structure, you've to grind the yellow surface away and that affects the strenght off the lens.
Maybe, a good solution could be to paint them with a clear coating with an UV-filter or the use of a clear film with the filter.
I'm going to do some research, mine need replacement to, if it's not possible, then i'm lucky that i'm living in a country with not very much bright sunlight.
Rudi
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Joined: Sep 2003
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Yes, they petty much looked just like the originals but clean and clear. I don't have any complaints except the way ford attaches the headlights to the van. It was a real PITA! I don't remember exactly which vendor on ebay I bought from, so I can't say for sure which ones I bought. I will see if I can figure it out and let you know.
JeffP
JeffP