'93 Headlight Question

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May 23, 2010 | 07:31 AM

Filmy

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From: Austin

'93 Headlight Question

My DS headlight got "foggy" inside during a recent storm. I know there's a leak, but what do I replace? The whole light housing? Just a bulb seal? Nothing looks cracked or broken, btw.

TIA.

May 23, 2010 | 11:34 AM

93MARKIII

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From: Fayetteville, NC

If you have water in your lens this is caused by a leak, crack, or hole in the lens. With the newer plastic lenses you need to remove the lens and then carefully drill a small hole into the bottom of the lens (be careful not to hit the bulb. Let the water run out and then patch with silicone (easily obtained at Walmart or your local automotive store). Then find the source of the water. Usually the seals start to go bad after 3-5 years. You can cover the seal around the lens with silicone to reseal the lens. If the leak was caused by a crack a clear sealant like urethane can be used to seal the crack or small hole. If it is a large hole it would be best to replace the lens.

or simply go buy a new one if you wish....i would recommend the smoked ones !

May 24, 2010 | 03:03 AM

TexasGuy001

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If it only fogged up a little, try removing the bulb and use a hair dryer to dry it out. Then see if the problem comes back. I had that happen once and it never happened again.

If it is full of standing water, I would replace it. A new pair of headlights is not that expensive. I recommend the OE type ones only. All that other crap is for ricers. The OE type also produce a better beam pattern. By the way stick with clear bulbs only. All that colored stuff actually reduces light output and is a waste of money.

I don't like the idea of drilling holes in it to keep it dry inside because dirt and bugs and other crap get in there and make the light dim. This does work though and I have done it before.

May 24, 2010 | 02:15 PM

nstueve

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From: Des Moines, Iowa

as crazy as it sounds if it isn't bad... you can dry it out in your oven at 90-100 degrees... I baked mine out and resealed them a couple years back and haven't had another problem...

May 24, 2010 | 02:26 PM

Filmy

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From: Austin

I don't mind buying a replacement, if that's easiest. I just didn't know what I'd have to replace (the lens, the entire housing without bulb...) since I haven't taken it apart yet. Is the housing a simple bolt-in thing, and is the lens glued on as a part of the housing?

Thanks.

May 24, 2010 | 02:39 PM

nstueve

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From: Des Moines, Iowa

on my 88's there is a lens and rear plastic housing that is all one piece. and that is attached to a frame with the side turning light. If you are buying a junk yard replacement usually they're $25-$35 around here and you get the entire headlamp and turning signal aparatus. So you might as well pull the whole thing. But yes the clear plastic lenz is sealed to the back of the head lamp so you can't just get a clear lens and glue it on if that's what your asking...