Headlight Yellowing

[redfire1]

Re: Headlight Yellowing

It has always been my understanding that the yellowing/clouding of the headlights is caused from the headlights being on a lot. I have a 2007 Ford Freestyle SUV with 70,000 miles that sits outside, but is hardly ever driven at night, and has no problem with the headlights. I also have a 1997 Thunderbird LX with 67000 miles that is never driven at night but is garaged, with no problem with the headlights. So far my 03 DSB is not showing any symptoms of headlight problems.
Anyone know if there is any truth to this about headlights being on???

[merlot4]

Re: Headlight Yellowing

That's an interesting observation, Michael. I would think that being outside during the day with extended exposure to UV would be the culprit. The other thing being that the headlights can be cleaned from the outside, making it more apparent that the source of yellowing is exterior. Although too late to be added to the poll, it might be interesting to see how people weigh in on this. Thanks for adding this thought.

[RustyFrye]

Re: Headlight Yellowing

Crest toothpaste works great: Inexpensive, Quick and Easy

When you floss them do you prefer the waxed or the minty fresh?

[tri5ford]

Re: Headlight Yellowing

That's an interesting observation, Michael. I would think that being outside during the day with extended exposure to UV would be the culprit. The other thing being that the headlights can be cleaned from the outside, making it more apparent that the source of yellowing is exterior. Although too late to be added to the poll, it might be interesting to see how people weigh in on this. Thanks for adding this thought.

Redfire1 amd Merlo4,
Our Bird is garaged all winter, and rarely driven after dark during the summer because of the late sunsets here in Minnesota. Garaged during the summer when not in use. I'd say headlight on to off ratio is 98:2. I will drive with them on if we're in an area of heavy traffic, but we're pretty rural here. Funny that no one has talked of supplemental lights fogging or yellowing. I just installed new headlight assemblies. Mine yellowed/fogged from the inside.

Gary

[Chuck]

Re: Headlight Yellowing

I have resorted to putting towels over the head lights when the car is left in the sun.

[FLYGEEZER]

Re: Headlight Yellowing

OFF... The mosquito repellent is the fastest way to get the yellow out. Make sure the light is cool....not in the hot sun. Work fast so it doesn't dry. Then polish and clear coat. Found this on a Porsche forum years ago. Works very well and fast. My recient 04 Tbird purchase had some yellowing but now look new with less than an hour of easy work. Cheers !

[AZTB]

Re: Headlight Yellowing

OFF... The mosquito repellent is the fastest way to get the yellow out. Make sure the light is cool....not in the hot sun. Work fast so it doesn't dry. Then polish and clear coat. Found this on a Porsche forum years ago. Works very well and fast. My recient 04 Tbird purchase had some yellowing but now look new with less than an hour of easy work. Cheers !

this might be an urban legend...I've heard good AND bad about using DEET

http://www.ebay.com/gds/URBAN-LEGEND...4909776/g.html

[My Raven]

Re: Headlight Yellowing

Does anyone know of a reasonable supplier for new OEM headlights?

[StevenM]

Re: Headlight Yellowing

Raven,
I purchase a lot of parts from suppliers on eBay. Some months ago I purchased new headlights using one of the sources listed on that forum. Perfect fit but later upgraded the bulbs to higher kelvin and more white light to satisfy my aging eyes.
Steve

[brake shoe]

Re: Headlight Yellowing

A friend of mine cleans lights for a living. He has tried many different types of cleaners and now uses 3 m brand only. It take some time but great resorts. He then uses a polish with Córdoba (sp) wax in it. Needs to wax every six nonths or so. They look good on my old explore and f350 Dooley after two years. Just my 2 cents worth. No tooth paste or off spray.

[BLACK BEAUTY]

Re: Headlight Yellowing

IMHO if you'd taken better care of your headlights the results would be different. I'm still thankful to George, bless him, for suggesting lens covers, solving future problems. It's called PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE..

[DaiUyTed]

Re: Headlight Yellowing

..It's called PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE..

Or, correctly, it's called "preventive (why throw in a superfluous syllable?) maintenance". Sorry, Greg; had to beat Rusty to it.

[seagull]

Re: Headlight Yellowing

Or, correctly, it's called "preventive (why throw in a superfluous syllable?) maintenance". Sorry, Greg; had to beat Rusty to it.

Things like this are what turn people off to forums. No wonder so many people Lurk on forums and don't participate.

[wcoates]

Re: Headlight Yellowing

Slater, better leave now! It won't get any better! That would have been my response when I first joined this zany group 4 years ago. You will get more help here for a T-Bird than anywhere on the web. These folks have known each other for 10-15 years and the good natured banter usually creeps into most threads. Just the way it is and doesn't seem like it will ever change.
Have been on Corvette, Cadillac and Camaro forums to name a few and none better than this site. have met many folks (please consider attending an event) and all (Especially Ted and old what's his name!) are first class. Give it a chance and get active. Don't be afraid to give as good as you get! If that's just not your style then............................

: I had lights replaced as nothing I tried worked really well!

[seagull]

Re: Headlight Yellowing

Bill, I was warned before I ever joined. I've been a member of different forums for many many years and having spent a lot of time reading back over this forum and it pales in comparison in regards to technical help compared to many other forums. Yes, there is help there, but not the depth of help that I've seen elsewhere in other marque venues and what help is given is usually followed up with attitude and snarky comments. Fortunately it's just a few but there overbearing attitudes run it for many.