Plastic headlamp covers

[bosco]

Need help guys! Those plastic headlamp covers on my 2005 Cashmere need clearing up. I have previously paid 75.00 to have a body shop do their thing. Now they are losing clearness again. Any suggestions? Looks like I need to buy replacements. If so any suggestions with a fair price. Bosco

[CapnRon]

Re: Plastic headlamp covers

Mothers makes a refurb kit for refinishing plastic headlamps. You can get it at almost any auto parts store for about $25.00. Comes with a polishing disc for your drill and some polishing compounds.

[Bruce]

Re: Plastic headlamp covers

Try these:
http://www.autogeek.net/headlight-lens.html
https://www.tryfastbrite.com/?tag=im...a_bid=26d6f896

[Bruce]

Re: Plastic headlamp covers

Try these:
http://www.autogeek.net/headlight-lens.html
https://www.tryfastbrite.com/?tag=im|sm|bi|gn&a_aid=011&a_bid=26d6f896

[jerrym3]

Re: Plastic headlamp covers

Toothpaste worked on my 94 headlamp covers.

Haven't had to clean the retro covers.

Try a small section and see what happens. What have you got to lose?

[MATBird]

Re: Plastic headlamp covers

If you get them cleaned again, buy the 3m or X-pel head light protectors. They last foirever. Here's a link: http://www.xpel.com/products/headlight.asp

[lasuvidaboy]

Re: Plastic headlamp covers

I polished mine last year. They look far better but of course not as good as when new. There is also some oxidizing on the inside of the plastic that can't be polished so I will eventually install new covers.

[MATBird]

Re: Plastic headlamp covers

Here's another link: http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...rrivals&page=1

[merlot4]

Re: Plastic headlamp covers

There are a lot of good replies to this, but in case you want to do more reading, here's a previous thread:
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ght=turtle+wax

[007Cruiser]

Re: Plastic headlamp covers

If you get them cleaned again, buy the 3m or X-pel head light protectors. They last foirever. Here's a link: http://www.xpel.com/products/headlight.asp

Will those protectors prevent this from happening? What is the cause?

[merlot4]

Re: Plastic headlamp covers

UV light is the main cause of yellowing in outdoor plastics, that's part of the selling point of 303, although it doesn't absorb all UV, just a good portion of it. Do the plastic protectors also protect the decorative top of the light, or just the front portion?

[007Cruiser]

Re: Plastic headlamp covers

I don't see anything about the XPEL blocking UV rays. Could you apply 303 and cover with XPEL?

[merlot4]

Re: Plastic headlamp covers

Here is a PDF from Xpel. It implies that it will resist UV, but I didn't notice a clear declaration of this. My guess is that it does, but I have no idea to what extent. They stress the protection from abrasion and rocks. I would guess 303 could be applied to it since it's a clear spray, but I don't know if there would be any additional benefit. Since Xpel can be purchased in sheets, etc., I would also think that a piece could be cut to fit the decorative top of the light. I have no idea what this, plus the piece on the front would look like though. Anyone out there that can comment?

http://www.xpel.com/dealer/member/documents/mkt3042.pdf

[MATBird]

Re: Plastic headlamp covers

Will those protectors prevent this from happening? What is the cause?

Gene
I had it on my daily driver (DTS) for 5 years 120,000 miles and when I traded it in the headlights looked brand new. I also have them on my wifes car and TBird

[DKest3963]

Re: Plastic headlamp covers

FYI
I have Xpel headlite covers on all our vehicles 03 & 05 Bird since new and 07 & 08 pickups. since new . Trucks set out and Birds in--as of now NO problem with discoloration. Covers are best to stop rocks, but seems to work on UV also. I ordered mine from Xpel direct- I think about $80.00 per set.
Dennis