Tip for cleaning headlight lenses

[packerbacker]

I heard that you could clean your headlight lenses with bug spray. Then I heard of a guy that tried "OFF" brand "DEEP WOODS" bug repellent and it had worked for him so I picked some up to try. Guess what, it works!! I sprayed it on and 5 seconds later wiped it off with paper towels and the lenses were clear again. I wonder if the stuff actually repels bugs.
UPDATE: They didn't stay clear.

 

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[dieselram94]

I bet it won't stay clear long. One good way to make them clear again is to lightly sand with 2000 grit paper, degrease and spray on a light coat of clear coat...

sent from a potato with gravy!!...

 

[packerbacker]

Maybe not, we'll see. I bought one of those kits once that had a cleaner and 3 different grits of paper to use on them. Took forever and didn't work as good as I'd have expected.
Why don't they just make them out of glass in the first place??

 

[pong12211]

Super fine snadpaper wipe clean with a cloth with gasoline on it let dry and repeat until you get the result your looking for.

 

[dieselram94]

Maybe not, we'll see. I bought one of those kits once that had a cleaner and 3 different grits of paper to use on them. Took forever and didn't work as good as I'd have expected.
Why don't they just make them out of glass in the first place??

I wish they did make them out of glass. The couple times I've seen it done with the clear coat they looked like new for about two years. Let me know how it turns out.

sent from a potato with gravy!!...

 

[TheCoinKid]

Beware. There is some ingredient in Off that reacts with plastic material and can ruin it's finish. Years ago I had a daughter spray Off on the lens of a fluorescent lantern and I ended up trashing the lantern. This summer, I was in Mexico near a cenote and sprayed Deep Woods Off on my arms. Ended up ruining the band and plastic lens of my cheap new watch.

The reaction might be the reason it cleans headlight lenses, just wipe it off before it drys?

 

[Dave44]

I sanded and buffed the lights on my 99 ram about 6 years ago and they still look ok, it took a bit of elbow grease and beer though.

My 03 ram is my baby though, and it needs something done. More curve to the lense makes me think more beer. I am trying to decide on new high output lights and assemblies, about 400$. Maybe I can stretch that beer out a week that way.

 

[davest]

I bought new headlight lenses and turn signal lenses through autopartswarehouse, and they fit, they look great and I skipped the elbow grease part while drinking beer.

total out of pocket about $200.00 98 chev 2500 2whl dr.

 

[dieselram94]

Hey Nitric, our trucks match! I have one clear light (new) and one faded one. Same as you! Lol!

sent from a potato with gravy!!...

 

[austin]

You guys make me feel guilty. I never looked at them(until now). Since I got old, I don't drive much anymore. Guess what? The guilt just went away...

 

[Mr.T]

Get you Toothpaste!

 

[Rebel - KGC]

Use Apple Cider Vinegar (WHITE); & wipe...

 

[packerbacker]

Little update....they didn't stay clear using the OFF. Don't know if I should do it again or try toothpaste or the apple cider. Pain in the butt. All I know is it makes it a lot harder to see at night if they aren't clear.

 

[Actionman]

Toothpaste, the fine grit does the sanding for you. Well you still have to use elbow grease, but it's cheaper than the kit's and will work just as well.

 

[H-2 CHARLIE]

My 1998 F 150 headlights were bad for night driving and were badly yellowed .
I sanded with 1500 paper with water until I was happy then I used rouge stick paste on a drill cotton buff whell .
Results are like brand new . My cost zero I had the stuff laying around , done my bike before so I know how to do it .

 

[dieselram94]

Toothpaste, the fine grit does the sanding for you. Well you still have to use elbow grease, but it's cheaper than the kit's and will work just as well.

Yup, that will work. I have used toothpaste to remove heavy scratches from a old windshield before. It's a lot of work but effective...


Sent from an empty soda can!