renew that headlight system!

[BK_89iX]

After 14yrs the light output from the headlight system in my '97 was pretty anemic. Sometimes I found myself turning them on/off or using the brights just to be sure they were working at all.

Original bulbs with lots of hours on them, coupled with degraded plastic lens exteriors, were the problem.

Replaced the 9007 bulbs with Sylvania LL versions. I guess I have small hands, because it was a 5min job and I did not need to remove the battery or the aircleaner box. Be careful not to touch the new bulb surface.

Wet-sanded the headlight lens exterior with 220, 400 and 1500 grit 3M sandpaper (add a drop of car wash for lube and soak the paper before use). I needed the 220 to cut through the "crazed" top layer. Finished it up with Meguires Plastic-X plastic polish. Spent about 1.25hr per side for all steps. No need to remove the lenses.

The end results are spectacular! Looks and works like brand new. Sorry I waited so long to do this, because it was looong overdue. Also really improves the appearance of the front end, going from milky/yellowish/dull to crystal clear and sparkling.

BK

 

[Joe Dirt]

3M "Finish Restore" also works well. This is my SHO that I did with "Finish Restore" and a cheap orbital from Harbor Freight. About 2 minutes on each side, remember to wax your lights regularly, as the crusty layer you ground off is the old UV coating that ironically prevented them from turning yellow initially.

Before:

After:

 

[BrianDye]

Ive used that headlight restore goop from AutoZone, costed about 6$ for a HUGE bottle big enough for probably 30 lights, you wipe it on, let it dry and wipe it off.

It works wonders when theyre horrible, by all means it makes them look so much better, but I noticed after just a month or so, some yellow starts coming back. I dont think it should happen that fast, but hey it takes 5 minutes per light so no complaints really.

 

[Electrohacker]

im thinking about polishing my headlights

i actually am think ing about cutting off those stupid nubs on the lights too to make it easier.... anyone know what those are for?

 

[BrianDye]

I dont know what theyre for lol.

I had them on the stockers on my 92, but not the diamond cuts. Theyre not on the stockers on my 95 though, and the new housings I bought (projectors) didnt have them either

 

[BK_89iX]

im thinking about polishing my headlights

i actually am think ing about cutting off those stupid nubs on the lights too to make it easier.... anyone know what those are for?

The nubs are for aiming equipment. They are a pain to work around, but you might need them if your state requires inspections??

BK

 

[Electrohacker]

The nubs are for aiming equipment. They are a pain to work around, but you might need them if your state requires inspections??

BK

nope no inspection, they're goin bye bye

might pick up a spare set from the junkyard in case i move though

 

[Joe Dirt]

Yeah, dremel them off smooth. Can't remember how many times I have polished over them and swore out loud...