97 Grand Marquis headlight crazing

[modrob]

I have a '97 Mercury Grand Marquis that both headlight plastic cases appear to have some crazing that makes them appear like they have been sandblasted. Anyone know of any TSB's on this, or any remedies other than having to buy new ones?
Thanks,
Tim

[fredjacksonsan]

I had the same problem on a '93 Crown Vic. It's from using those gas station squeegees on the headlights to clean them. People use those to wipe the spilled gas off of their car, so gasoline gets mixed in with the cleaning solution. What do you know? Gas eats plastic, so your headlight lenses get cloudy.

I bought replacements for $130 apiece @ the dealer......about 3 weeks before I found come (supposedly) great plastic polish. I'd try some polish first, after that check out a junkyard to see if they've got some clear replacements.

[modrob]

Thanks..yes, the polishes I've used didn't help much at all. I guess that there is no way to "recreate" the clear surface, since the chemical reaction has eaten into the original. That explains that etching sensation I get when rubbing across them..lol...

I did see some replacements offered on Ebay, but still high in price. I'll have to go the junkyard route and see if any success. I just can't see paying those high prices just yet. Maybe someone will come up with a magical answer to renewing the surface...haha..

Tim

[fredjacksonsan]

My brother said he would try a buffer and some rubbing compound.....I just voted for the new ones; they were very clear..... good luck @ the junk yard!

[modrob]

I have found a couple of sites that say they do the restoration thing to the casings. And there is a site that sells a kit (buffing wheels and such) that is used with an electric drill. Not bad at 35 bucks--if it works. That leads me to believe that like Fred's post says, a buffer is on the right track. In fact, this site talked about actually "sanding" right into the pitting, and then polishing. Without the kit, I'd have a hard time guessing which grits and such to start with (whereby they already have a proven formula; just may be cheaper in the long run to go that route) but I'd sure like to try it myself. I guess it would be nice to have one to practice with...haha...

[fredjacksonsan]

The polishing kit should work, but only if the damage doesn't go too far into the surface....if that's the case you're looking at buying again.

"Either you make payments, or make repairs"

Have a good one.

[cobradude360]

ive seen comercials for this stuff called flitz and ive seen it at the local aco hardware and i was wondering if that wors i hav a 92 merc gmls and its donw the samething so i was wondewr ing if that stuff works

[fredjacksonsan]

I've seen the same commercials for FLITZ, it seems really good (but then again it's a commercial). Don't know about how it actually works though.

[modrob]

After further searching under "plastic polishing" on the 'net, I've found that I do believe it is possible to restore these things. The "Flitz" to me, like some other polishes, don't have any abrasives in it, and the ones that I believe are successful are marketing the fact that the surface is actually ground down a bit, and then repolished to a clear state. This is done through the use of a drill and abrasive bonnets or sandpapers. I've found several fellas who claim success with it, and then there are a couple of sites that promote a complete kit--however more expensive as they figure you might want to take it on as a business...

In a day or two, I hope to find a unit at a junkyard, then I'll give this routine a try...let you know then.

Thanks again for your ideas.

[fredjacksonsan]

It all makes sense.....I'll be interested to see what the end result is, figure I'll be looking at the same thing maybe.....in a few years, that is. My '86 has the old fashioned glass headlights.

[weekender1]

I had the same problem with a 98 MGM, tried many different polishes and compounds. Never did clear up.
Finnally, I removed the headlight and did a wet sanding with very fine sand paper,1500 to 2000 grit then polished them out with a product called liquid glass thats ment for very fine scratches. Buffed by hand then with a buffer and now they look very good.

[Inman Lanier]

It's aging from UV, gents. Don't waste your time trying to clear it up, it'll come right back. Thanks to our feds and the desire to reduce weight and save fuel - the crappy plastic doesn't cut it.

Buy new ones - that's the only solution.

[full_flex]

What's the easiest way to get the headlight assembly off to be replaced? I have a 92' Grand Marquis.

[fredjacksonsan]

I think there's Phillips head screws around the perimeter of the front of the lens. You may have to remove some trim to get at it.

Helpful Hint: don't resurrect threads that are 9 months dead, Mods will not be pleased.

[full_flex]

I'm trying to get the whole headlight assembly off and replace it with a new one. Anyone been through this procedure?