95 Caravan 3.0L... How I rejuvenated my headlamp lenses

[Flashfox]

I just wanted to share how I managed to get my "faded and fogged-up" plastic headlamp lenses cleaned and rejuvenated.

Essentially, my '95 Caravan's headlight output was getting weaker to the point where I was considering buyng two new housings at Pep Boys (around $95/ea). That's the side effect of the SoCal sun and probably some salt water mist thrown in over the years.

I read a message thread in this group that suggested that one could use two sizes of fine grit paper, water and wax to get the job done.

Well, before embarking on that project, I found the following product at AutoZone: "Plastic & Plexiglass Cleaner" from BlueMAGIC. It cost me $4.99 and after following the instructions, I successfully removed 90%+ of the film that was covering the OUTSIDE of the lenses.

The net result is much more light output and $185 in savings (i.e. the new lenses & housings)... I am a "happy camper" ;-)

[Deniz]

Any polishing liquid, compund would work equally fine.. Most likely the stuff you got is a a very fine polishing compund.

glad that you fixed your problem easily..

[MegaMax]

Thanks for this tip but I still want to use this (Faded light Excuse) for getting the clear Euro Headlights...

But hunny we need this I can't see where i'm going.

[Flashfox]

Originally Posted by Deniz

Any polishing liquid, compund would work equally fine.. Most likely the stuff you got is a a very fine polishing compund.

glad that you fixed your problem easily..

OK... but have you found any that will work in a '95 Caravan? Those that I read about are for 96+ models.

Now, I did buy the high-intensity Xenon-Charged Blue/White 9004-type bulbs from http://www.eurolights.com/. They cost me $45/each and I wasn't that happy about them.

I just inquired about their "RealHID" conversion kits (lamps, ballast, starter... simple wiring) I asked about the price, street legality (California) and if it will damage the plastic lense/housing.

More to follow...

[MegaMax]

WOW... What did you pay for them bulb..?

Anyway the HID conversion kids are avail for us, you will loose the function of the high beam when you get them so guess what there goes your state inspection. They are plug and play (good ones are anyway) so just get them and when it's time to let the state look at the Van put it back to OEM.. By the way the HID bulbs you have I would be willing to say unless they are Sylvania's and one other brand (can't remember the other one at this time) are NOT legal. Read the box they clearly read "for off road use only"

As far as damage by the HID kits... I did an install on a 2k2 Mustang and it has not been a year the car is NEVER out at night (Kids barely leaves the house) and with that Minimal use the housing has started to turn a shade of Yellow.

I'll put a link on his site with a pic of the headlights His URL is www.NjTeamFord.com give me a day or two to take the pictures and post them there for him

[Flashfox]

Originally Posted by MegaMax

WOW... What did you pay for them bulb..?

Anyway the HID conversion kids are avail for us, you will loose the function of the high beam when you get them so guess what there goes your state inspection. They are plug and play (good ones are anyway) so just get them and when it's time to let the state look at the Van put it back to OEM.. By the way the HID bulbs you have I would be willing to say unless they are Sylvania's and one other brand (can't remember the other one at this time) are NOT legal. Read the box they clearly read "for off road use only"

As far as damage by the HID kits... I did an install on a 2k2 Mustang and it has not been a year the car is NEVER out at night (Kids barely leaves the house) and with that Minimal use the housing has started to turn a shade of Yellow.

I'll put a link on his site with a pic of the headlights His URL is www.NjTeamFord.com give me a day or two to take the pictures and post them there for him

Oops... that should have read $45/pair, which is still a lot. You are also right, it did say that they were not "street legal" (although I do not know why?)

As for the upgrade to the HID system, I think that I will pass. It would cost me $385 for the system and as you indicated, I would lose the "high-beam" function, in addition to damaging my lense/housing assembly.

Thus, I have decided to leave the headlights as they are add a second pair of lights under the bumper. Now to make sure that I do not trip the airbag sensor... (any experience/suggestions regarding drilling the holes, or if there already are some?)

[MegaMax]

I have added a pair of fog lamps in the bumper as well on my van. If you drop the front bumper cover you will find the holes are there for you. No Drilling needed. Also if you don't want to drill an extra hole in the dash while the bumper is out if you look at the driver side Front wheel well (next to your horn) you will see some cables there. They are for the OEM fogs. It has been a month that I installed mine so I can't tell you what color the wire is (sorry) here is what I did...

Fog install:

Fog light install as I can remember...

Drop Front bumper cover. (Ref your Haines Manual shouldn't take more than 5 Minutes)
Mount light install brackets EOM holes
Run wires from passenger side to driver side (you can run it inside the actual bumper "they will never get shorted as they are protected")
Find a spot for the relay (I don't recall where I put mine)

Relay has 3 wires
Trigger: Constant: Ground

Run the constant up to the batter USE AN INLINE FUSE..!
Trigger goes to the OEM wire (see my above comment)
Ground you can pick a spot

Put it all back together adjust lights

How they work...

When your headlights are on... Fogs are on
When High beams are on... Fogs are Off



Pic will be right up... Have to go take it now...

[MegaMax]

I just took the Picture but don't want to post my Front license plate online E-mail me and i'll send it to you

[email protected]

[Ed_Strong]

Originally Posted by MegaMax

I have added a pair of fog lamps in the bumper as well on my van. If you drop the front bumper cover you will find the holes are there for you. No Drilling needed. Also if you don't want to drill an extra hole in the dash while the bumper is out if you look at the driver side Front wheel well (next to your horn) you will see some cables there. They are for the OEM fogs. It has been a month that I installed mine so I can't tell you what color the wire is (sorry) here is what I did...

Fog install:

Fog light install as I can remember...

Drop Front bumper cover. (Ref your Haines Manual shouldn't take more than 5 Minutes)
Mount light install brackets EOM holes
Run wires from passenger side to driver side (you can run it inside the actual bumper "they will never get shorted as they are protected")
Find a spot for the relay (I don't recall where I put mine)

Relay has 3 wires
Trigger: Constant: Ground

Run the constant up to the batter USE AN INLINE FUSE..!
Trigger goes to the OEM wire (see my above comment)
Ground you can pick a spot

Put it all back together adjust lights

How they work...

When your headlights are on... Fogs are on
When High beams are on... Fogs are Off



Pic will be right up... Have to go take it now...

Which Fog Lights did you get? I would like to do the same, but don't know much on the subject...

[MegaMax]

Originally Posted by Ed_Strong

Which Fog Lights did you get? I would like to do the same, but don't know much on the subject...

E-mail me and I'll send you a Pic of them I don't want my front Plate on the web..!

[email protected]

[MegaMax]

Here are the lights I have on my van...





They are rated:

1. 12V55W (110w Output)
2. Ultra light weight aluminum housing
3. Complete kit with mounting hardware, switch & wires
4. 3200K Helogen Color Temperature
5. Universal for most vehicles

[alsdock]

I bought a product on the market at Advanced Auto Parts calles PlastiX. I was very pleased with the results. Much better than before.