Headlight repair

[caddy57]

Hi all.
I,m new to this forum
This will be the first Ford I,ve ever owned.
I recently picked up a 95 Windstar with 60000 for an extreamly good price [$500} from the original owner. It is the deluxe version with all the toys including electronic dash. I have already searched the forum as to fixing the dome light problem, as mine would stay on. This seems to be a Ford problem as I have followed the posts and seemed to fix the problem. I would really like to know if there is anything I can do about the headlights. They seem to be almost fogged over with a film. What would a fine sandpaper do? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Steve

[busboy4]

Hi
if you google "foggy headlights" you will see many approaches to the problem, some of which include very fine sandpaper. I have used Meguires plastX to good effect on my cars. I have not used it on a severely clouded lens but it has done a nice job on my newer vehicles.

http://www.meguiars.com/?clear-plast...Cleaner-Polish

[Ed_Strong]

Try the simples and cheapest aproach first. Get some white toothpaste (any brand will do as long as it's not gel or the triple color variety) and rub it vigorously in a circular motion across the lens. Wipe it off and enjoy... that's all to it!
nothing to loose, but time and some elbow grease.
If you're not satisfied, then go and try out the professional products.

[12Ounce]

Success cleaning/restoring headlight lens!

1999 Windstar. 230 kmiles. Headlight lens fogged/yellowed worse than any seen as in "before" examples in below website. Very little night vision because of damaged lens.

I was skeptical of any restoration kit being able to do anything worthwhile for me. But after getting a $500 quote for the pair new at Ford, I decided to try something on my damaged originals. I dropped by AdvanceAuto and ask if they had anything ... they sold me the kit below:
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http://www.crystalviewchemicals.com/...ae9b8a5a6cc704
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Results: If you saw my headlights today, you would assume they are new ... as the results are flawless. But I did not exactly follow the kit's instructions ... as my lens were damaged far more than anything shown in their photos ... but my results are better than shown also.

I knew the small amount of abrasive papers supplied in the kit were not enough for my situation, so I went by the paint dept at Home Depot and bought some 320 grit wet-dry abrasive paper; and #1, #0, and #000, 4 1/2" x 5 1/2" plastic (steel) wool pads. I used/recommend the following procedure:

1. Remove and clean the headlight assemblies. (Do not try to do this procedure with lights "in place".) Raise the hood, pull the 2 black metal clips on each headlight assembly. Disconnect the electrics. Leave lamps installed in headlights and thoroughly soapy water clean the front and back of headlight assembly. Do not disassemble the headlights ... leave lens attached to headlight backs.
2. Completely remove all damaged surface using 320 grit wet-dry paper. Keep paper and surface wet with soapy water. 1 or 2 drops dishwash fluid to qt of clear water. Rinse and inspect. Continue 'til all evidence of damaged surface is removed. Finish up using horizontal strokes over entire surface.
3. DITTO .. Using #1 wool pad.
4. DITTO .. Using #0 wool pad.
5. DITTO .. Using #000 wool pad. By this point, the lens will look pretty good when wet .. but will always dry to a dull opaque finish. Don't loose heart!
6. Power Buff! This is my added procedure ... using a power buffer. I used a new tie-on buffing cloth pad on a 5" buff wheel. All chucked up in my 3/8" drill. This part of the process is dry ... using packet #1 from the kit ... a white polishing compound. If you need to extend the small amount of material supplied ... try using Brasso or toothpaste. Use a constant motion, slow speed, over entire surface until the appearance is very good. Finish with a good soapy water wash and clear water rinse. Allow to dry thoroughly.
7. Sealing. Place the headlight on work bench with the lens surface upward. Break open a #2 packet from kit. Be prepared to work quickly. Using the special wipe papers and protective glove from kit, apply sealant over entire lens. Allow 5 minutes drying ... and apply second coat of protective sealant per instructions.
8. Using petroleum jelly on metal clips and electrical connectors, re-install headlights.
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I could have supplied "after" photos ... but just think "new"!

[smata67]

You can get a pair of headlamps on ebay for about $180. I got mine from carpartswholesale, works great. Very easy to replace, pull the metal clips (2) up, disconnect lights (careful, the plastic clip parts easily break off) and install is reverse.