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Car Forum / Acura Cars / October 2004(silly) plastic headlight improver
My daughter's 100 kmile 96 Integra's headlights have been very un-impressive in the year we've had it. Her boy friend put in some "brighter" lights that sadly did not help much. I was noticing all 4 plastic lenses are dull. I used some plastic cleaner I have for an old motorcycle windshield. When I first started rubbing the cleaner on the lenses there was a lot of drag. After a few orbits it "felt" a lot smoother. They look clearer and the silver reflector is visible and brighter. Even better, the delivered output is up about 200%, and the focus is much better, an less diffuse. Hopefully it lasts a while. Here's my vote against cars with plastic lenses, and especially with model specific headlights. It sure is nice to be able to replace the lens AND bulb for $20 at KMart. >My daughter's 100 kmile 96 Integra's headlights have been very >un-impressive in the year we've had it. Her boy friend put in some [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] >model specific headlights. It sure is nice to be able to replace the >lens AND bulb for $20 at KMart. I disagree. The fixed-design type headlights limit creativity with automotive design and -- in my experience -- they don't last anywhere as long before burnout than the newer headlights. In addition to lasting longer, the newer lights are much brighter. Besides, you've already found the solution to plastic lenses. Use a plastic polish that eliminates accumulated yellowing and scratches. >>Here's my vote against cars with plastic lenses, and especially with >>model specific headlights. It sure is nice to be able to replace the >>lens AND bulb for $20 at KMart. > >I disagree. The fixed-design type headlights limit creativity >with automotive design Hi Lee, Styling, maybe. I am not saying syling is not important. But Other areas of design, the ones that influence what the car does, and how it feels while doing it, and how long it does it, I don't see a connection. Unless the healthy cash flow generated selling unique lights along with the body parts to the collision repair industry are considered as supporting the design/engineering departments. Those parts are the only ones that can be sell briskly without damaging a company's reputation for reliability. Makes sense to arrange them to be the higher profit ones. It's a pity these cars designers were hobbled by round headlights. http://www.nfscars.net/nfs5shots/930_evo_pack.jpg http://imagesporsche1.free.fr/images/allemagne/porsche/1978_928_s_1.jpg http://www.sccapro.com/news/press/02-miata-dobson-360.jpg http://www.countach.cc/2003/2002home1.jpg >and -- in my experience -- they don't last >anywhere as long before burnout than the newer headlights. In >addition to lasting longer, the newer lights are much brighter. Vintage sealed beams, maybe, although their life span was several years, as I recall. The quality of the light pattern on these $50/pop high performance units with their fancy glass lenses has to be experinced to appreciated. Aftermarket replacements (with unknown optical characteristics) for the INTEGRA look to be #220 and up (per side?) without bulbs. I suspect new OEM ones cost much more. I think I'd get more day-to-day enjoy putting that money toward fancy tires instead of restoring the night diving capabilites of the car. http://www.autobarn.net/helhigperhal1.html http://www.mindspring.com/~toy4two/mycar/myhellas.html http://www.cibielights.com/headlamps/headlamps.htm >Besides, you've already found the solution to plastic lenses. Use >a plastic polish that eliminates accumulated yellowing and >scratches. I'd say reduces, not eliminates. Glass does not yellow, and is many times more chip resistant, comparing the windshield to the lights. What was the brand of the plastic cleaner you used. I've used Brasso with very good results. > My daughter's 100 kmile 96 Integra's headlights have been very > un-impressive in the year we've had it. Her boy friend put in some [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > model specific headlights. It sure is nice to be able to replace the > lens AND bulb for $20 at KMart. >What was the brand of the plastic cleaner you used. I've used Brasso with >very good results. I like Plexus, myself. -- Nostalgia isn't what it used to be. > My daughter's 100 kmile 96 Integra's headlights have been very > un-impressive in the year we've had it. Her boy friend put in some [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > model specific headlights. It sure is nice to be able to replace the > lens AND bulb for $20 at KMart. I've found that the polishing does not last very long,perhaps a couple of months. I used a cordless drill and a polishing pad,it goes a lot easier.  SignatureJim Yanik jyanik-at-kua.net >> My daughter's 100 kmile 96 Integra's headlights have been very >> un-impressive in the year we've had it. Her boy friend put in some [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > >I used a cordless drill and a polishing pad,it goes a lot easier. I've had good luck with Meguiar's PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish. Seems to last a while. On really bad lenses, I've used an orbital polisher with it. Seems to last quite a while if I follow it up with some kind of sealant. >>I've found that the polishing does not last very long,perhaps a couple >>of months. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > an orbital polisher with it. Seems to last quite a while if I > follow it up with some kind of sealant. I'd like to know about this sealant. SignatureJim Yanik jyanik-at-kua.net >>>I've found that the polishing does not last very long,perhaps a couple >>>of months. [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > >I'd like to know about this sealant. I'm not speaking of plastic-specific sealants. After using the Meguiar's PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish mentioned above, I've used Meguiar's Plastic Detailer and then Zaino, Klasse Sealant Glaze or Meguiar's NXT sealants (not wax) to help protect the lenses and reduce future scratches and oxidation. >>>>I've found that the polishing does not last very long,perhaps a couple >>>>of months. [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > Sealant Glaze or Meguiar's NXT sealants (not wax) to help protect > the lenses and reduce future scratches and oxidation. Thanks for the info. SignatureJim Yanik jyanik-at-kua.net >My daughter's 100 kmile 96 Integra's headlights have been very >un-impressive in the year we've had it. Her boy friend put in some >"brighter" lights that sadly did not help much. If the bulbs were tinted blue, they are actually worse. A lot of bulbs are sold on hype alone. The really bad part is that they usually cost more too. >I was noticing all 4 plastic lenses are dull. I used some plastic >cleaner I have for an old motorcycle windshield. When I first started [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >model specific headlights. It sure is nice to be able to replace the >lens AND bulb for $20 at KMart. Glass lens would cost alot more, not that the plastic lens are cheap. ------------ Alex >>My daughter's 100 kmile 96 Integra's headlights have been very >>un-impressive in the year we've had it. Her boy friend put in some [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > ------------ > Alex Just bond a glass lens to the plastic body. I see a LOT of cars with BADLY degraded headlight lenses,especially Dodge Neons.It certainly is not safe.The added expense would be worth it,IMO. Maybe they could use vapor deposition to put a layer or two of diamond over the plastic lens! (wishful thinking) SignatureJim Yanik jyanik-at-kua.net
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