Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us
Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network
HomeAnnouncements
Discussion Groups
By Brand
BMWChevroletDodgeFordGMHondaLexusMercedes-BenzNissanPeugeotToyotaVolkswagenOther Brands
By Topic
4x4 CarsRVsDrivingMaintenance & RepairCar AudioCollectible Cars
Country Specific
Australian ForumsUK Forums
ArticlesAuto InsuranceBuyingCars & TechnologyMaintenanceMiscellaneousSafety
DMV Resources
Related Topics
MotorcyclesBoatsMore Topics ...

Car Forum / Subaru Cars / May 2004

Tip: Looking for answers? Try searching our database.

97 Outback - headlamp lenses dulling

Thread view: 
Enable EMail Alerts  Start New Thread
Thread rating: 
Kevin - 09 May 2004 06:38 GMT
I have recently noticed that my 97 outback's headlamp lens' are
getting pretty dull, especially on the driver side (probably because
the right one was changed when my wife smashed up the car). the lenses
seem to have very fine surface scratches.. Obviously it's from driving
the car. But, does anyone know of any way to polish these out? I don't
want to start experimenting myself. I don't have the $230.00  for each
side at this point if i really screw them up.

thanks for your recommendations!

Kevin
Frank Logullo - 09 May 2004 13:07 GMT
> I have recently noticed that my 97 outback's headlamp lens' are
> getting pretty dull, especially on the driver side (probably because
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> want to start experimenting myself. I don't have the $230.00  for each
> side at this point if i really screw them up.

I used to use toothpaste to polish up a plastic watch crystal.
Frank
Rat - 09 May 2004 21:47 GMT
Novus plastic polish does a great job on this.
http://www.noscratch.com/novus/
You could also wetsand them with a very fine grit sandpaper.

Either way, the dulling will go away and then come back in a few months
or so. The only real way to get rid of it is to start from scratch with
a new lense.

> I have recently noticed that my 97 outback's headlamp lens' are
> getting pretty dull, especially on the driver side (probably because
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Kevin
Carl 1 Lucky Texan - 09 May 2004 23:37 GMT
Some cars' Euro and Japan spec versions have glass lenses.(they don't
have CAFE laws) If it gets bad, maybe try to replace from overseas
wrecking yard.

Carl
1 Lucky Texan

> Novus plastic polish does a great job on this.
> http://www.noscratch.com/novus/
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>>
>> Kevin

Signature

to reply, change  ( .not)  to  ( .net)

L. Kreh - 10 May 2004 14:57 GMT
What about Scotchguard Paint Protection?  I know most paint protection
deals are scams, but this is an film that you apply to the car.  It
should work fine on a headlight.  The ad even features the clear
headlight lens from a Subaru Forester:

http://cms.3m.com/cms/US/en/2-168/czuzlFH/view.jhtml

-LK
Carl 1 Lucky Texan - 11 May 2004 00:52 GMT
Not sure it would work on the lenses due to heat. Besides. the material
comes precut for your car and is a little pricy. There ARE however
plastic protective film covers for fog lamps so you may have a good idea.

Carl
1 Lucky Texan

> What about Scotchguard Paint Protection?  I know most paint protection
> deals are scams, but this is an film that you apply to the car.  It
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> -LK

Signature

to reply, change  ( .not)  to  ( .net)

L. Kreh - 11 May 2004 23:59 GMT
Not to nitpick, because you might be right, but the most common
application for 3M's paint protection film is on the leading edge of a
hood (rock protection).  Think about how hot a dark-colored hood gets
on a sunny summer day -- safe to say hotter than the clear plastic
lens of a Subaru headlamp.
Carl 1 Lucky Texan - 12 May 2004 04:26 GMT
Good point. Perhaps it isn't offered for some simple reason as it may
violate some DOT or other laws concerning 'safety equipment'
(headlights) being modified/altered.

Carl
1 Lucky Texan

> Not to nitpick, because you might be right, but the most common
> application for 3M's paint protection film is on the leading edge of a
> hood (rock protection).  Think about how hot a dark-colored hood gets
> on a sunny summer day -- safe to say hotter than the clear plastic
> lens of a Subaru headlamp.

Signature

to reply, change  ( .not)  to  ( .net)

S - 13 May 2004 23:23 GMT
Hi Kevin, All!

>I have recently noticed that my 97 outback's headlamp lens' are
>getting pretty dull,

Put a buffing wheel on a drill, or better yet an angle grinder, and
buff 'em using the "blue" abrasive (designated for plastics). Be
patient, and use light pressure; if you get overly ambitious you will
overheat and smear the plastic lens.
If you do this right, you can probably get them to
"nearly-as-good-as-new" condition. Hope this helps.

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101
jimuntch - 14 May 2004 01:59 GMT
My 97 Outback has the same problem with the headlight lenses becoming cloudy
looking.  I found this link... http://www.miata.net/garage/lenspolish.html
... but I haven't tried it yet. hth...jim
> Hi Kevin, All!
>
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> University of Colorado
> (719) 262-3101
 
Sign In
Join
My Latest Posts
My Monitored Threads
My Blog
My Photo Gallery
My Profile
My Homepage

Start New Thread
Enable EMail Alerts
Rate this Thread



©2009 Advenet LLC   Privacy Policy - Terms of Use
This website includes both content owned or controlled by Advenet as well as content owned or controlled by third parties.