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Topic: headlight lenses (Read 3849 times) previous topic - next topic

headlight lenses

Reply #15 –
Quote
Remember the good old days when headlights were glass?

I know for certain that Nissan and Honda used glass headlights into the '90s.  I'm not talking about the old sealed beams either.  They used molded glass to make the lens.  The only reason to use plastic is cost.  I can't think of any other advantages.  The weight difference is not that significant.  When it comes to a debate between quality and cost reduction, the almighty dollar wins every time.
-Jim
1987 Cougar LS 5.0

headlight lenses

Reply #16 –
I wonder it you clear coated the lights after you polished them if that would help them stay nice longer. I know wax them but I ber clear coat would work like the way you clear coat a polished alluminum wheel.
84 Turbo coupe 2.3T Modded with 88 upper and lower intake, 88 injectors, E6 manifold, T3-4 AR.60 turbo, 31X12X3 FMIC, Homemade MBC , Greddy knock off BPV.
4 eyes see better than 2! 
Da Bird!

FreeBird

headlight lenses

Reply #17 –
when i tried to clear coat my lenses it was too smooth and the clear ended up looking like it had cracked all over the place.

headlight lenses

Reply #18 –
Quote from: jkirchman;109262
I know for certain that Nissan and Honda used glass headlights into the '90s.  I'm not talking about the old sealed beams either.  They used molded glass to make the lens.  The only reason to use plastic is cost.  I can't think of any other advantages.  The weight difference is not that significant.  When it comes to a debate between quality and cost reduction, the almighty dollar wins every time.


A friend of mine has a mid-'90s Nissan 300Z. Not only are the headlight lenses glass, but he claims that they are identical to the units used on similar year Lamborghini Countachs (or Diablo?).
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

headlight lenses

Reply #19 –
Quote
when i tried to clear coat my lenses it was too smooth and the clear ended up looking like it had cracked all over the place.

Yeah I was going to mention that.  I have seen these clear adhesive covers for headlights.  It's just a clear film that sticks to the light to protect it.  They custom make them for some cars and motorcycles. 

This place doesn't list them for Cougars, but it does list them for the 1992 Lincoln Continental, which used the exact same headlights.

http://www.autoanything.com/lights/60A1218A0A0A1805881.aspx

Another company that sells them is called Invisigard.
-Jim
1987 Cougar LS 5.0

headlight lenses

Reply #20 –
Quote from: vinnietbird;109143
Hey,no problem on the help.I like to share all my ideas and finds that may help others.Let me know how it works.


Man you weren't kidding! I have had horrible luck trying to shine my old yellow faded lenses and I completely vouch for this product. I got about 3/4 the way thru before my stupid cordless drill died, and it had already made a huge difference. I can actually see inside the lense now and unlike before, it casts a direct beam of light which you can actually see on the road, unlike before when it was just kind of a faint glow in front of my car. I've got old betsy charging now so I can finish this evening. I'm anxious to see the results. Thanks again for refering me to this stuff.
Fly on Thunderbird, Fly! Operation Buy Back My Tbird or one like it funding: $0

headlight lenses

Reply #21 –
No problem,glad to help,now,everyone go buy this stuff whether you need it or not,because the way I see it,it's the best thing I've found for our lights (lenses),and that means they'll probably take it off the market soon and we'll all be screwed.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

headlight lenses

Reply #22 –
Will the shine kit work on my plastic lenses? If not, where could i find some glass ones for a 93 cougar?
It's always fun until someone loses an eye. then it's fun ya can't see.

-James Hetfield back when metallica was still making good music.

headlight lenses

Reply #23 –
Thats what its for, I used it and it was the best 10 bucks I ever spent. I can actually see down the road now.

headlight lenses

Reply #24 –
So will i have to pop my lights apart or do you know if it's only on the outside?
It's always fun until someone loses an eye. then it's fun ya can't see.

-James Hetfield back when metallica was still making good music.

headlight lenses

Reply #25 –
It's for the outside.It's very easy to use,and you can do a lot of lights with one kit.I did all 6 of my front lights and I'll do the rear lights eventually.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

headlight lenses

Reply #26 –
3M makes a similar product I ran across a couple weeks ago @ their site. They may make the one for sale @ your local stores. If not ... second source.
 

headlight lenses

Reply #27 –
the "5 minute optical polish" is what i used and it looks clean as hell. i put StreetGlow Xenons in there and it is clean