Cleaning Headlight Projector Lens Internal Face

[subyfan]

I'm installing a new HID/LED LO/HI combo for my headlights this weekend, and during the disassembly I noticed that I have some pretty heavy hazing on the internal face of one of the projector lenses. Does anyone have any experience/tips they could share on an effective method for accessing/cleaning this surface without opening up the headlight housing? I can't confirm whether the lenses are glass or acrylic, but I would prefer to stay away from harsh chemicals. I have access to basically any tools/equipment that may be required; I just need professional input on the methodology.

Thanks!

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[Route246]

Are you talking about the back-facing internal face exposed to the bulb or the front-facing internal face inside of the poly-carbonate cover?

[subyfan]

Bulb-side. I can disassemble the light, I'd just rather try to clean it through the bulb socket. I've heard of people attaching microfiber to a dowel and gently cleaning through the socket with slightly soapy water, but I wanted to see what the forum's thoughts on this topic we're.

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[Route246]

Bulb-side. I can disassemble the light, I'd just rather try to clean it through the bulb socket. I've heard of people attaching microfiber to a dowel and gently cleaning through the socket with slightly soapy water, but I wanted to see what the forum's thoughts on this topic we're.

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The dowel sounds like a good idea. I would use an APC followed by glass cleaner. It probably gets pretty hot in there. Any contamination might cause unwanted vaporization which generates the haze. Good luck.


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[subyfan]

Yeah that's what I was thinking. I know where the leak was (which is responsible for the hazing) so I'll get that sealed up, but I just want to make sure that I don't use anything that will leave residue or contamination.

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[Route246]

Yeah that's what I was thinking. I know where the leak was (which is responsible for the hazing) so I'll get that sealed up, but I just want to make sure that I don't use anything that will leave residue or contamination.

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Sounds good and sounds like we are on the exact same page. I have found glass cleaners to be the best at cleaning any oily residue. In this case you might hit it again at the end with alcohol for good measure.

[subyfan]

I'll probably stay away from the alcohol, in the event that the lens is acrylic and not glass. Alcohol has a tendency to cause haze on plastics.

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[Mantilgh]

If is it is bad I would bake and remove the lens cover and polish the inside.

The lens is most likely polycarbonate, most stopped using glass back in the 90’s.

I disassembled a poor retrofited light and sanded and polished the inside. It was kinda a pain, and even if your are really good, you may still see defects with the lights on. With the lights off they should look good though.

I also use straight 90% alcohol to wipe down plastic headlights after sanding, before coating with no issues.

[subyfan]

I was able to clean the projector lens back face last night, and it turned out well. I don't think I'm going to worry about disassembling the housing, as it's not too terribly dirty.

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