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Topic: best way to clean headlights (Read 2251 times) previous topic - next topic

best way to clean headlights

i have the orginal headlights installed,
covers are vary dull....
ive buffed them
poured all types of cleaners on them
whats the best thing to use?
or what other headlights can be installed?....

best way to clean headlights

Reply #1
What year is your car?

best way to clean headlights

Reply #2
im gonna bet its 87-88 given its afox... if not newer mn12 chassis..

best way to clean headlights

Reply #3
and that its a cougar :hick:

best way to clean headlights

Reply #4
The best way is to find new ones.

best way to clean headlights

Reply #5
ITS A 88 COUGAR v8

best way to clean headlights

Reply #6
wet sanding

start with 800 grit, then work your way up to 2000 grit
1979 Ford Fairmont
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5.0L/4R70W/8.8"/5-lug/3" Exhuast


best way to clean headlights

Reply #7
Quote from: 32VFoxBird;227644
wet sanding

start with 800 grit, then work your way up to 2000 grit


I have to agree with 32v. On my 1988 Thunderbird I wet sanded them, starting with 800 grit and moved up to 1500. I went to 1000 and I think 1200 too. When I was done with sandpaper I used Presta Headlight Refinishing Cream with a buffer to put a shine back into the lights. Once they were clean, be sure to put a coat of wax on them. Trust me, he wax makes a big difference in the longevity of the clear lights.

best way to clean headlights

Reply #8
I did the cleaner/polish on the lenses, and the lens came out great, but what i have found is the reflector inside is shot. And there is not a true chrome paint. Having them re-chromed is terribly pricey. I have looked at the replacement headlights for the later fox mustangs and they look to be the same. Has anyone tried these out?

best way to clean headlights

Reply #9
Quote from: Kuhltwo;228028
-I have looked at the replacement headlights for the later fox mustangs and they look to be the same. Has anyone tried these out?


+1 on this, will the side amber marker lights from a mustang swap in too?????
Mike

best way to clean headlights

Reply #10
Quote from: mcb82gt;231547
+1 on this, will the side amber marker lights from a mustang swap in too?????



I dont think so... The inner (parking lights) of the 3 pieces and the corner lights are different. I'm not an expert though by any means so...
1988 Cougar LS 5.0 (currently parting out):cougarsmily:
1989 Mustang LX Notch 2.3 (Project):ford:

best way to clean headlights

Reply #11
your ford dealer can still get h/l lenses from vintage parts.
they buy osi from ford and sell back to the dealers. pricey
list price. you might get a discount out of your dealer.
they also dont charge the dealer freight.--irv

best way to clean headlights

Reply #12
Thers a kit in a sliver package and it got everything u need, u can get it at Advance Auto or some Wal amrts and I got mine from K-Mart.

best way to clean headlights

Reply #13
Micromesh....do a search...cost....$60.
88 TC with 93 GT 5.0 (.030 over), XE266HR Compcam, SVO 1.6 Roller Rockers, BBK underdrives, BBK 1 5/8" headers, 2 1/2" exhuast with Americian Thunder Flowmaster lers. Tremec 5 speed and 3.73's and alot of other goodies to list.....

best way to clean headlights

Reply #14
I wrote a procedure a while back for polishing headlights and side markers. It was lost on the old site, but someone actually used my post as a article on their site (at least they gave me credit :hick: )

Here's the link -> http://www.lincolnsonline.com/tech/00019.html
11.96 @ 118 MPH old 306 KB; 428W coming soon.