rasheedn wrote:i was thikin of takin them off and cleaning the inside as i cleaned them from the outside and they're still really dirty!
Discoloration is
EXterior UV damage from sunlight as the factory plastic lens clearcoat has deteriorated. This prob doesn't affect the interior surface and the housings are typically well sealed to prevent dirt & moisture from ever entering the inside housing. Baking headlts to get em open, cleaning inside & reassembling will likely not solve the prob. You'll be disappointed with the results and IMO it isn't worth the hassle.
My scenario may be similar to yours... Bought a '96 626 & owner only had curbside work/home parking exposing the driver side to southern sun exposure for 8 years, even in winter. Passenger side headlt was crystal-clear-brand-new from a recent fender-bender ins repair. Driverside headlt was original & wasn't yellowed, it was
brown. Many apps of plastic polish wasn't touching it but just tickled that headlt cuz I heard it laughing(at me). Considered pulling the light & wet sanding but sanding plastic made me nervous, and removal was gonna be too much hassle. After all, this was my
wife's car. Got great results, total cost ~$10 and time ~1+ hr, using these very inexpensive products from the local grocery store cleaning-products aisle (Food Lion, I'm in the US):
- "Barkeepers Friend" - A straightforward abrasive powder (no additives, like bleach). Cost .49 in a gold 8" cardboard w/blue label canister (like Comet which you'll find it near) This container will last the rest of your lifetime unless you actually are a bartender. Used a damp terry cotton towel and made a paste on the towel. Applied ~8 fresh vigorous 2 min. apps in ~1/2 hr, wiping the lens clean between apps. Knocked off the thick brown-yellow discoloration completely but the lens was still cloudy.
"Weiman Cook Top Cleaning Creme" - A very mildly abrasive but effective polishing creme. 4.99 in a 10oz white plastic bottle w/black label. 1 bottle lasts a couple years at least. Applied ~8 apps in ~1/2 hr wiping the lens clean between apps.
"Future Acrylic Premium Floor Finish" - ~$5 in a 27oz clear plastic bottle. Applied 2 coats letting dry between coats. All ya do is coat the plastic, just takes a couple secs. Provides some fresh UV protection and really puts a crystal shine on the lens. 1 bottle will last your lifetime and your kids lifetimes too.
Now the brand new headlt. and the reconditioned one are virtually identical & the interior never had to be touched...
-Jim