Dodgy Headlights

EF, What else? · 27-02-2006, 12:14 PM

Hey all,

Ive finally decided to do something about the headlights on my EF. The lowbeam is extremely poor, the high beam seems to be fine. I thought it would just be a case of replacing the bulbs, pretty simple except I've had someone tell me that it is the yellow cover on my headlights. Apparently its their for fog driving, and dims the headlights considerably. Has anyone encountered this problem coz im confused. Will I have to go to the wreckers and get some clear headlights, or just replace the bulbs?

BABOSS · 27-02-2006, 12:23 PM

Have you got a pic? This yellowness you're talking about could just be the common UV damage that is a problem on EF's/EL's if that is the case you could just get new ones, pick up some descent clear ones from your local wreckers or you can try sanding them clear like others have done. New = $100-$150 ea. IIRC and 2nd hand around $40-$80ea.

Fairlane · 27-02-2006, 03:05 PM

Search the forums, there plenty of information on yellow EF/EL headlights. I do believe however it is due to the hot plastic (when the headlights are on) reacting with a cool outside air at night.

Anyhow they can be fixed

You basically have to sand the headlights using wet n dry from grades 800 or so to finish of 1600 later on to remove the yellow crazing. Once you have a 'white' scratched headlight lense you use Meguiars scratch X preferably with a rotary polisher and buff the scratching off to be left with a clean clear headlight surface (worked well for me).

Of course it is easier to remove the headlights to do this but it isnt necessary.

And of course you can be new ones, but if you do buy ones from a wreakers they may also go yellow. Personally id try the sanding first. Whats the worst that could happen? you damage headlights which are already ****house.