Cleaning Headlight Projector Lens Internal Face

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subyfan

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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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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?
 
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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subyfan said:
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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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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subyfan said:
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.
 
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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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.
 
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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