Clear Coat Headlamps Q?

[BlueOvalFitter]

2007 F150, 160K Miles
My headlamp assemblies are hazing, but from the inside. My detail friend was looking at them the other day when he was detailing my truck and said he could make them like new again if it were on the outside.
I already have 1 headlamp assembly (passengers side-right). The body shop at the Ford dealership my son works at, gave him one that was replaced. It's in excellent condition. He can get the other one at a discount (employee cost).
Q?; Can I clear coat them to prevent them from hazing?

 

[jayjr1105]

I've heard people using the ceramic coating on them after they are polished. Expensive stuff but probably works longer than wax and probably looks better than spray coating which may or may not orange peel on you.

 

[Hal-9000]

Take it apart, polish it, put it back together

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

Take it apart, polish it, put it back together

The plastic is somehow heat sealed. They will break/crack if I try to separate the lens from the base.

 

[Jake_J]

Yes you can clear coat them, just be aware that the normal spray can 1K won't last as long as the more expensive 2K Clear Coat. Also it is possible to take the lens off the housing but you need to heat it in the oven beforehand.

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

Yes you can clear coat them, just be aware that the normal spray can 1K won't last as long as the more expensive 2K Clear Coat. Also it is possible to take the lens off the housing but you need to heat it in the oven beforehand.

I have a can of UV resistant clear coat.

 

[DriveHard]

The plastic is somehow heat sealed. They will break/crack if I try to separate the lens from the base.

I had that happen to my 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix. With a hair dryer, and some patience, I was able to pry the two parts apart, polish the lens and the reflective material, and use a sealant/glue to put them back together. Worked like a charm!

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

I had that happen to my 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix. With a hair dryer, and some patients, I was able to pry the two parts apart, polish the lens and the reflective material, and use a sealant/glue to put them back together. Worked like a charm!

You have more patience then me.

 

[atikovi]

2007 F150, 160K Miles
Q?; Can I clear coat them to prevent them from hazing?

View attachment 55600

The inside? Not without taking the lens off. It's not like these are some rare or expensive lights. I see new aftermarket replacement certified lights for $85 and non-certified for a few bucks less.

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

The inside? Not without taking the lens off. It's not like these are some rare or expensive lights. I see new aftermarket replacement certified lights for $85 and non-certified for a few bucks less.

Um, no, not the inside.

 

[atikovi]

Um, no, not the inside.

Then why the reference to separating the lens from the base you mentioned?

The plastic is somehow heat sealed. They will break/crack if I try to separate the lens from the base.

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

Then why the reference to separating the lens from the base you mentioned?

Because, someone else recommended that.

 

[The Critic]

The inside getting foggy is not a common issue.

Usually the outside is the issue.

Point is, buy new ones, have clear paint protection film applied and the lenses are likely to remain clear for the duration of your truck ownership.

 

[atikovi]

Because, someone else recommended that.

But you say in the original post that they are hazing from the inside.

2007 F150, 160K Miles
My headlamp assemblies are hazing, but from the inside.

 

[THORROMIG]

I cant imagine aftermarket ones being to expensive at all to buy. I replaced them on my Ram years ago and was astonished how cheap they were for a pair. Still look like new -- replaced in 2013.

 

[RooflessVW]

Clear PPF, ceramic on the PPF.

I'd take them to a detail shop that provides both services and have them done, then install them.

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

Clear PPF, ceramic on the PPF.

I'd take them to a detail shop that provides both services and have them done, then install them.

LOL! Ceramic around these parts? The only ceramic around here is pottery, dishes, and goad a lows. I have to drive about 90 miles to a detail shop in Baton Rouge to get ceramic applied. And, that's a big NEGATIVE, Ghost Rider!

 

[GoldDot40]

The OE headlights have a UV protective coating on them from the factory. This coating is usually what turns hazy/cloudy when that coating starts breaking down. If you can get the new OE assembly, just install it as is. Should look good for a long time. When it starts to dull is when I'd worry about putting more clear on them.

 

[RooflessVW]

LOL! Ceramic around these parts? The only ceramic around here is pottery, dishes, and goad a lows. I have to drive about 90 miles to a detail shop in Baton Rouge to get ceramic applied. And, that's a big NEGATIVE, Ghost Rider!

Could always do it yourself! 30ml of a decent ceramic should fall in the $50-70 range and you can use it on more than your headlights.

 

[Snowflake White]

2007 F150, 160K Miles
My headlamp assemblies are hazing, but from the inside. My detail friend was looking at them the other day when he was detailing my truck and said he could make them like new again if it were on the outside.
I already have 1 headlamp assembly (passengers side-right). The body shop at the Ford dealership my son works at, gave him one that was replaced. It's in excellent condition. He can get the other one at a discount (employee cost).
Q?; Can I clear coat them to prevent them from hazing?

View attachment 55600

BlueOvalFitter:

If it is hazing you see on the INSIDE of the lens it is probably OUTGASSING from the surrounding plastics and chrome pieces or even the exposed parts of the glue used to seal the lens to the reflector housing. Unfortunately other than removing the lens from the rear housing there isn't too much you can do, one other suggestion is to use a mixture of dawn and water and literally wash out in interior of the lens without removing the clear lens.However this can be risky. In some cars you can remove the bulbs and use a improvised tool with a microfiber cloth or shammy like cloth attached to it and gently swab the inside clear lens with a mixture of dawn and distilled water first you use the soap and water mixture to clean then follow up with pure water to wipe all soap residue off should dry clear..I've been detailing for decades so that is the best advice I can give.