2005 Frosted headlight assemblies

[tlfmd]

My 2005’s headlight assemblies suffer from sun damage with frosting noteably. OTC preps like Wipe New only get the exterior damage. I checked with the local dealer and it’ll cost about $1K to replace both.
This car lives in my garage and I bought it from the showroom.
What advice is offered to restore these assemblies, this important as their research showed the diminishing supply of new, afterwards obsolete.

Moderator Note:
Available on Ebay click here
Available on Amazon- Drivers Side or Passenger's Side
Replacement headlight bulbs while you are doing this- https://amzn.to/2WuHbZh

You can also purchase a headlight restoration kit

We do not recommend the use of cheap LED Headlight conversions in halogen housings! This can be dangerous and illegal in some places! Members have reported lawsuits as a result of accidents and LED headlight conversions.

This page contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated. As an eBay Partner, and Amazon Associate I may be compensated if you make a purchase at no cost to you.

 

[JW in Dixie]

Ditto. Replaced my 04 for $115, then my son cleaned the originals and sold them on eBay for $89.

 

[Netconn]

Yup, just replaced both of mine, got them new on ebay, about $140 a pair. Very EZ to R&R.

Available on Ebay click here

 

[John Hayman]

I just bought some for $150 and have not put on yet. A friend said to first clean the frosted ones with WD-40 and it really makes a difference. I may hold the new ones in reserve......

 

[captrick]

There is a product put out by Muguairs called Plast-X. It is designed for anything plastic. I have used it with a power ball and got great results. Good Luck Rick

 

[tbird]

Available on Ebay click here
Available on Amazon- Drivers Side or Passenger's Side

 

[Big Dave]

Tried Mother's Nulens Headlight Renewal Kit on my "02 and got very good results

 

[Gus Gutz]

I did this yesterday suing Meguiar's headlight restoration kit. Not as nice as new ones. These seem a little fogged on the inside.

 

[John Hayman]

Can you get to the insides?

 

[Gus Gutz]

Can you get to the insides?

It doesn't look like it. I think these are sealed housings.

 

[Transporter]

Has anybody used a service to refinish their headlights. I was getting the Leaf its last bath before returning it off lease and I noticed that Mr Clean Car Wash offers lens restoration for $69.95. Our Tbird isn't bad yet, but the passenger side headlight on the 2003 Expedition is getting bad. I guess with over 300K miles of driving, the shoulder side headlight gets more abrasions. The passenger side headlight looks like its 25 years old and the driver's side headlight looks maybe 5 or so years old, I would only have it done because its a pair price.

My son used a Wipe Kit on his car and said it lasted about 6 months. He used one of the Meguiar's 2980 heavy duty kit on his Xterra over a year ago and they still look go. I can get two 2980 kits for the price of one Mr Clean refinish.

 

[hippymailman]

scarily, toothpaste works too. I have used it on my RSX and it was faster than stuff I got that was made for it. nothing will get them like new

 

[JW in Dixie]

I replaced my 2004 lights for about $115 from Amazon, including new bulbs. Son cleaned the old ones and sold them on eBay for about $70. He uses power tools. We are both happy.

Moderator Note:
Available on Ebay click here
Available on Amazon- Drivers Side or Passenger's Side

 

[tbird]

I replaced my 2004 lights for about $115 from Amazon, including new bulbs. Son cleaned the old ones and sold them on eBay for about $70.

I bought new floor mats for my Mustang, used the package they came and and sold the used ones on ebay! It's definitely a good way to upgrade!

 

[tlfmd]

I’ve done that, bought and installed aftermarket assemblies. It was suggested elsewhere that the old ones could be cleaned by the use of rare earth magnets wrapped with cloth and cleaner, manipulated with a second magnet in the outside.
I have been looking at the old assemblies. How does one open that main light chamber, open or remove the lamp mount to grain access?
I have removed the three screws but it seems very solid., not yielding to my attempts to open.

 

[Skizix Savage]

Yes, NOS (New Old Stock) headlights can be had for as little as $150. The installation is negotiable between you and your electrical/mechanic, likely for hundred$ less than what was quoted to you!

Good (BETTER!) news is that WalMart mechanics will polish your lens’ for $30 only!
Be sure to re-coat the newly-polished lens’ with anti-ultraviolet light solution (many major brands have thes liquids). This will allow your lens’ to resist yellowing and clouding well into the future!

 

[Rusty_G]

scarily, toothpaste works too. I have used it on my RSX and it was faster than stuff I got that was made for it. nothing will get them like new

I have been using this trick for years. Just regular Crest or Colgate on a towel, add a very little bit of water and rub. When done clean lens off, then give a final buff with clean old newspaper.

 

[Gus Gutz]

I have been using 2000 and 3000 grit sandpaper along with Chemical Guys head light restorer with a dual action polisher. I seal it with their Jet sealer. The headlights come out crystal clear

 

[Skizix Savage]

I have been using this trick for years. Just regular Crest or Colgate on a towel, add a very little bit of water and rub. When done clean lens off, then give a final buff with clean old newspaper.

It will also will help keep it from ultraviolet damage to use several coats of anti-UV liquid coating from the parts section of any auto supply.

Skizix Savage​

 

[Bark624]

Just did the replacement today. Less than an hour of my time and $ 140.00 on Amazon. What a difference! Now looking for replacements for the fog lights or whatever Ford decided to call them.