Headlight Lens Contamination
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Headlight Lens Contamination
I have a challenge. There is some kind of visible contamination on the inside lens cover of both headlights and both in the same place, in the upper corner right above the DRL. It looks like dust or dirt specs, fairly visible.
These are on a friend's car. We have the lights out of the car and trying to remove the particles. Problem is, they are not moving. Seem to be attached to the inside lens. I've tried tapping them loose and used a serious shop vac (Jet), and these don't budge.
Pic attached....Any ideas? I'd like NOT to remove the lenses and I know how to do that. Looking for an easy way out?
These are on a friend's car. We have the lights out of the car and trying to remove the particles. Problem is, they are not moving. Seem to be attached to the inside lens. I've tried tapping them loose and used a serious shop vac (Jet), and these don't budge.
Pic attached....Any ideas? I'd like NOT to remove the lenses and I know how to do that. Looking for an easy way out?
Last edited by BlindSpot; 09-12-2016 at 07:44 PM.
#2
Race Car Tech
Other than removing the rubber caps for the bulbs, and using compressed air to try to dislodge, you will have no choice but to remove the lens if the debris does not move.
Using the oven method to remove the lens will likely ruin the lenses, so that is likely not a good option.
The only other way is to cut the lens off the assembly, clean the inside of the lenses with soap and water, then dry with air. The inside of the lenses scratch very easily.
I cut a set of lenses off, and reglued and it worked like a charm. I had no issues, no leaks, etc.
I have instruction with pics if you neeed the instructions.
PM me with e-mail and I'll send them to you. Add in the PM what instructions that you want.
Using the oven method to remove the lens will likely ruin the lenses, so that is likely not a good option.
The only other way is to cut the lens off the assembly, clean the inside of the lenses with soap and water, then dry with air. The inside of the lenses scratch very easily.
I cut a set of lenses off, and reglued and it worked like a charm. I had no issues, no leaks, etc.
I have instruction with pics if you neeed the instructions.
PM me with e-mail and I'll send them to you. Add in the PM what instructions that you want.
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BlindSpot (09-13-2016)
#3
Le Mans Master
Now would not be a good time to try removing your lenses, the guy that gets new lenses from GM is out of stock, and it may be awhile before he gets any back in stock...Break your lenses and you could be screwed... ...WW
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Last edited by WW7; 09-13-2016 at 06:44 AM.
The following users liked this post:
BlindSpot (09-13-2016)
#4
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Yeah, I know about the lens shortage (Sebring). I have your instructions to cut the lens from another thread, Thanks.
I've tried it all. I've completely stripped the assembly of bulbs and the two air vents. Tries compressed air, vac, nothing moves the particles. Whatever they are, they're stuck to the inside of the lens. Looks like grains of sand. Cutting might be the only option.
I've tried it all. I've completely stripped the assembly of bulbs and the two air vents. Tries compressed air, vac, nothing moves the particles. Whatever they are, they're stuck to the inside of the lens. Looks like grains of sand. Cutting might be the only option.
#5
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
So, I've looked at this under magnification. These particles are fine sand granules that are adhered to the inside surface of the lens. I was able to tap on it lightly and dislodge a couple.
QUESTION: Does anyone know if there is a coating on the inside of the lens? Something that might soften in the heat to allow something like sand to stick to it?
It is very strange that sand got into the lens in the first place, but even more so that it stuck to the lens surface.
Any Ideas?
I think I am going to try heat while I tap on the lens. If I can get them dislodged, then I am pretty sure I can remove them w/o disturbing the lens which is my preference over cutting or baking.
QUESTION: Does anyone know if there is a coating on the inside of the lens? Something that might soften in the heat to allow something like sand to stick to it?
It is very strange that sand got into the lens in the first place, but even more so that it stuck to the lens surface.
Any Ideas?
I think I am going to try heat while I tap on the lens. If I can get them dislodged, then I am pretty sure I can remove them w/o disturbing the lens which is my preference over cutting or baking.
Last edited by BlindSpot; 09-13-2016 at 01:31 PM.
#6
Race Car Tech
I've had a few lenses out, once by cutting, and a new set installed, and have a spare set for the next time many miles from now.
I can tell you that the inside lens is not coated, scratches very easily, and tends to attract any loose particles floating around in the assembly.
It as if the inside of the lens becomes statically charged and wants to collect any dirt hanging around.
Your only 2 options may be to replace lenses or cut, clean and re-glue.
Good Luck
I can tell you that the inside lens is not coated, scratches very easily, and tends to attract any loose particles floating around in the assembly.
It as if the inside of the lens becomes statically charged and wants to collect any dirt hanging around.
Your only 2 options may be to replace lenses or cut, clean and re-glue.
Good Luck
#8
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Thanks guys. Keep ideas coming. I'm trying everything/anything. Funny you mentioned static charge. I thought of that. Today I heated the area up pretty hot with a hair drier then used a rubber mallet to tap on the lens. Some have loosened up, but others persist. I might try some anti static spray, but the force with which I was hitting the lens should have dislodged them if static. The static theory has merit. I bet the lens' become statically charged during the normal course of driving. Could create an electrically charged environment particles of a small mass can be moved around.
NSF - Thanks - I ran a magnet over and nothing. These little devils are staying put.
I am thinking about freezing, but I'm not too confident about tapping the lens frozen.
NSF - Thanks - I ran a magnet over and nothing. These little devils are staying put.
I am thinking about freezing, but I'm not too confident about tapping the lens frozen.
#10
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
#11
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Well, I've managed to dislodge many of these sand particles and I'm pretty sure I can remove them via the gap between the low beam focal lens and the chrome ring.
Now, I am still left (fighting) with the much smaller particles that I am unable to dislodge just yet.
Now, I am still left (fighting) with the much smaller particles that I am unable to dislodge just yet.
#12
Race Car Tech
I don't always have the greatest patience, so by now I would of had the lenses cut off, stuff removed and lenses back on. The advantage I have however, is that I have done that already, so I know how easy it is to do. I also know that the regluing of the cut lenses will not leak or give any issues as I ran a set that way for one running season.
Hopefully, you can get all that stuff out without needing to do anything extreme.
Continued Good luck
Last edited by 4SUMERZ; 09-13-2016 at 07:27 PM.