Author Topic: Yellowing headlight  (Read 2176 times)

claret badger

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Yellowing headlight
« on: December 21, 2021, 14:18:46 »
Hi all,

I've had to replace one headlight with a brand new MB example. The problem is now that the old one looks yellow in comparison. Can anything be done? At £1,000 a pop for a new MB unit Im looking for an alternative! Any help greatly appreciated.

Cees Klumper

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Re: Yellowing headlight
« Reply #1 on: December 21, 2021, 14:22:18 »
Remove the glass and clean it?
Cees Klumper
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David Robinson

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Re: Yellowing headlight
« Reply #2 on: December 21, 2021, 16:01:28 »
Should clean up, if it doesn't come back to me as I should have one.

claret badger

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Re: Yellowing headlight
« Reply #3 on: December 21, 2021, 17:52:44 »
It was suggested I'd need to buy another light and that it could not be 'cleaned'. Hence asking here.

I will give it a clean and report back.

Thanks :-)

BobH

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Re: Yellowing headlight
« Reply #4 on: December 21, 2021, 18:36:23 »
There are lots of different glass cleaning products and compounds available for removing scratches etc, it's well worth a try, should be able to get it looking as good as new if you're lucky

Have a Google and watch some videos on the subject
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AndrewB

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Re: Yellowing headlight
« Reply #5 on: December 28, 2021, 12:36:59 »
Is it the glass or the reflector that is showing yellow ? I have been able to buy replacement Bosch RHD headlamp glasses from Colin Ferns (stickandrudderman) - just the glass itself was less than £200 for 2. If it is the reflector, I believe one can re-silver these.

Colin is probably a good guy to call for advice on this
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claret badger

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Re: Yellowing headlight
« Reply #6 on: March 12, 2022, 16:01:41 »
Well, finally removed the glass, and its not dirt sadly. The whole lens is very slightly yellow. Not sure if it was a tint from new, or just 55 years of aging, but looks like I need a new lens.

mdsalemi

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Re: Yellowing headlight
« Reply #7 on: March 12, 2022, 17:52:24 »
Assuming you are speaking of a Euro headlight, right?  Isn't that a full glass cover, like real glass?
Are you saying the glass has yellowed?
Michael Salemi
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claret badger

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Re: Yellowing headlight
« Reply #8 on: March 12, 2022, 18:21:42 »
Look at the photo at the start. Yellowish hue all over. The car has been in US and Australia for half its life. Maybe that is relevant!

Garry

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Re: Yellowing headlight
« Reply #9 on: March 13, 2022, 04:27:03 »
Had a similar thing, mine had been in Australia all its life.  I had to replace both the glass and the reflectors.
Garry Marks
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mdsalemi

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Re: Yellowing headlight
« Reply #10 on: March 13, 2022, 13:39:15 »
You may never make the old match the new; different clarity or color in the glass from the start. But, try this:

https://www.hunker.com/13423434/how-to-clean-yellowing-glassware

Also, you may seek out a mild cleanser that contains oxalic acid; in the USA this would be “Bar Keepers Friend” which is available everywhere.

But a perfect match may require two new, or two old lenses.
Michael Salemi
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Pinder

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Re: Yellowing headlight
« Reply #11 on: March 15, 2022, 01:38:23 »
try soaking it in bleach overnight
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Desertpagoda

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Re: Yellowing headlight
« Reply #12 on: July 26, 2022, 00:58:41 »
Just buy a new lense, it will be MUCH closer in color
kb