Posted by admin | Posted in Flashlights | Posted on 20-11-2009
Tags: diy, headlight, howto, led, light
Headlight Headlamp
Be Safe, Save Money - Restore Your Dim Headlights
It was a dark and stormy night - and I couldn't see a darn thing in front of me. Despite the headlights being on high beam, the light was swallowed up by the darkness. In the bright light of day, I took a look at my headlights. I figured they were dirty, but even after cleaning them there remained what looked like a dull yellow film.
On older cars headlights are all one piece, essentially big light bulbs. The lenses were clear glass. When you replaced a headlight you had a fresh new lens, so other than cleaning them, there wasn't much to do. These days, headlights are usually lamps that are installed inside a plastic lens assembly. You may change the lamp inside your headlight, but the lens the light has to shine through stays the same.
Plastics age over time and can will change color or get scratched. This discoloration is the result of years of being blasted by dust, road grit and being bombarded with sunlight. Light from the lamps inside is diffused. The effect is like a flashlight with peanut butter smeared on the lens.
My car is a good vehicle, but it is old and well-used. I don't like spending a lot of money on it unless I have to. On the other hand, I didn't want to run someone over because I couldn't see them. The solution was to restore the lenses by polishing away the damaged surface using abrasives and polish.
Most auto parts stores will sell a kit with everything you need. I bought one for around 15 dollars. It contained four sheets of wet-dry sandpaper, a soft flannel cloth, some plastic polish and good instructions on how to proceed. Wet/dry paper is specially made to allow you to sand or polish surfaces while they are wet. Miniscule particles are ground loose from the surface as you sand, clogging the spaces between abrasive particles on the sandpaper. Clogged sandpaper isn't able to smooth anything. Keeping the surface wet allows particles to float and wash away as you sand and prevents clogging.
In this case, the grit of the sandpaper was very high, beginning with 1000 grit on up to 2500 grit. Furniture makers don't usually use sandpaper much higher than 320 grit, so you can imagine just how fine this paper is. My lenses were only moderately damaged, so I started with the 2000 grit and began to wet-sand the lens. I methodically sanded and wet the plastic, keeping the surface flooded with clear water. I did not have to remove the lens from the car. A tip: If your sandpaper starts to feel slippery, that means you need to rinse the paper and probably the surface, too. Don't be stingy with the water.
Once I had thoroughly sanded the lens with 2000 grit, I used the 2500. I rinsed the lenses clean and dried them an began the final step. I applied the plastic polish, buffing the surface to factory-new. I spent about 40 minutes on the job. The next morning driving in to work early in the dark, I could really tell the difference.
Considering that two new headlight assemblies can cost over 100.00 (not including shipping and installation), restoring the headlights was an easy money-saver. If you can scrub a shower or polish a silver spoon, you have all the skills needed for this job. Just visit your local auto parts store and ask about a kit for restoring your headlight lenses.
About the Author
Nick McPherson has been keeping used cars alive since 1979. Find more helpful how-to tips on saving money on used cars at auto.fixitdude.net
 |
 Black 3 Watt 1 Led Headlamp HeadLight Flashlight head torch 006 $3.79 Time Remaining: 13d 4h 22m Buy It Now for only: $3.79 |
 1200 Lumens CREE XM L T6 LED H06a Rechargeable Headlamp Headlight 3x AAA 18650 $17.59 Time Remaining: 1h 13m |
 White Headlight 1200 Lumens SSC P7 LED Bicycle Bike Head + Rear Light Lamp Torch $23.88 Time Remaining: 45m |
 CREE XM L XML T6 Led Headlamp Headlight 1200Lm Zoomable Zoom IN OUT Adjust A9 $29.99 Time Remaining: 11d 5h 14m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
 400 lumen CREE Q5 LED Adjustable Zoomable 3 mode Headlamp Head Light Torch $7.00 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 49m |
 CREE XM L XML T6 LED Headlamp Headlight 1200Lm Zoomable Zoom IN OUT Adjust A8 $26.99 Time Remaining: 26d 22h 48m Buy It Now for only: $26.99 |
 3 Mode Cree Q5 LED 600 LM Zoomable Zoom Headlamp Hiking Headlight ze $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 46m |
 1600 Lumens CREE XM L XML T6 LED Headlamp Rechargeable Headlight 2x 18650 SET A1 $32.99 Time Remaining: 24d 6h 3m Buy It Now for only: $32.99 |
 CREE XM L XML T6 LED 1200Lm Rechargeable Headlamp Headlight 3x AAA 18650 H06 $20.50 (13 Bids) Time Remaining: 18h 50m |
 3W Led Flashlight Head Torch Headlight Headlamp New $3.47 Time Remaining: 1d 3h 47m Buy It Now for only: $3.47 |
 1600 Lumens CREE XM L XML T6 LED Headlamp Rechargeable Headlight 2x 18650 SET A1 $20.50 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 7h 50m |
 CREE XM L XML T6 LED Headlamp Headlight 1200Lum Zoomable Zoom IN OUT Adjust A9 $29.99 Time Remaining: 14d 4h 36m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
 1600 Lumens CREE XM L XML T6 LED Headlamp Rechargeable Headlight 2x 18650 SET A1 $23.31 (22 Bids) Time Remaining: 9h 50m |
 Zoomable 18650 3 modes CREE Q5 Bulb LED Head Lamp Headlight Torch Flashlight NEW $8.88 Time Remaining: 1h 19m |
 NEW Black Diamond 2012 Spot 5 LED Headlamp Flashlight Matte Black Headlight $36.99 Time Remaining: 26d 21h 20m Buy It Now for only: $36.99 |
 HeadLamp 600 lumens R5 Led Adjustable CREE 18650 Flashlight Torch Headlight $6.99 Time Remaining: 1h 7m |
 6 LED 3 Mode Headlamp Headlight White Red Light Color $4.99 Time Remaining: 15d 22h 7m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 |
 CREE XM L XML T6 LED Headlamp Headlight 1200Lum Zoomable Zoom IN OUT Adjust A9 $11.00 (16 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 20h 32m |
 CREE XML 1600Lm T6 LED Bicycle Light HeadLight headLamp $38.99 Time Remaining: 1d 6h 31m Buy It Now for only: $38.99 |
 18650 HeadLight 5W CREE Q5 LED HEADLAMP FLASHLIGHT +Cha $13.00 (11 Bids) Time Remaining: 5h 19m |
 CREE XM L XML T6 LED 1200LM Rechargeable Headlamp Headlight Torch 18650 Charger $28.99 Time Remaining: 20d 6h 54m Buy It Now for only: $28.99 |
 CREE XM L XML T6 LED Headlamp Headlight 1200Lum Zoomable Zoom IN OUT Adjust A9 $21.00 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 12h 32m |
 CREE XML XM L T6 1600 Lumens HeadLamp Headlight Bike Bicycle Light Lamp $26.11 (15 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 18h 32m |
 Camping Outdoor 6 Led Headlight Flashlight Head Lamp 3 Modes $1.00 Time Remaining: 27d 16h 47m Buy It Now for only: $1.00 |
 CREE XM L XML T6 LED 1200Lm Rechargeable Headlamp Headlight 3x AAA 18650 H06 $22.50 (13 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 21h 32m |
 CREE XM L XML T6 LED 1200Lm Rechargeable Headlamp Headlight 3x AAA 18650 H06 $26.89 Time Remaining: 1d 6h 11m Buy It Now for only: $26.89 |
 1200 Lumens Zoomable CREE XM L XML T6 LED Headlamp Headlight Zoom IN OUT Adjust $13.00 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 21h 53m |
 7w 600Lm CREE XP G R5 LED 3x AA Zoomable Zoom Headlamp Headlight H04 $14.99 Time Remaining: 2d 3h 20m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 1200 Lumens CREE XM L T6 LED H06a Rechargeable Headlamp Headlight 3x AAA 18650 $17.59 Time Remaining: 3h 19m |
 1600 Lumens CREE XM L XML T6 LED Headlamp Rechargeable Headlight 2x 18650 SET A2 $12.50 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 16h 12m |
 Cree Led 5 Watt 300Lm Zoom Zoomable Headlamp Head Light Torch $8.99 Time Remaining: 29d 2h 2m Buy It Now for only: $8.99 |
 CREE XM L XML T6 LED Headlamp Headlight 1200Lum Zoomable Zoom IN OUT Adjust A9 $3.55 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 13h 12m |
 Zoom in out CREE 400 lm led Headlamp Headlight Flashlight Fit 18650 battery $13.99 Time Remaining: 11d 6h 25m Buy It Now for only: $13.99 |
 1600 Lumens CREE XM L XML T6 LED Headlamp Rechargeable Headlight 2x 18650 SET A2 $24.31 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 16h 32m |
 inclination led Adjustable Headlamp flashlight HeadLight light torch 3W 3 mode $2.95 Time Remaining: 4d 10h 42m Buy It Now for only: $2.95 |
 1800 Lumen CREE XML T6 LED Bicycle Lamp Light HeadLight headLamp 1800ML qb $17.50 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 4h 18m |
 |
1938 Morris 8 with Photo Mugs
 |
Description1938 Morris 8 with War time Headlamp blackout mask and whitewashed running board. |
 |
Afton Station, Route 66, Afton, Oklahoma, United States of America, North Photo Mugs
|
DescriptionAfton Station, Route 66, Afton, Oklahoma, United States of America, North America. |
 |
Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Photo Mugs
|
Descriptioncar, Alfa, Romeo, 8C, 2300, Italy, Italian, Europe, European, red, 1931, 1930s, 30s, thirties, pre-war, vintage, classic, sportscar, sportcar, sports,. |
 |
Killing The Headlamps
Sale Price: $9.99 |
 |
Rayovac SPHLTLED-B Sportsman LED Headlight
Sale Price: $14.66 |
DescriptionRAYOVAC½ hands-free 3-in-1 Led Head-Lite offers 3 different lights: 1 white LED for close range; 2 red LED's for night vision; 1 bright Krypton bulb for a long range beam. |
 |
Petzl E91 PE Tikkina 2 Headlamp, Electric Blue
List Price: |
DescriptionThe TIKKINA 2 headlamp is designed to meet everyday lighting needs. It has two lighting modes (maximum and economic) to adapt light quantity to the situation. It is also equipped with new, improved performance LEDs and a push-button switch... |
 |
Petzl E93 PS Tikka 2 Headlamp, Storm Gray
List Price: |
DescriptionWith its four LEDs and three lighting modes, the Petzl Tikka2 Headlamp easily adapts to any lighting situation. Compact, lightweight, and user-friendly, this handy headlamp is perfect for a range of indoor and outdoor activities... |
 |
SE Headband Magnifier W/Light 4 lenses
List Price: |
DescriptionHead Light can be adjusted +/- 60 degree. Head band is adjustable. Four magnifiers included: 1.2X, 1.8X, 2.5X, and 3.5X. Batteries are not included.Requires 2 AAA batteries. Color: Black |
 |
Filite 7W E14 Led Bulb Light 720 Lumens Warm White, 12-year Lifespan
List Price: |
DescriptionFiLite (Forest in Lite) specializes in the latest applications in LED lighting solutions for the home. FiLite provides comprehensive solutions for all your lighting needs; taking into consideration your concerns about price, performance, and environmental safety... |
 |
Filite 7W E27 Led Light Bulb 700 Lumens (Equivalent to 60W Incandescent) Warm White, 3-year Warranty
List Price: |
DescriptionFiLite (Forest in Lite) specializes in the latest applications in LED lighting solutions for the home. FiLite provides comprehensive solutions for all your lighting needs; taking into consideration your concerns about price, performance, and environmental safety... |
|
|
Headlamp $122.67 A headlamp is a lamp, usually attached to the front of a vehicle such as a car, with the purpose of illuminating the road ahead during periods of low visibility, such as darkness or precipitation. Headlamp performance has steadilyimproved throughout the automobile age, spurred by the great disparity between daytime and nighttime traffic fatalities: the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that nearly half of all trafficrelated fatalities occur in the dark, despite only 25 of traffic travelling during darkness.While it is common for the term headlight to be used interchangeably in informal discussion, headlamp is the technically correct term for the device itself,while headlight properly refers to the beam of light produced and distributed by the device.A headlamp can also be mounted on a bicycle (with a battery or small electrical generator), and most other vehicles from airplanes to trains tend to have headlamps of their own. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 220 Publication Date: 2010/07/31 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.50 inches |
|
|
Ventura Standard Bike Headlamp $16.95 The Ventura Standard Bike Headlamp includes standard Krypton bulbs to light your way. The clip-on bracket allows for easy handlebar attachment and headlight use. This headlight includes a 360-degree bracket for precise lighting right where you need it most. The Ventura Standard Headlamp includes batteries for use right out of the box! |
|
|
Petzl Zipka 2 Headlamp $34.95 Reengineered for this season, the Petzl Zipka 2 Headlamp is simple, practical and ideal for an extremely wide range of uses. 25% more compact than the Tikka 2 headlamp, the Zipka 2 has an adjustable, retractable cord that allows for the perfect fit and unbeatable packability. A headlight headlamp similar to the Petzl Tikka 2, the Zipka 2 delivers a maximum beam distance of 29 meters with 4 LEDs. With a new hinged battery compartment that opens wide, there is no more fumbling to close your headlamp like on older models. Equipped with 4 new and improved LEDs, the Zipka 2 optimizes burn-time and has a push button switch that limits inadvertently turning the light on during storage. If you are looking for a super small, lightweight, energy efficient headlamp that doesn't compromise visibility, the Petzl Zipka 2 will deliver. Other LED headlamps you might be interested in are the Petzl Tikka 2, the Petzl Zipka Plus 2, the Petzl Tikkina 2 and the Petzl Myo XP. |
|
|
Petzl Tikka 2 Headlamp $29.95 Offering even more versatility than the previous Tikka head lamp model, the Petzl Tikka 2 was completely reengineered for this season. Designed with 4 LEDs and 3 lighting modes, the Tikka 2 can switch between maximum, economic, and flashing modes with just the click of a simple electronic push-button switch. Similar to the Petzl Tikkina and Tikkina Plus headlight headlamps, the Tikka 2 delivers a maximum beam distance of 29 meters with 4 LEDs. With a new hinged battery compartment that opens wide, there is no more fumbling to close your headlamp like on older models. Equipped with 4 new and improved LEDs, the Tikka 2 optimizes burn-time and is compatible with lithium batteries. If you are looking for a small, lightweight, energy efficient headlamp that doesn't compromise visibility, the Petzl Tikka 2 will deliver. Other LED headlamps you might be interested in are the Petzl Zipka, the Petzl Zipka Plus, Petzl Tikkina 2 and the Petzl Myo XP. |
|
|
Argo Hp Luxeon Headlamp $38.95 Our brightest headlamp, with a high-flux Luxeon LED that?s seven times brighter than a regular LED and extra long runtime. ? Powered by two 3 volt disposable lithium batteries ? 1 watt super high-flux Luxeon LED with 50,000-hour life ? 24 lumens typical (high mode); 6 lumens typical (low mode) ? Solid Sate Power Regulation provides maximum light output throughout battery life ? 4.75 hrs. run time at regulated maximum intensity plus 3.5 additional hrs. of declining usable output, 20+ hours on low mode ? Impact-resistant housing ? Ultra-compact, lightweight for maximum comfort ? Includes elastic head strap and rubber hard hat strap ? Facecap diameter: 1.6? ? Max headlight width: 3.0? ? Max headlight depth: 2.0? including head strap and mounting plate ? 4.0 oz. with batteries (included) ? 90 degree tilting head ? Available in blackBy Streamlight. |
|
|
Dimension Headlight $64.99 The new 2-color headlight used for racing is the most recognized in the market ECE, D.O.T. and SAE certified TUV construction certification Headlamp with 12V 35/35W incandescent light bulb, 12V 4W position Height of light beam is easily adjustable with a handle on the back of the lamp Mounted with 2 rubber straps that secure it to the front fork in two optional positions The position of the mounting points allows ample room for the brake cable Comes with light bulbs and adhesive number plate sticker (sticker must be applied) Weight: 435 gr. **Closeouts are limited to stock on hand** |
|
|
Streamlight STL61400 Enduro LED Headlamp $33.01 Features and Benefits:Ultrabright LED headlamp featuring a high flux 100 000 hour life LED and two levels of lightingWaterproof to 1 meter for 1 hourLED provides up to 14.5 lumens (850 candlepower) on high power and 6 lumens on low powerRun times of up to 6 hours on high power and up to 24 hours on low power.Includes rubber/elastic combo headstrap and 2 AAA alkaline batteries.The Enduro Headlamp is one of the brightest lightest most compact headlamps for the price. Ultrabright the Enduro sports a 0.5 watt LED. LED never needs replacing. It uses (2) AAA batteries and has 2 lighting modes: Low beam runtime of 24 hours; High beam runtime of 6 hours. 18 Lumens of light a solid state power regulator maintains maximum light output throughout the life of the battery. Impact Resistant: Polycarbonate lens and body. Water Resistant: Oring sealed. Packaged with Nonslip comfort headstrap. Facecap diameter 1.3 ; headlight width 2.25 ; headlight depth 1.6 ; Weight: Only 2.75 ounces (with batteries). No Excuses warranty. |
|
|
HEADLAMP, ICON IRIX HEADLAMP W/ $28.99 HEADLAMP, ICON IRIX HEADLAMP W/ |
|
|
Dimension HP Headlight $103.99 Acerbis Dimension HP Headlight Same great features of the Dimension headlight with a brand new halogen light Headlamp with 12V 35/35 W halogen H4 light bulb, 2V 5W position light bulb Height of light beam is easily adjustable with a handle on the back of the lamp Mounted with 2 rubber straps that secure it to the front fork in 2 optional positions Position of the mounting points allows ample room for the brake cable Comes with light bulbs and adhesive number plate sticker (sticker must be applied) |
|
|
Road Warrior Headlight $69.95 Moose Racing Road Warrior Headlight Never get caught in the dark again with this Moose Racing Road Warrior Headlight. Universal fitting with Anti-vibration rubber straps so it stays in place no matter what terrain you have to ride through. Universal fitting with anti vibration rubber straps Meets CE and DOT standards High impact lens Headlamp fitted with a 35W incandescent bulb and a 4W running light Headlight extensions included Made from rubber and polypropylene for excellent durability Replacement parts available. See application chart |
Peugeot 407 2.0 hdi 136 Executive (2005) Headlight Headlamp Washers (Daylight) Part1