2005 Vitara GV1600 Headlight units

[maxaret]

Our new toy is in good overall condition - except both headlight units - they are badly 'crazed' and opaque/yellowed.
Are there any more modern/upgrade headlight units available,or easyish to adapt to fit - or is it just a case of trying to find some headlights in better condition ?

rgds max

[Anton]

Take them out, sand them with 600 grit until the yellowing is gone, then work up to 2000 grit, then buff them with compound. They'll look super foggy when you're done.

Now spray them with a light coat of clearcoat. They'll instantly go clearer, but don't be tempted to spray heavily - trust me, you want really light coats. Let each coat dry for a couple of hours before recoating. Add a couple more coats once you have them looking crystal clear (to keep them in good condition longer).

Refit them. Done.

This worked on my Ford Fusion. Should work on any plastic coated headlights, my Suzuki has glass headlights so never had this problem.

[Anton]

Oh, you can start with 400 grit if they're in really bad shape.

Also - wet sand them. Don't use dry sandpaper, always wet sand, and keep a spray bottle of water around to make sure the lenses/sandpaper are always really wet.

[maxaret]

Hi Anton - thanks for the reply
It is not the clouding/opaqueness that is the real problem - both headlight units are also badly 'crazed' which I doubt will polish out,I was hoping there might be a modern unit to fit,or perhaps replacement perspex. My other car is an old Polo which has very opaque lights but there is no 'crazing' in the perspex - so they will polish up ok.

rgds max

[Anton]

Yes, my headlights had the same crazy paving pattern, and I got it out with sandpaper. If it's cracked (as in, really deep cracks rather than just the surface) then you may be right - but it worked for me.

[maxaret]

OK many thanks I will give it a go at some time - at least they will look shinier

cheers max

[Anton]

Bear in mind that when you spray the clearcoat, it'll fill in tiny imperfections, including tiny cracks. That's one of the reasons why I suggest extra coats...

If it doesn't work, you can always buy new headlights.

[ScottieJ]

ive got a load of headlights for that shape gv (98-05). where in the country are you? the ones i have might be better than yours and i really wont want much for them.

[maxaret]

Hi Scottie - I live in crieff,Perthshire.
I will PM you (if I can - as a new member).

rgds max