Headlamp lense

[Geoff35]

Is it possible to buy new headlamp lenses for a1999 s type, mine have gone discoloured/appear very faded and I would like them to be nice and clear.

[volor]

Have you tried using anyone of the plastic lens restorers that are available? Personally I have used Meguiars on a number of cars with plastic lenses, all with good results. Way cheaper than new lenses.

[Geoff35]

Did not even know there was such a product, better get shopping see what I can find, got to be worth a try, thank you

[volor]

Hi Geoff. In your search, you may come across suggestions of using Fine Sandpaper, toothpaste, etc. Don't go there. Spend your money and buy the proper product....... Some come in a kit form with Pads to fit to drills..... depends on how bad the condition of the lenses are, as to whether you need just the cream, or the full kit.

[Geoff35]

Got one from Halfords it's the meguiars one, try and give it a go over the weekend :-)

[volor]

Good luck. Do not rush it. The more effort/time spent the better result. I repolish my plastic lenses about every 3 months, only takes 5 mins now, and lenses are like new. Loads still left in the bottle. Suggest a sturdy stool to sit on :) , and a good lint free cloth. Ideal time to look over the front of your Jag.

[Geoff35]

Very impressed with the results had a ho today, only thing is there appears to be marks inside the lense so will have to get lights in bits to clean the insides of the lense then I will be very happy, will perhaps wait until the 'summer' arrives.

[Encargado]

if you still need a lense, I have a drivers side item fairly clean as I had to replace my unit due to the adjusters all breaking, but the lens is OK and the unit is apart.

[Geoff35]

How much are you after for it Encargado?

[spitfire]

Hi, I have just purchased a 3m kit to repolish mine, have a look on you tube and watch it being done to a silver merc, enter acrylic werk that should bring it up, I will let you know how I get on. its a lot cheaper option and quicker I suspect.

[Mr D]

Hi, I have just purchased a 3m kit to repolish mine, have a look on you tube and watch it being done to a silver merc, enter acrylic werk that should bring it up, I will let you know how I get on. its a lot cheaper option and quicker I suspect.

 

Hi Andrew,

 

This seems to be quite a common problem with the more mature Jag (mine included), it would be good to see to see some before and after photos with your comment on how you get on.

 

Best regards,

Dave

[harpersimon]

just to add my 2 penn'orth - I found that in the camping section of Halfrauds, the motorhome window/tent window/clear plastic restorer product (half the price of Maguiars) works pretty well also. 

[spitfire]

I will do some photos and get back to you Dave on how to upload them onto this forum. going for it today!!!! hope it works

[spitfire]

It really works and really well.

I went out for Sunday Lunch, accompanied by a pint of the best local brew. This gave me the courage to take abrasive to my headlights. In under two hours I had completed all four lights, they look like new.

My wife came outside thinking I had blown the weeks houskeeping on a new set of lights and started looking round for boxes with Jaguar written on them. The results are amazing!! I just need to work out how to add the photos now.

If anyone lives in the east midlands and would like me to sort their yellow headlights out I am willing  to sort them over a cup of coffee. With the materials and the time I think I could do a set for

£ 45.00 all in .  Based in Lincs.

[Mr D]

It really works and really well.

I went out for Sunday Lunch, accompanied by a pint of the best local brew. This gave me the courage to take abrasive to my headlights. In under two hours I had completed all four lights, they look like new.

My wife came outside thinking I had blown the weeks houskeeping on a new set of lights and started looking round for boxes with Jaguar written on them. The results are amazing!! I just need to work out how to add the photos now.

If anyone lives in the east midlands and would like me to sort their yellow headlights out I am willing  to sort them over a cup of coffee. With the materials and the time I think I could do a set for

£ 45.00 all in .  Based in Lincs.

 

Glad it worked for you Andrew, have you sussed how to add photos?

 

Best regards,

Dave

[spitfire]

photos added.

[Mr D]

Hi Andrew,

 

The photos are great especially with the before and after type shots - great work.

 

Dave

[NickG]

Hi - I am a Jaguar newbie - just acquired a 99 S Type as a sunday afternoon runabout / project. Suspension being sorted at the moment but have been told the headlights are so clouded they will not produce a pattern to set the beams and so will be an MOT failure - was about to bite the bullet and buy two "new" headlamps at £90 each so will definitely try this first and let you know how I get on.

 

Is this a common problem on the S-Type?

[Mr D]

Hi Nick, welcome to the forum and Jag ownership, from what I've seen (I've only owned a jag for just over a year) the cloudy lights seem to be a probem with the older jag.

 

Just remember to mask off the paint work, I added a couple of sheets to stop spray a little further on the wings and bonnet - maybe I was doing it wrong but the results look good.

 

Good luck,

Dave

[volor]

Common on most cars with Plastic headlight lenses... Merc, Renault, Ford, Toyota, to name a few as well as the Jag.... Funnily enough not seen a Peugeot effected by it. Believe it is caused by High UV levels effecting the plastic. My 99 S-Type has always been garaged, and the lenses are still like new. Whereas my daily drive (V6 Laguna) requires treatment on the lenses every 3/4 months... but still a much cheaper solution than new lamp units.