xj40 headlight cleaning? - Jaguar Forums

rolexmike · #1 05-10-2011, 02:59 PM

Hello members!

I had a quick question about my xj40's headlight covers. On the inside of them they have a bit of condensation. Would it be possible to remove the covers and try to clean off the inside or would i just buy whole new headlight covers?

thanks

RegentV12 · #2 05-11-2011, 03:59 AM

When I had '88 XJ40 , they cleaned off the inside with cotton .Results ? That was slightly better but you can ask our experts in Detailing Forums if there are better ways of doing it .

rolexmike · #3 05-12-2011, 01:45 PM

Thanks for the reply. I am going to take them off this weekend and see if i can shine them up a bit. I also forgot all about the detailing forum section

i will look around there. thanks!

Translator · #4 05-12-2011, 01:54 PM

Mike, this doesn't help you, but if you do, do a spot of R&R on the lights, please will you post up a before and after pic with a little information.

We could use this in the FAQ.

rolexmike · #5 05-12-2011, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Translator

Mike, this doesn't help you, but if you do, do a spot of R&R on the lights, please will you post up a before and after pic with a little information.

We could use this in the FAQ.

Sure, i would be more then happy to.

rolexmike · #6 06-11-2012, 02:13 PM

Sorry for bring back a old thread, sadly to this day i still have not gotten the chance to clean up the headlights....untill now.

Before i start i want to make sure i remove the "square" headlight glass cover correctly. Does anyone have the directions to remove just the glass cover?

mrtalkradio · #7 06-20-2012, 08:02 PM

I'm assuming that's a 90? If so, I'm afraid they are sealed my friend. No cover. You can remove the bulb elements and blow some compressed air in there. From your picture, those need to be sanded and buffed. As noted above, the detail section has awesome pictures of those that have done it, you won't believe your eyes.

rolexmike · #8 06-21-2012, 11:55 PM

Thanks for the reply, and yes its a 94. I will search the detailing forum again and see what i can find. Are you sure you can sand the glass headlights?

Translator · #9 06-22-2012, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Are you sure you can sand the glass headlights?

Yes, but practice on an old glass lamp from a scrap car first. Very very fine sanding with paste. (even better, if you are in an artsy area, see if you can find someone who works with glass and ask them to polish them up).

One other thing you can do, depends on whether the crud is inside or out, is to completely remove the whole assembly and wash them out with hot soapy water and a bottle brush at a kitchen sink.

Just make sure that they are completely dry before refitting. (looks like you have the weather for that). (experience from countless mud filled Landrover lights).

Can't remember ever seeing this problem over here on glass lights, wonder if it is climate related?

rolexmike · #10 06-23-2012, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Translator

Yes, but practice on an old glass lamp from a scrap car first. Very very fine sanding with paste. (even better, if you are in an artsy area, see if you can find someone who works with glass and ask them to polish them up).

One other thing you can do, depends on whether the crud is inside or out, is to completely remove the whole assembly and wash them out with hot soapy water and a bottle brush at a kitchen sink.

Just make sure that they are completely dry before refitting. (looks like you have the weather for that). (experience from countless mud filled Landrover lights).

Can't remember ever seeing this problem over here on glass lights, wonder if it is climate related?

Thanks for the input!
Thinking about it could be possible the climate has something to do with fogging up the headlights. I know it's a city cat from Long Island New York and has only been in Florida since 2008-2009. I was looking at the headlight glass with a flashlight and it looks to me the inside and the outside could use a good sanding and buffing. Do you know where I can find the instructions on removing the whole headlight from the car? Thanks again

mrtalkradio · #11 06-23-2012, 03:14 PM

Haynes manual, readily available at autoparts stores. Be prepared to open pandora's box. A lot of those nuts are rusted and seized on. You'll need good tools with swivels and patience.

rolexmike · #12 06-29-2012, 06:02 PM

Sorry for the late reply,

I got the Haynes Manual in the mail today, do you duel headlights remove the same way as the square headlights?