Cleaning Headlamp Reflectors

Haggis

Haggis

Hero member
Location
UK
Hi All

My SF's Bosch headlamp reflector is dirty, just atmospheric grime. Its the 'sealed' beam unit from the long-nose Bosch lamp. Of course it isnt truly sealed.

Anyone got any tips for cleaning?

I'm thinking of swirling out with meths of some other mild solvent.

All my previous attemps at cleaning old reflectors has ended in disater, no matter how soft the item used to touch the surface (delicate makeup brushes whatever). I have concluded that physically touching ageing reflectors is a no-no.

Thoughts?

Cheers, Hag

 
Believe it or not, but I achieved great results with those bubbling pills grandpa uses to clean his 3rd set of teeth outside his mouth.  :D Filled 4 of those pills into the headlight, top up with warm water and let it bubble for a while. Rinse with lots of distilled water, then dry meticously with a hair drier. Works a treat! As you already said, touching the reflector surface is a no-go.
 
I have had some success with acetone and a very soft clean cloth (lint-free).
Methylated spirits might work too, but I have not tried that.
I don't like the idea of just swirling some around, better to gently wipe the surface with a solvent-soaked cloth.
 
Was too rough with my jota one time..silvering very thin!! Had to get another from Wolfie..that learned me!
 
I tried a gentle application of Autosol on a soft rag with a stick, might as well have used 80 grit sand paper. It's very soft.
 
Yes, has to be very light contact, using the solvent to do the work rather than abrade it. The cloth is just to remove the dirt and solvent so it doesn't leave streaks.
 
Paul,

I've had good results using a microfibre cloth than came with a car waxing kit, very soft to the touch and doesn't harm the reflector surface.  Moistened with glass cleaner, it removed the decades-old grime with ease, with only very light pressure while wiping.

Terry towel, cotton or similar is simply too coarse and will quickly ruin an otherwise salvagable reflector.

piet
 
LJ: That looks interesting and like that Head Lamp Lens defusing pattern.

Until I bust my old Bosch\Lucas \Carrillo System - I will hold off - But really looks like a nice product.

Motorcyclists require about twice the amount of headlight power on hand when night riding then a car.

If your in a fix, tooth paste and a cotton rag will do with Windex as a cleaner.
 
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