Headlight inner lens

[ainarssems]

Originally Posted by Spanker

Whilst we're chatting about refurbishing xenon headlights, I'm wondering if anyone has used one of these kits before to improve their lighting. I'd be interested to know any opinions on it as the price seems reasonable.

https://retrofitlab.com/collections/...hid-headlights

For the projector lights there are lot of different retrofit options including biLED and laser

[The_Laird]

I have a spare pair of headlights as well as another couple of outer lenses. The refurb kits (wet and dry papers and polish) work quite well on the outer lenses, but nothing that I’ve tried will shift the discolouration on the inner lens. Please add me to the list for new inner lenses!

[Audifan]

Originally Posted by MikkiJayne

However, this does lead me to pondering the viability of producing our own X+ inner lenses. There are many low-volume injection moulding companies in the UK, including one not far from me who specialises in reproducing parts for classic cars - handy! I suspect it would be prohibitively complex and expensive to replicate the chrome finish as that would have been done with vapour deposition, but its 99% decorative anyway so a clear polycarbonate part would still perform its primary function. It might be possible to use one of the many chrome paints on it, but that would require experimentation and testing.

Realistically what would people be willing to pay for a pair? £200? More? I can have a chat and see if it might be viable.

This is a great idea. I have one question about a possible replacement. What can be done to prevent the new inner lens turning yellow?

I'll be interested in buying when available.

[MikkiJayne]

Nothing. The Xenon discharge lamp is a powerful source of ultraviolet light which will deventually degrade anything other than glass.

[Audifan]

So ceramic coating a new lens won't protect it from turning yellow?

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by Audifan

I have one question about a possible replacement.

Are you sure, this is very much a "That'll see me out" issue!
Mine have lasted 20 years from new.
If the replacements last as long, the questions in 2043 will be:
1. Will I still be here (and care)?
2. Will the S8 still be here, and will it matter?
3. Will there be a better solution by then anyway?

[The_Laird]

Michaela, would you like me send one of my spare inner lenses to you to use a a template? It has one of the four little lugs/clips broken off, so It’s not really any use to me and might help your man fabricate the new ones.

[MikkiJayne]

Thanks Jim. While I have a large pile of X+ headlamps, they are all intact so it would be very useful to have a loose lens already removed I'll have a chat with a guys and see what they say and PM you if its viable.