Headlight Lenses

[Johnny Means]

Anyone know of a source for replacement lenses? Mine are yellowed with some crazing, but not bad enough to warrant total assembly replacement.

[AlabamaDan]

Other than Infiniti of Scottsdale or another dealer?

[Larz]

I'm not sure what you mean by 'crazing'. If it is severely discolored, use the 3M kit with your drill. It will take several treatments and maybe two kits, but it will work.
Far as I know, you can't buy lenses alone - just the entire unit. (I may be wrong, so check at some parts places).
I use Infinitipartsonline for everything.

[jtversky]

I agree with Larz - if it's just hazing and discoloration, you can refurbish them yourself pretty easy with a kit (or even some sandpaper and polish...just be sure to use the right grits). The only thing you need to do to prevent haze from returning quickly is to use a good sealant after you remove the haze. It's a piece of cake

[mrnix]

I agree with Larz - if it's just hazing and discoloration, you can refurbish them yourself pretty easy with a kit (or even some sandpaper and polish...just be sure to use the right grits). The only thing you need to do to prevent haze from returning quickly is to use a good sealant after you remove the haze. It's a piece of cake

+1 on this. Meguiars makes something called "Plast-X" but I imagine just about any light polish would do the trick with a foam pad, or even a soft cloth and some elbow grease. Obviously the Drill pad or DA polisher make it quick work, and the sealant or at least some wax afterward are important, or you'll be doing it again in a month.

[Larz]

I restored mine originally with the 3M kit that utilizes a drill. Now I just polish with my Griot polisher and some Plast-X once a year or so when I see the fogginess begin to return. I'm told that this is a sign that Infiniti use lower quality plastics and this won't happen on higher end cars with higher quality lenses. Not sure I believe that.

[Ilya]

I'd be interested in a replacement lens myself. My headlight seems to have clearcoat actually PEELING/CHIPPING off. UGH.

[jtversky]

I restored mine originally with the 3M kit that utilizes a drill. Now I just polish with my Griot polisher and some Plast-X once a year or so when I see the fogginess begin to return. I'm told that this is a sign that Infiniti use lower quality plastics and this won't happen on higher end cars with higher quality lenses. Not sure I believe that.

That's totally a line. I've seen fogging/yellowing happen on lenses from every company, from Fords to Mercedes Benz and up and everything in between. Whoever told you that doesn't know what they're talking about.

[M37xfan]

That's totally a line. I've seen fogging/yellowing happen on lenses from every company, from Fords to Mercedes Benz and up and everything in between. Whoever told you that doesn't know what they're talking about.

I have to agree. I have over 76K on my 2012 M and the lenses look pretty close to darn new (and I have not touched them with any applications)

My wife's 14 Rogue has hazing on both lenses.

[DriftMissle]

Generally, UV rays are the culprit of lens oxidizing. I believe things like rock chips can speed up the oxidization because it chips away the UV protective coating (probably clear coat). Just general wear and tear. Any car is prone to this no matter how much it's worth or who manufactures it.

Anyway, I had the same problem with my lens. I restored them with the "more permanent" method - sanding and clear coating.

I took some coarse sandpaper to sand off the oxidization. Worked my way up to a finer grade to smoothen out the lens. Have to make sure there were no deep grooves/cuts. Cleaned lens with IPA to remove contamination ie finger oils, dirt, etc. Then I hit it with a plastic UV protective clear coat. It did the trick. Additionally, before CC I could've sealed with some form of polish dedicated for this job. I've seen these clear films that are also UV resistant, but CC did the trick for me

I'd recommend getting a kit with the foam drill attachment. Power tools = easier job.

This may take practice. And since clear coat is involved, prep is everything!!! Please attempt at your own risk.

OP, if you meant crazing by the cracks on the INSIDE of the lens, then it is most likely due to heat damage on the inside. The fix is somewhat involved. And I don't even know if it'll fix it 100%. Which makes sense why you're asking for a replacement lens because I'm right there with you!

[Johnny Means]

By crazing, I mean the tiny cracks you get in paint or old glazed pottery. I can easily sand and refinish, but the tiny spiderweb crackling isn't going away.

[DriftMissle]

Are you clear coating? Crazing could be caused by contaminated surface, spraying too heavy, or not enough time between coats.

Try sanding the cracks with a finer grit if crack isn't too high. Then IPA wipe and try clear coating again.

[Larz]

do NOT use clear coat on these plastic lenses !!!!!!!! Clear Coat is a paint and not designed to be used on plastic! The clear coat will end up making spider cracks as it deteriorates and then you will need to use a variety of sand paper from coarse to fine, wet sanding to get the crud off the lenses. Use a product that is actually designed for headlamp plastic.
This is a good suggestion. You can purchase it on-line. I use Plast-X to polish and then mequiars to protect. Each year (or there abouts) I just clean the plastic and re-apply Meguiars.

[Ilya]

do NOT use clear coat on these plastic lenses !!!!!!!! Clear Coat is a paint and not designed to be used on plastic! The clear coat will end up making spider cracks as it deteriorates and then you will need to use a variety of sand paper from coarse to fine, wet sanding to get the crud off the lenses. You a product that is actually designed for headlamp plastic.
This is a good suggestion. You can purchase it on-line. I use Plast-X to polish and then mequiars to protect. Each year (or there abouts) I just clean the plastic and re-apply Meguiars.

I think the guy who painted my front bumper cleared my headlights...that would explain why I have a half-dollar sized 'spot' now where it looks like the first layer of clear has chipped off.