Headlight reflector marked

[Derek364]

Hi, Washed the car this morning and noticed a trickle of water entering the headlight unit. ventilation plugs had been fitted and this one had come off, so there was a hole in the side of the headlight. i thought i would use a cotton bud to soak up the water before temporarily plugging the hole prior to getting a new vent bit. As soon as the cotton bud touched the lens a bit of black appeared, initially i thought it was dirt and continued now I think I've rubbed the silver off. - I hardly touched with the cotton bud. Any thoughts anyone?

[mike020150]

If the performance of the headlight remains adequate (more than likely), just curse and live with it. If not, a replacement unit (new or second hand) is the only practical way forward. In the past, to avoid physical abrasion, I have rinsed out dirty headlight units with methylated spirit. However, it's vital to leave the treated units a long time to dry out otherwise, there would be a risk of explosion when a headlight bulb warmed up! Mike.

[Derek364]

It works fine Mike. The reflector comes with the lens assembly - £120 new; I'll keep an eye on e-bay. Even one with a cracked glass would be ok because I could use the original. I was just surprised how easy they mark.

[MyQuest]

Derek364,

Could you dab a bit of 'chrome' or silver touch-up paint on the affected area? Most auto shops sell the stuff.

I'm guessing the reflector is made of plastic -what isn't - but figure a light touch with a cotton bud might cover it.

Michael

[MarkyM]

If you accessed the lighting innards from where the 'elephant trunks' are fitted then you've only damaged the reflector where the indicators are. Sicne this seems to be seperated from the high beam enclosure (and the mainly used dipped beams are on the outer edge) the heat gnerated should be minimal. so some touch up chrome paint should be fine. Not sure how it will 'weather since it gets pretty cold out there.

I upgraded my standard lights to OEM Xenons using the services of designxkr

lights = +£350 (2nd hand from main dealer)
labour = +£250
ebay selling the original lights -£285

So the total cost (excl fuel getting to Andover) of conversion was £315

Something you might consider

Regards

Mark
PS: I removed some of the chrome paint off my old lights but this was only in the high beam area and they still sold

[Derek364]

Thanks Mark and Michael,

I'll give it a go with the touch up paint - do you think I should try to do it through the "elephant trunk" access - bit of a tight fit but probably possible with a small brush (well the cotton bud got through) - or take the glass off.

If I take the glass off will I need to reseal with sealant or do they self seal?

[Derek364]

Thanks Mark and Michael,

I'll give it a go with the touch up paint - do you think I should try to do it through the "elephant trunk" access - bit of a tight fit but probably possible with a small brush (well the cotton bud got through) - or take the glass off.

If I take the glass off will I need to reseal with sealant or do they self seal?

[Derek364]

Managed to do it through the elephant trunk access. Doesn't look too bad. Thanks again.