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Foggy Headlights & poor brightness. Replace or ?

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by InternationalTrucker, Nov 27, 2013.

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  1. Nov 27, 2013 #1
    InternationalTrucker

    InternationalTrucker Light Load Member

    70
    19
    Oct 22, 2013
    Dallas,TX
    0
    My 07 a Freightliner Columbia have horrible foggy/cloudy headlights. I bough the truck back a month ago and I need some advice. Seems like the easier but not cheaper way to go is just to replace the whole headlight ( $240 on ebay) or use some product that can clean and help or even toothpaste ( I just read this morning how effective it can be). So, my first question is: What product or brand should I use to clean or old plain toothpaste will truly do the job?
    Now, the second part of these post is that If I am able to have it well cleaned, I would like to replace the bulbs for brighter ones. I have zero clue at what I have to do and what to get in case if I replace for brighter ones ( is it just, plug out and plug in or do I need to replace the harness?). I am not looking to make anyone blind out there...just looking for a cheaper way to be able to see the road better and be a safer driver...
    please, include the bulb light number and where to get if possible.
    Thank you in advance for all the feedback and HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE.
     
    InternationalTrucker, Nov 27, 2013
    InternationalTrucker, Nov 27, 2013
    #1
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  3. Nov 27, 2013 #2
    tirednaz

    tirednaz Heavy Load Member

    838
    430
    Oct 4, 2011
    Arizona
    0
    I have tried Mothers and turtle Wax products so far trying to clear up the headlights, no luck I'm looking at replacing them. As for the bulbs I believe they are a 9006 or 9007 you can get them at any part store just take one with you for comparison.
     
    tirednaz, Nov 27, 2013
    tirednaz, Nov 27, 2013
    #2
  4. Nov 27, 2013 #3
    InternationalTrucker

    InternationalTrucker Light Load Member

    70
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    Oct 22, 2013
    Dallas,TX
    0
    No luck at all? You really think that my only option is to replace the whole thing? Is the 9006 and/or 9007 the same ones that comes from manufacture? I am really looking to get something brighter but legal and bright enough not too blind other fellow drivers...
     
    InternationalTrucker, Nov 27, 2013
    InternationalTrucker, Nov 27, 2013
    #3
  5. Nov 27, 2013 #4
    tirednaz

    tirednaz Heavy Load Member

    838
    430
    Oct 4, 2011
    Arizona
    0
    That's just the part numbers. Take one of the bulbs with you to the local Autozone and you will find about 5 different kinds from stock to daylight bright. Just match up the bulb. IDK about your only option is replacement I was just stating what I had used, there might be something out there that works. My headlights were really bad IMO.
     
    tirednaz, Nov 27, 2013
    tirednaz, Nov 27, 2013
    #4
    InternationalTrucker Thanks this.
  7. Nov 27, 2013 #5
    boneebone

    boneebone Road Train Member

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    Mar 13, 2009
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    Your best bet is to replace them with new ones, the toothpaste and Headlight Repair kits are a temporary fix and they will constantly have to be redone.
     
    boneebone, Nov 27, 2013
    boneebone, Nov 27, 2013
    #5
    Cetane+ and InternationalTrucker Thank this.
  8. Nov 27, 2013 #6
    robbiehorn

    robbiehorn Light Load Member

    143
    56
    Jul 18, 2010
    Axtell,Texas
    0
    I tried to buff out some in my old truck which was a Columbia with one of those $25 3M kits and it helped a little but didn't last long at all. I say put your money towards new ones.
     
    robbiehorn, Nov 27, 2013
    robbiehorn, Nov 27, 2013
    #6
    InternationalTrucker Thanks this.
  9. Nov 27, 2013 #7
    25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    18,693
    43,207
    Sep 18, 2006
    the road less travelled
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    We had some done and they worked. The manual for the Columbia said to use only water to clean them, as the solvent(alcohol) in the wash buckets took the anti-cloud coating off, and so far, that helped with the newer ones. You sand off the fog and progressively go to finer sandpaper until it appears almost clear and the liquid is used to recoat the lense.
    Napa sold some kits, too, I'm not sure if they were made by 3-M or not.

    The bulbs are straight inline versions of the 9005 and 9006 with XS after the number, 9005XS is high beam and 9006XS is low beam if I remember correctly.


    You can hook up standard bulbs with some difficulty if needed, but the right ones are much easier to use.
     
    25(2)+2, Nov 27, 2013
    25(2)+2, Nov 27, 2013
    #7
    InternationalTrucker Thanks this.
  10. Nov 28, 2013 #8
    KeithT1967

    KeithT1967 Road Train Member

    1,458
    1,542
    Nov 12, 2008
    Springfield, Ohio
    0
    I use 0000 steel wool and rubbing compound on plastic lenses. Rubbing compound on the steel wool then switch to rubbing compound on a rag. Works great. After the first time wax the lense to give it some protection and hit with the rubbing compound alone as soon as it starts clouding again. Just near use the steel wool dry unless you intend to do a lot of polishing. ;)
     
    KeithT1967, Nov 28, 2013
    KeithT1967, Nov 28, 2013
    #8
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  11. Nov 28, 2013 #9
    "Hang - Man"

    "Hang - Man" Heavy Load Member

    737
    583
    Nov 12, 2013
    Western PA
    0
    Yes what others have said above -rubbing compound followed by wax -small buffer would help.
    Also if they are fogged on the inside and are made like a cars newer style plastic headlights -you can pop out the whole unit and put it in your oven at like 200 degrees on a towel to soften the glue that holds the lens - pull it apart and buff- polish the inside of the lens then reseal.
    FYI: i have never tried this but hear this works as the glue/ caulking is fairly soft any way.
     
    "Hang - Man", Nov 28, 2013
    "Hang - Man", Nov 28, 2013
    #9
    InternationalTrucker Thanks this.
  12. Nov 30, 2013 #10
    InternationalTrucker

    InternationalTrucker Light Load Member

    70
    19
    Oct 22, 2013
    Dallas,TX
    0
    I appreciate your info and I am about to head to a store to get the material necessary for such job. My first question is: any specific brand for the rubbing compound you recommend? 2. What is a rag (I'm sorry, but English is not my primary language and I do speak and write but here and there I don't know a word and I rather ask. And third and lays, what is usually the amount of time that it takes per headlight? Thanks again for this valuable info.
     
    InternationalTrucker, Nov 30, 2013
    InternationalTrucker, Nov 30, 2013
    #10
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