Headlight lenses

[Beastolizer]

NEW PROBLEM!

Now that I have the Laminex layer off the ellipsoids, I have a sticky residue that is left. I've tried using paint thinner and acetone (basically the same thing as paint thinner) but didnt really make much progress. The one headlight I attempted to clean this sticky residue of, is only slightly better than the other 3 headlights. How the hell can I get that shit off my headlights???

[deutschman]

laminex should just peal off. take a razer blade to it. then clean off the gunk with 50/50 water and ammonia or maybe some windex.

[Beastolizer]

See the problem is that it has probably been on there since the PO bought these and there are no places where I could just peel it off.

[gearheadE30]

Should be able to start at the very edge with a razor. You may have to take off the silver trim ring. A heat gun might help; or just leave the lights on for awhile.

[Beastolizer]

Ah, there we go. The heat gun will probably get the trick done. Thank you so much guys.

[PiercedE30]

Watch out though, the heat gun may crack the glass if you leave the heat blowing on one area.

[Beastolizer]

I'll make sure of that. Thank you.

[gearheadE30]

Yeah; if you get serious heat on it make sure you do it evenly. If it gets hot enough and you touch it with something colder, like your fingers, the lens will crack. Try to use the minimum amount if heat possible.

Another option would be to actually take the light assembly out of the car and stick it in the oven for awhile. This will get the assembly hot at an even rate. I wouldn't go over 300 degrees though. Also, this will make the glue holding the lens on fairly soft, but it shouldn't be a problem.

[Beastolizer]

If you didn't read above:

Now that I have the Laminex layer off the ellipsoids, I have a sticky residue that is left. I've tried using paint thinner and acetone (basically the same thing as paint thinner) but didnt really make much progress. The one headlight I attempted to clean this sticky residue of, is only slightly better than the other 3 headlights. How the hell can I get that shit off my headlights???

[Kerrath]

Just for general knowledge, paint thinner is usually mineral spirits, not acetone. It thins only oil-based paints. I dunno what the base is for the sticky for those, but I've found that rubbing alcohol and light abrasives (plastic brush/toothbrush) works pretty well for getting label sticky and stuff like that off. Just a thought. If that doesn't work, I definitely recommend razor+soapy water to reduce friction. If they do that on tinted windows, no reason it shouldn't really work on headlights too.

Good luck.

[gearheadE30]

I used goo-gone. Target had it, and its just an oil based solvent. Honestly, gasoline and a rough cotton rag would work as well.

[wodcutr]

laquer thinner should work too!

[Beastolizer]

used laquer thinner as well. My problem was that the different methods I tried to use, would work while it was on there, but not completely remove the sticky goo. It would just almost liquify a little bit, but never full be removed. I'll have to try the razor with soapy water, then probly the goo gone. Thanks for suggestions guys!

[PiercedE30]

Try using some carb cleaner and a razor. I have had good look with that combo. The carb cleaner helps to soften the "goo" a good bit and then you can scrap the majority of it off with the razor. When you get the majority of it off with the razor, use a rag or something and the carb cleaner to remove the remaining goo.

[Beastolizer]

carb cleaner?