MOT failure - obscure headlamp lenses

[Bessybongo]

Hi all, just had a Advisory item, on my MOT. both front headlamps lens deterioated, i dont know if they new it was a film on the lens or if they thought t was a lens fault, i dident take the van to the station myself, but it was border line, ill try all your ways and let you know how i get on, watch this space.

(Bessybongo South Wales)

Ill Scream and Shout at the Mountain tops,
and walk Quietly and Peacefully in the Valleys

[mikeonb4c]

Good luck Bessybongo, keep us posted.

Here's a question everyone. If you fitted dipping spotlights, wired to work with the headlights, would that make the MOT people happy? Since early Bongos don't have stunning headlights at the best of times, that could be a cost and illumination effective workaround. I have 100W (illegal?) spots wired so they come with main beam and they are the dogs doobries I tell ya

[bigdaddycain]

That's an interesting point mike...I feel that the main factory fitted headlights would be the only items that the tester is REALLY concerned about.

In the real world, i'd be tempted to use the auxillary dipped main beams on a set of cibie oscars (the complete lamp as fitted to a lot of kit cars)if they were adjusted correctly...

Davebluozzie has a set fitted to his freda, with side/dipped/and main beams icorporated into the extra lamps.

Sidelights only:

http://s25.photobucket.com/albums/c97/j ... 0222-1.jpg

Factory dipped beam:

http://s25.photobucket.com/albums/c97/j ... 0223-1.jpg

Full dipped beams:

http://s25.photobucket.com/albums/c97/j ... 0224-1.jpg

Full main beams:

http://s25.photobucket.com/albums/c97/j ... 0225-1.jpg

[bigdaddycain]

I have since found out why some bongo headlamps have the film fitted to the factory lights...Ya know how the japanese are "big" on courtesy? Well, it's considered rude to pull up behind another vehicle with the dipped beams still left illuminated, it's common practice in japan to manually revert to sidelights when stopped in traffic, to avoid unnecessary glare to the vehicle in front. (this is why some bongo's have the auto dipping feature on the lights when neutral, or park is selected) Others have the film applied to permanently reduce the light output of the lamps, when you consider that a lot of driving is stop start in heavy traffic, it starts to make some sense...

Rest assured, that if your bongo has the dreaded yellow film attached...the previous owner quite possibly would always have held a door open for you.. Or laid his best jacket across a puddle for you to step over....

[cheffy34]

Well their you go


Can i just peel it off then Maybe if i blindfold the wife and tell her it peeling skin from sunburn she will do it for me

[bigdaddycain]

It's worth a try cheffy!

[teenmal]

Hi guys,A pal of mine had problems with tarnished head lamp lenses.
He told me he cured it by using bicarbonate of soda and a nylon scourer.
He then applied Crystal Disc cd repair fluid using a soft cloth.
He said it restored them like new and will probably stop the yellow coming back,as they are now protected by the Polymer in the cleaner.

Ps he also said,that the tarnishing is caused by the UV coating wearing off.

PHEW. hope this helps.

Mal.

[bigdaddycain]

Hi Mal, with lamps like the mk1 mondeo, where there is a plastic lining inside a glass lens, then yes,non UV bulbs can cause the yellowing, (it actually has a warning sticker on the lamp of the mondeo warning of this). But i don't think that's the case with the bongo.

The entire lens is plastic,and some bongo's have a film deliberately fitted whilst in japan, (see my previous post). I'm sure the magic cure for removal of the film is out there somewhere...I'd be tempted to try autoglym intensive tar remover, especially if the film is scratched.

I wouldn't fancy trying anything scoury, or in any way abrasive on the lens, without being prepared to polish it back to a perfect surface again.

[jaylee]

Just a thought.
Maybe it's some kind of optional anti stone damage coating that just discolours & degrades with time...?

I remember years ago having an anti glare/scratch resistant coating on my glasses, it ended up degenerating in a similar way to the vehicle lights, resulting in a constantly dirty discoloured look to the lenses...!

[bigdaddycain]

Could be jaylee, i have been told by an importers agent that its a film for reducing the light output for courtesy to others (the car in front, when stopped in traffic) some bongo's have an electrical auto headlamp dipping option that is low speed related....Maybe the film has a dual purpose too? A stone chip protector, of sorts?

[jaylee]

Maybe that's what it is then...!
It's the mid 90's Japan...
You sit in the show room, discussing colour, spec options & finance etc with the Mazda Sales man, then just before you sign on the line & are the proud owner of a spanking new Bongo Friendee!

...The guilt trip is laid on & you are coerced in to buying the "courtesy pack" as an optional extra.

[Moondance_Scotland]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sally-Hansen-Ac ... B000W3SWOQ

Moondance Scotland

go there, mine are all stained also....u try first then?? let me know

[jaylee]

I used this, borrowed from my girlfriend..
http://www.sallyhansen.co.uk/products/n ... h-remover/

My Bongo's worth it!