I've got a 98 camaro and have noticed that my clear factory lenses have not been so clear lately. It looks like they've gotten some sort of dirty, smokey film over them. It started in a small area and has spread throughout the entire lens on both the passenger and drivers sides. Does anyone know what causes this and what I can do to get rid of it, other than replacing the plastic lenses.

Thanks...

 

Well, it may be able to be fixed, but it really depends on whether the film is on the inside of the lens or outside. If it's a moisture/dirt buildup on the inside, nothing will help short of taking them off the car and cleaning the inside. But, sometimes the lenses do lose their clarity on the outside too, so I'd see if this is the problem first. You will need a good plastic polish to polish the lenses and restore the clarity. I'd recommend the Zaino plastic polish since it's a simple one step product, however there are a few others that would do the trick as well, such as Novus, Meguiar's, Plexus, 3M, etc..... Here's a "how-to" from one source, but obviously this isn't the only way to polish plastics...http://store.yahoo.com/classic-motor...plasheadl.html

Here are a few items for you too look over and see what you think fits your needs the best:
http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/...ory_Code=Zaino

http://store.yahoo.com/classic-motor...slenclean.html

http://store.yahoo.com/classic-motoring/meplplclpo.html

http://store.yahoo.com/classic-motor...mulfinres.html

http://www.autogeek.net/motplaspol.html

You can usually get Novus plastic polishes at some motorcycle dealers. I've found some at the local Harley dealer here. There are plenty of choices, so I'd recommend you read up on all the alternatives and chose what's right for you. Some of these plastic polishes, like the Zaino and Mother's for instance, also leave some protection for the lenses.

Mike

 

Thanks, the film build up is diffenately on the outside. I've never had any problems with moisture buildup on the inside. The first ariticle describes exactly what I'm experiencing. I do appreciate your help.