Hello all,
Has anyone tried these AliExpress replacement headlight lens covers?
If so how did it go and did the old lenses come out without too much difficulty?
My existing one's have gone slightly cloudy.
Any advice much appreciated.
Nigel.

 

I have not tried switching out the lenses, but I have had all of my headlight bulbs replaced. I don't know if you have researched that process for a Bentley, but some people need to take apart half of their front-end just to switch out a few bulbs. Other people have said that they managed to do it without taking off side panels, etc, but they must have had really tiny hands. I let my mechanic replace my bulbs and the front side panels, bumper, etc etc had to come off. It was a whole day's worth of labor.

I imagine that in order to switch out the lenses, you need to remove the whole clusters from the car. Otherwise you would have to cut out the old lens while it's still mounted to the car, and glue the new one on in place. Seems very risky to me. Not something I would personally try with a Bentley. Is there not a way to refurbish cloudy lenses? Doesn't Maguiar's / Turtle Wax / other brands have kits and polishes for this?

 

Might want to consider a ceramic headlight restoration kit. Griot's Garage has one made with Cerakote Ceramics that has excellent reviews.

 

Thanks for the idea's guy's, but I really fancied replacing the lenses with new. I have tried various polishing techniques before, the results to be honest did not impress me that much. I checked also on the Cerekoat product and it's not available in the EU.
But thanks for the idea's anyway.

 

​​​​​​Hello @NigelM ,
My main concern would be the quality of the plastic used for these lenses, and most importantly, if they have a UV protectant coating, I haven't done these lenses on the Bentley, as my originals are still like new, but I have replaced some headlights on some of my past vehicles, with some aftermarket parts, on a Crown Vic, Lincoln Town Car (Dad's), Cadillac DTS, the Crown Vic didn't last a year, actually turned yellow and cloudy, the DTS got dull and easily pitted after about 2-3 years iirc, Dad's Lincoln is still looking like new after close to 4 years.

So I would seriously ask about the UV protection and quality of plastic, along with any guarantee as to the dulling/ clouding/yellowing of the lens.

Johnny

 

Thanks Johnny, it was just an idea really. Mine are really not so bad, it's just, you know, when you own cars like these you want them to look as good as possible, within reason of course.
Nigel.

 

Haven't done this on Bentley but I have replaced lenses with Chinese ones on 2 other of my cars and they've held up fine over 2 years or so. There are UV coating products if you're nervous and using a 2k clear is the best way.

Agreed, I've never once had success with the polishing kits. Either sand and hit with a 2k clear, or replace the lens. Good to know they're available for Bentley if needed. I have a Mercedes CL that needs new lenses and the only option are new OEM lights at $1200 eacb

 

The professional services do a very a good job restoring the lenses. I have a '14 Toyota Highlander that was very bad and the kits I tried did nothing. I had a guy come to the house and after a few hours he had them looking like brand new for $150. I know that Sam's Club offers that service too for $40 (not sure if that's for both). Google "headlight restoration near me" to see what's available in your area. Worth a try before replacing - particularly when body panels have to be removed for replacement.

 

Thanks for the advice BruceR,
Will see who I can find in the local area, like you say worth a go!
Nigel.