+- Madison Motorsports (https://forum.mmsports.org)
+-- Forum: Technical (https://forum.mmsports.org/forumdisplay.php?fid=4)
+--- Forum: Technical Discussion (https://forum.mmsports.org/forumdisplay.php?fid=11)
+--- Thread: Stress cracks in headlights - thoughts? (/showthread.php?tid=7458)
Stress cracks in headlights - thoughts? - WRXtranceformed - 07-11-2008
So I'm not sure whether it was pre-existing (doubtful, I would have noticed it) or whether they occurred from heating the headlight to install the Rockblocker on them but my driver's side headlight has a series of small stress cracks in it now. I could actually see them through the film, which I removed the other day because I drove through a rainstorm a few weeks ago and the lack of light output was VERY noticeable. During normal driving it was fine, but that was a no brainer for me (I know I know).
Question: Have any of you guys ever repaired stress cracks in a headlight that you can feel with your fingers? It doesn't look like the cracks go all the way through the light. I've refinished headlights by wetsanding / Plastic-X / buffing but the cracks weren't quite as deep as these. Any recommendations on grits I should use? Thanks
![[Image: 0711081021.jpg]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v402/WRXTranceformed/0711081021.jpg)
![[Image: 0711081021a.jpg]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v402/WRXTranceformed/0711081021a.jpg)
- HAULN-SS - 07-11-2008
are you sure that's not just sticky crap leftover?
- WRXtranceformed - 07-11-2008
Yes, they're cracks. I can feel them with my fingernail.
Re: Stress cracks in headlights - thoughts? - .RJ - 07-11-2008
WRXtranceformed Wrote:heating the headlight to install the Rockblocker on them
TurboOmni08 Wrote:Jesus dude...its a new car. Just drive it.
Re: Stress cracks in headlights - thoughts? - WRXtranceformed - 07-11-2008
WRXtranceformed Wrote:(I know I know).
- Evan - 07-11-2008
you have 2 choices
1. Stop worrying about it. They dont block any measurable amount of light.
2. Buy new headlights.
- WRXtranceformed - 07-11-2008
I'm not worried about the cracks blocking light, it's just an aesthetic thing. And I guess eventually if it gets cold enough down here in the winter the cracks could expand and get worse.
You don't think those could be sanded down, filled in and buffed?
- Mike - 07-11-2008
no, you'd be doing a lot of sanding.
- WRXtranceformed - 07-11-2008
Hrmm... might just hit them with some Plastic-X and a high speed buffer just to get them filled in and sealed somewhat then.
- Evan - 07-11-2008
anyone else see the irony of breaking your headlights while installing headlight protectors?
- WRXtranceformed - 07-11-2008
*sigh*