Stress cracks in headlights - thoughts?
#1
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 Big Grin

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Posting in the banalist of threads since 2004

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Past: 2016 GMC Canyon All Terrain Crew Cab / 2010 Jaguar XFR / 2012 Acura RDX AWD Tech / 2008 Cadillac CTS / 2007 Acura TL-S / 1966 5.0 HO Mustang Coupe
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#2
are you sure that's not just sticky crap leftover?
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#3
Yes, they're cracks. I can feel them with my fingernail.
Posting in the banalist of threads since 2004

2017 Mazda CX-5 GT AWD Premium

Past: 2016 GMC Canyon All Terrain Crew Cab / 2010 Jaguar XFR / 2012 Acura RDX AWD Tech / 2008 Cadillac CTS / 2007 Acura TL-S / 1966 5.0 HO Mustang Coupe
2001 Lexus IS300 / 2004 2.8L big turbo WRX STI / 2004 Subaru WRX / A couple of old trucks
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#4
WRXtranceformed Wrote:heating the headlight to install the Rockblocker on them

TurboOmni08 Wrote:Jesus dude...its a new car. Just drive it.
(09-25-2019, 03:18 PM)V1GiLaNtE Wrote: I think you need to see a mental health professional.
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#5
WRXtranceformed Wrote:(I know I know).
Posting in the banalist of threads since 2004

2017 Mazda CX-5 GT AWD Premium

Past: 2016 GMC Canyon All Terrain Crew Cab / 2010 Jaguar XFR / 2012 Acura RDX AWD Tech / 2008 Cadillac CTS / 2007 Acura TL-S / 1966 5.0 HO Mustang Coupe
2001 Lexus IS300 / 2004 2.8L big turbo WRX STI / 2004 Subaru WRX / A couple of old trucks
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#6
you have 2 choices

1. Stop worrying about it. They dont block any measurable amount of light.
2. Buy new headlights.
SM #55 | 06 Titan | 12 Focus | 06 Exige | 14 CX-5
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#7
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?
Posting in the banalist of threads since 2004

2017 Mazda CX-5 GT AWD Premium

Past: 2016 GMC Canyon All Terrain Crew Cab / 2010 Jaguar XFR / 2012 Acura RDX AWD Tech / 2008 Cadillac CTS / 2007 Acura TL-S / 1966 5.0 HO Mustang Coupe
2001 Lexus IS300 / 2004 2.8L big turbo WRX STI / 2004 Subaru WRX / A couple of old trucks
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#8
no, you'd be doing a lot of sanding.
I Am Mike
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#9
Hrmm... might just hit them with some Plastic-X and a high speed buffer just to get them filled in and sealed somewhat then.
Posting in the banalist of threads since 2004

2017 Mazda CX-5 GT AWD Premium

Past: 2016 GMC Canyon All Terrain Crew Cab / 2010 Jaguar XFR / 2012 Acura RDX AWD Tech / 2008 Cadillac CTS / 2007 Acura TL-S / 1966 5.0 HO Mustang Coupe
2001 Lexus IS300 / 2004 2.8L big turbo WRX STI / 2004 Subaru WRX / A couple of old trucks
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#10
anyone else see the irony of breaking your headlights while installing headlight protectors? Wink
SM #55 | 06 Titan | 12 Focus | 06 Exige | 14 CX-5
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#11
*sigh*
Posting in the banalist of threads since 2004

2017 Mazda CX-5 GT AWD Premium

Past: 2016 GMC Canyon All Terrain Crew Cab / 2010 Jaguar XFR / 2012 Acura RDX AWD Tech / 2008 Cadillac CTS / 2007 Acura TL-S / 1966 5.0 HO Mustang Coupe
2001 Lexus IS300 / 2004 2.8L big turbo WRX STI / 2004 Subaru WRX / A couple of old trucks
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