My favorite Subi of all time was our '88 GL-10 with the hi-lo transfer case and glass headlights. It was gutless, but what a champ!

 

This '97 OBW I just bought has plastic headlight lenses that have yellowed. They also feel rough, like they've been sandblasted (duh!). Light seems to get through them and out onto the road, but I'd be happier if they were clear.

 

Aftermarket new HL assemblies go for about $100 a pop, plus overly expensive shipping. Wrecking yards are no help in the DC metro area. On my '94 Honda Accord there are about a bazillion aftermarket suppliers of everything from stock replacements to projector-type blingbling, and they're relatively cheap, but I haven't been able to find the same stuff for Subis.

 

Anybody know of any solutions to this problem? Ever tried polishing the plastic? Know of any aftermarket suppliers? I'm a cheap bastard from the era of $8 universal round halogen lights, so $500 JDM units are not in my lexicon.

 

Cheers.

Do a search, there have been a number of threads on lamp cover restorations ... from sandpaper to brake fluid.

 

It CAN be done. And you're right, plastic lamp covers suck, but it's not just Subaru, just about every car has 'em these days.

Kewl. Thanks.

Kewl. Thanks.

 

besides polishing the lenses, consider installing Sylvania Silverstar bulbs. They're more expensive than conventional halogen bulbs (and I've read that they might not last as long) but they're substantially brighter. Think I paid 29 bucks for a set of two at Advanced Auto a few months ago..........just beware of the silly-rump roast five dollar rebate offers from Advanced Auto. I'll never understand why it takes 12 weeks to receive a 5 dollar rebate check in the mail.

I have had the same problem with my lights. Mequires makes a really great clear plastic cleaner and polish. its a two step deal but really works well with a small rpm buffing ball or pad. I used a kit from tool specialist that was offered a few months ago, i don't know if its still avalible, and it woorked great. It helped a ton. wont get rid of large pits and sometimes the damage it too much but it will help keep the light on the road ahead. The lights seem weaker because the light is refracted away instead of focused down to the road. careful not to burn the plastic!!

My favorite Subi of all time was our '88 GL-10 with the hi-lo transfer case and glass headlights. It was gutless, but what a champ!

 

This '97 OBW I just bought has plastic headlight lenses that have yellowed. They also feel rough, like they've been sandblasted (duh!). Light seems to get through them and out onto the road, but I'd be happier if they were clear.

 

Aftermarket new HL assemblies go for about $100 a pop, plus overly expensive shipping. Wrecking yards are no help in the DC metro area. On my '94 Honda Accord there are about a bazillion aftermarket suppliers of everything from stock replacements to projector-type blingbling, and they're relatively cheap, but I haven't been able to find the same stuff for Subis.

 

Anybody know of any solutions to this problem? Ever tried polishing the plastic? Know of any aftermarket suppliers? I'm a cheap bastard from the era of $8 universal round halogen lights, so $500 JDM units are not in my lexicon.

 

Cheers.

stock soob headlights do suck, thats why i have a few auxilary lights.

If you mean '97 OB headlights suck... yup. They do. Our '03 Impreza is much much better, still not great but much improved.

 

My $.03: +1 for the Sylvanias but IMO try the Sylvania XtraVisions (rather than the Silverstars). Same bulb but half the cost and no tint on the glass to make it look whiter (which it admittedly does). Expect 15% better light output and 20% of the lifespan though, as compared to the OEM ones.

 

Check out these links (OEM on left, Sylvania Siverstars on the right)

 

Steve

Silverstars are one of the standard upgrades I do with my cars. They're awesome. I had XtraVisions on my Jeep (sealed beam, but same bulb technology I think), but found that Silverstars put a lot more light out on the road. The difference is most obvious on wet streets. With Silverstars you can actually see.