"Flaking" effect on side of headlights?

[GetBlown2k3]

I've noticed this on quite a few 03/04 Cobra headlights, and then I just noticed mine has a little bit of it too? What is this from? It's like a clearcoat flaking off on the sides of the headlights where the yellow sidemarkers are. What is this from, what causes this, and how can you get rid of it/prevent it? It's not bad, but if I plan on taking my car to shows and stuff, I'm going to get a new set of headlights and make sure this doesn't happen to them.

 

[zaxjax]

I haven't seen anything to prevent it or fix it other than getting new headlights. Hopefully someone has an answer but leave it Ford to make inferior parts.

 

[Steve2050]

Mine has the same "flaking" and I have no idea what caused it. The car isn't even driven that much and always parked inside.

 

[stangkid]

Mine has the same problem too.

 

[jf4boogie]

Meguiars Plastic X seems to help hide it but definitely doesnt cure the problem...

 

[divided]

Mine has it as well.

 

[gt03mustang]

Best thing to do is sand the headlights to actually remove the clear. Than polish them out and reapply a new coat of clear. Dont apply wax to headlights because it will make them yellow.

 

[STG]

Best thing to do is sand the headlights to actually remove the clear. Than polish them out and reapply a new coat of clear. Dont apply wax to headlights because it will make them yellow.

I've been waxing mine since new. I've also used PlastX and #80, #82 and #83. They're NOT yellow. UV causes plastic headlights to turn yellow.

 

[gt03mustang]

Some waxes will make headlights turn yellow, same thing with clear bras.

 

[srl135]

wow a clear bra turning yellow would be a hell of a problem!!

+1 on the headlight issue...i saw mine doing that and didnt realize how much of a reoccuring problem it would be but DAMN, this is just one of those things that is quite frustrating! I agree with sanding it off and applying some sort of protection. A new clear coat would be awesome, but i worry about getting any runs on there and ending up with worse looking lights. I just make sure to use plastix and wax..seems to be working

 

[bmxer89]

Have not noticed any on mine, hope does not happen.

 

[STG]

Some waxes will make headlights turn yellow, same thing with clear bras.

No, UV makes plastic turn yellow. Name the wax that theoretically turns plastic yellow.

 

[gt03mustang]

Yes, UV also causes yellowing, never said it didnt. Dont apply waxes that contain dyes on headlights or clear bras.

 

[getTwisted]

mine barely has some flaking. I thought about buying a new set of headlights. has anybody else bought new headlights? and where did you purchase them from? would the $75 headlights on ebay be the same as OEM.

 

[01SVTSnake]

Mine are flaking as well (aftermarket) I would just sand it all off and keep them up with plastic polish and find something to protect them with

 

[gt03mustang]

Another option instead of applying a clear coat to them (which will probably flake again eventually), would be to apply a clear bra film.

 

[rjs281]

I had this problem and tried wetsanding them and it didn't really help much. Just bought a new set off ebay and sealed them. They look good.

 

[mustangmike02]

mine has it also. was just considering picking up some smoked clear ones.

 

[ROADSTR6]

Mine are flaking as well. I guess I'll just buy new ones.

 

[MachME]

Pics of this problem?