For many years, well into the 1960's, VW had both integral glass lenses
and a glass covering lens. Jaguar also had something similar on the XKE.
Pretty much all headlamps through the 1980's were the integrated glass
design, either rectangular or round. I had a 1984 Audi 4000S coupe
(only one I ever saw in the US) with four small rectangular integrated
glass lenses. Over 18 years I believe I replaced only one of them and
the glass never pitted or frosted.

The push for aerodynamics and flexibility of design, as well as
regulation, has resulted in the plastic lenses of today. They are costly
and a pain to replace. For many vehicles replacing a bulb is an arduous
task, often requiring the removal of many parts and trim.

On 12/21/2012 12:35 PM, KWW wrote:
> Weren't the old lenses glass, with plastic being reserved for the
> colored lights (red, yellow, and frosted white)? Used to be in the US
> that one could not have a cover over the sealed beam headlight, I
> believe. Of course about 30 years ago part of the yearly inspection
> included making sure that the headlights were aimed properly and that
> they were not over the legal limit for candle power. Wish they'd
> re-institute that part of inspection. Some headlights these days are
> blinding.
>
> On 12/21/2012 10:46 AM, jim beam wrote:
>> On 12/18/2012 10:06 AM, Douglas C. Neidermeyer wrote:
>>> On 12/18/12 9:05 AM, KWW wrote:
>>>> I got a kit at Harbor Freight on special sale for less than $10, as I
>>>> recall. I procrastinated a LONG time before doing it but once I did it
>>>> restored the lenses on both my '99 Hyundai Electra and my wife's SUV so
>>>> that they look great. Biggest thing is to take your time and, on the
>>>> final coating don't fall for the temptation to go back over it like you
>>>> would painting. That makes it streaky. The '99 Elentra's lenses were
>>>> badly yellowed and looked more like a frosted light before I started
>>>> but
>>>> now look as clear as if I'd bought new lenses.
>>>>
>>>> Good luck!
>>>>
>>>> On 12/17/2012 8:28 PM, Michael wrote:
>>>>> Honda wants about $100 to polish/restore the headlight lenses on my
>>>>> 2000 Accord. I find kits ranging in price from $10-$40. Are they
>>>>> all the same? Any recommendations as to which is good/bad? TIA.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --- news://freenews.netfront.net/ - complaints: ---
>>>
>>> I wonder how long the new finish lasts. When did you do yours?
>>>
>>
>> has anyone ever bothered to ask themselves why it is that these lenses
>> deteriorate? we had cars with side light and turn signal lenses that
>> didn't suffer these problems for 2 or 3 decades. now we can't have a
>> light lens that doesn't start to cloud in just 5 years. it's not like
>> the polymer guys don't know about successful u.v. protection.
>>
>>
>
>
> --- news://freenews.netfront.net/ - complaints: ---