New Griff owner - Milky/Cloudy head light lenses

[Trainspotter]

Hi All,

First of all may I introduce myself as a newbie to the world of Griffith ownership. My father bought his Imperial Blue '98 Griff 500 a little over a year ago and since then buying one for myself has been in the back of my mind.

A couple of weeks ago I took the plunge and sold my Audi S4 (Biturbo) for a rather more exciting drive. First impressions are good, but the without the rush of the turbos the Griff doesn't 'feel' as quick and I am used to being able to plant my right foot whatever the weather

Anyway, more to the point...

The glass headlight lenses on my Griff are somewhat milky/cloudy, which I imagine is not helping what can be best described as utterly disgraceful headlights in terms of performance. I will be upgrading the lights (most likely the HID route), but I was wondering if anyone has experience of bringing the glass back to its former self?

From what I've read on the web and these forums, I will have to take the pods apart to gain access to the glass. Does anyone know of an easier way to remove the milky film?

Thank you in advance.

Regards,

Jez

[Simpo Two]

Trainspotter said:

A couple of weeks ago I took the plunge and sold my Audi S4 (Biturbo) for a rather more exciting drive. First impressions are good, but the without the rush of the turbos the Griff doesn't 'feel' as quick

Maybe but you don't have to change down!

Trainspotter said:

I am used to being able to plant my right foot whatever the weather

Yes, a bad idea in a Griff. Remember now that the weak link in the chain now is not the car but the driver.

Trainspotter said:

The glass headlight lenses on my Griff are somewhat milky/cloudy, which I imagine is not helping what can be best described as utterly disgraceful headlights in terms of performance. I will be upgrading the lights (most likely the HID route), but I was wondering if anyone has experience of bringing the glass back to its former self? From what I've read on the web and these forums, I will have to take the pods apart to gain access to the glass. Does anyone know of an easier way to remove the milky film?

The clear parts are not glass but plastic. I don't know if the milkyness you describe is a degradation of that plastic, or maybe just a thin film of crud inside. Either way, you need to turn the front wheels so you can get to the access panel in the wheel arch and wriggle the pods out from the inside, carefully cutting the sealant as you do so. Then dismantle the 'pod' so you have the plastic top, GRP bottom and headlight seperate. Then you can tell if the milky film is polishable off or not. If it is, carry on. If not, you can buy replacement 'glasses' and fit those.

My Griff may not have rally-style Cibie Oscar-type lighting but is fine for me with normal lamps.

Edited by Simpo Two on Thursday 29th November 20:12

[V8 GRF]

There's a tutorial with regards to getting the pods in and out here (PDF file)

This stuff is brilliant for cleaning the rear window, it removed all the scratches from mine and brought it back to clear again if this doesn't clear the lenses then nothing will. Hindsight You only need to buy the cheaper kit as you get loads, you don't use much and it will last for years.

Get new ones from TVR Power or TVR Parts if needed, about £70 inc VAT and Postage IIRC

Edited by V8 GRF on Thursday 29th November 14:34