Foggy looking glass (inside) H4 Headlight lens- How to clean

jeffz · Post by **jeffz** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 9:56 am

Has anyone ever disassembled an H4 unit? I guess the lens is bonded to the reflector, and after staring at the bulb holding part of the reflector for a long time, I'm still at the "how'd they do that?"phase.
The inside of the lens looks like a fogged windshield, and I can't get at it with any kind of brush or tool to wipe it with the part that the bulb holder clips into still attached to the reflector. I thought about pouring really hot soapy water in there and swishing it around, but would it work??
Do I have to just live with it or buy a whole new headlight?
Thanks

cafe*racer · Post by **cafe*racer** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 1:51 pm

jeffz, you headlight lens doesn't happen to be an Aprilia Duplo? If so I would be happy to buy you a replacement for trade

A trick for polishing reflective 'silvered' surfaces is to use a baking soda and water paste. It will clean the surface without scratching. This should also clean the inside of the glass as well. Not sure how much sloshing around it will take though. Let us know how it works out, Jordan

nottonight68 · Post by **nottonight68** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 3:26 am

you can separate lens from reflector. needs to be soaked in something which ive forgotten is.ill rack my brain or ask my friend

Macdesmo · Post by **Macdesmo** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 1:15 am

Nottonight,
I hope you can find the info on separating the lens from the reflector and post it here. Regards,
Ian

nottonight68 · Post by **nottonight68** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 1:48 am

do you need to seperate one

nottonight68 · Post by **nottonight68** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 2:44 am

guess not

MartinMille BANNED · Post by **MartinMille BANNED** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 12:58 pm

arnt they just a black rubber seal ? if so you could try heating the unit up in an oven to see if this will make it simpler for you to seperate

Macdesmo · Post by **Macdesmo** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 2:23 pm

Nottonight,
I do need to separate one as I want to re-silver a reflector that is in poor condition. The only advice I have been able to get was from Phil Hitchcock at Road and Race who suggested that I try working my way around the lense with a thin blade and lift the crimp off. I think this may lend itself to chipping or cracking the lense, however.
Ian

nottonight68 · Post by **nottonight68** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 12:27 am

what model bike?
you will need to soak the reflector to break the seal
otherwise damage will occur-in what i am waiting for that info

Macdesmo · Post by **Macdesmo** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 1:18 am

Nottonight,
The headlight is an Aprilia 35964 which I think is the same as a 750GT/Sport. The lens is however from a MV Agusta America.
Ian

nottonight68 · Post by **nottonight68** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 1:39 am

so what your saying is there,s a mv sport america some where wihout a complete headlight.
not in your shed is it?
sport america would be in my top 5 most desirable
along with
genuine green frame
75 900ss
750 sfc
jota 3ce

in fact this might be the start of a new thread/poll -whats your top 5 most desirable bikes
i dont know how to set up a poll

cafe*racer · Post by **cafe*racer** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 10:31 am

you can add a poll only when you post a new topic. but I have found only a very few of us will participate in a poll anyway.

nottonight68 · Post by **nottonight68** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 12:50 am

ok
whats your top 5

Macdesmo · Post by **Macdesmo** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 1:43 am

The MV is getting a resto and there are some difficult parts to get around , not the least being a stuffed reflector. I need to get the reflector off and re-silvered and you said you knew how to sepatate the lens. Have you remembered the process?

nottonight68 · Post by **nottonight68** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 1:48 am

so your bike is an mv-not a duke.