Thanks, previous owner.

[Splorg]

Time to address one of the more annoying things the previous owner of my Yukon did.

I guess in the interest of looking "cool' on a budget, the previous owner, or likely the previous owners children, took a can of Krylon to my exterior light lenses to black them out. It....didn't work. It looks awful, and is cracking. Looks like they may have also tried to do the corner reflectors on the headlamp assemblies, too, and drove it before it was dry (!!!). They got the taillights too. Ugh.

I'm working on a pretty tight budget these days, and I'd prefer to not have to buy new lenses if I can avoid it. I'm just not sure how on Earth to get this garbage off without ruining the lenses if they aren't already toast.

Any ideas on something safe to try?

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[Slronhill]

Not a solution that you asked for but you can have my OEM tail lights if you want, I have no use of them since I'll be putting new ones on.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

@Tonyrodz has a nice set with the black edges instead of the stupid red for sale.

 

[Tonyrodz]

@Tonyrodz has a nice set with the black edges instead of the stupid red for sale.

They're actually a really nice set. Nice and shiney.

 

[drakon543]

hmm if i recall there should be an autobody plastic safe paint stripper available. also try some maguires plastic x with some eldow grease for the tails. i also recall its either brake fluid or transmission fluid if you leave it on cheap paint for model cars it does a good job. last suggestion as it can be a little more aggressive brake parts cleaner does a great job at stripping paint and is less aggressive than a product like zep chemical paint stripper. im unsure what brake parts cleaner will do to plastic so if you try that leave it on just long enough to see the paint to bubble and wipe it off immediately. also after your done i suggest using some armorall protectant on it as some of these options may dry the plastic out and you want to get something back on it.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

They're actually a really nice set. Nice and shiney.View attachment 223672

I don't care what people say, I like em.

 

[Da90]

Not sure if this will work for your application but figured I would share.

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[Splorg]

You guys are awesome! Thank you for a the suggestions and info!

@Tonyrodz I'll be in touch - with the blackout tint on my windows, I like those too and they'll look great on my truck, I think. Until PSP decides to pull me over to complain about the tint. Then they'll still look great. The taillights are not recoverable IMO, given the oxide coating on the lenses, not just the "blackout" the previous owner applied. Seen it before.

Before my father became unable physically to do so, we had a nice little weekend business detailing luxury and exotic cars. I've seen and driven some interesting vehicles - a few years ago I was behind the wheel of a LaForza (unsure of the capitalization on that - an Italian coachbuilt body on a Ford Bronco frame with a 302 V8). Lamborghinis, Ferraris, AMG Mercs and BMW Ms, Bentleys, you name it. I did try Meguires Plast-X, or Plastic X; whichever they call it nowadays, and the paint kinda laughed at it and didn't budge. I'll give the bodyshop chemical solutions a shot, maybe something more aggressive will help with the marker/DRL lenses.

Again thank you for all the tips and info!

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[drakon543]

the front lenses can be picked up brand new on rockauto for both sides shipped for 21.85 to my house. i know you mentioned cost but 20 bucks for brand new isnt bad.

 

[Splorg]

the front lenses can be picked up brand new on rockauto for both sides shipped for 21.85 to my house. i know you mentioned cost but 20 bucks for brand new isnt bad.

No, it absolutely isn't! I hadn't done much looking, frankly. When I had the misfortune of replacing the headlamp buckets in my last car they were $100+. Per side. :/

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[Splorg]

While we're at it, has anyone installed the direct replacement cheapo LED bulbs for markers and tail/reverse lights in these, and do they actually work? All they did was blow the fuses in my last work car which was pretty disappointing.

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[drakon543]

all i can say is when it comes to the led bulbs cheap is not the way to go. if you want good light long lasting and proper functionality you will pay good money for them.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

No, it absolutely isn't! I hadn't done much looking, frankly. When I had the misfortune of replacing the headlamp buckets in my last car they were $100+. Per side. :/

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The front turn /marker lights are a dime a dozen on eBay with many styles.

While we're at it, has anyone installed the direct replacement cheapo LED bulbs for markers and tail/reverse lights in these, and do they actually work? All they did was blow the fuses in my last work car which was pretty disappointing.

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You can't do the tails/brakes without resistors unless you use an aftermarket housing that's plug and play. Reverse and DRL, yes. A lot of guys run JDM Astars.

 

[mountie]

A few months ago, I got from Rock Auto, a pair of those front signal lenses for about $7.00 each. Fit great & same as stock. May still be a sale item/price?

Oh, yea..... Like drakon543 he said.... $21.00.

I also have a pair of extra OEM tail lights, when I upgraded mine. They are like new. Black trim.

Just pay USPS shipping..... You want 'em..... Free.

 

[adriver]

Are you sure that's not just a cover over the taillights? With a piece of 2 sided tape holding it on.

 

[igell]

you should take this opportunity to upgrade to denali headlights.. you can usually find them on CL for pretty cheap.

 

[petethepug]

The Denada projectors are a nice drop in and they are available as aftermarket to stay on budget. Run PIAA bulbs for the extra white and 10-15% extra output w/o the extra heat and you’re all set.


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[smcnair]

A few months ago, I got from Rock Auto, a pair of those front signal lenses for about $7.00 each. Fit great & same as stock. May still be a sale item/price?

Oh, yea..... Like drakon543 he said.... $21.00.

I also have a pair of extra OEM tail lights, when I upgraded mine. They are like new. Black trim.

Just pay USPS shipping..... You want 'em..... Free.

If he doesn't want those I would love them for my son's Yukon. Both of his have broken when they screw in so they are just fitted in there.