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Re: MOT failure - obscure headlamp lenses
Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 6:26 pm
by Bessybongo
Re: MOT failure - obscure headlamp lenses
Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 9:26 pm
by mikeonb4c
Good luck Bessybongo, keep us posted.
Here's a question everyone. If you fitted dipping spotlights, wired to work with the headlights, would that make the MOT people happy? Since early Bongos don't have stunning headlights at the best of times, that could be a cost and illumination effective workaround. I have 100W (illegal?) spots wired so they come with main beam and they are the dogs doobries I tell ya

Re: MOT failure - obscure headlamp lenses
Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2008 3:06 am
by bigdaddycain
That's an interesting point mike...I feel that the main factory fitted headlights would be the only items that the tester is REALLY concerned about.
In the real world, i'd be tempted to use the auxillary dipped main beams on a set of cibie oscars (the complete lamp as fitted to a lot of kit cars)if they were adjusted correctly...
Davebluozzie has a set fitted to his freda, with side/dipped/and main beams icorporated into the extra lamps.
Sidelights only:
http://s25.photobucket.com/albums/c97/j ... 0222-1.jpg
Factory dipped beam:
http://s25.photobucket.com/albums/c97/j ... 0223-1.jpg
Full dipped beams:
http://s25.photobucket.com/albums/c97/j ... 0224-1.jpg
Full main beams:
http://s25.photobucket.com/albums/c97/j ... 0225-1.jpg
Re: MOT failure - obscure headlamp lenses
Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2008 3:13 am
by bigdaddycain
I have since found out why some bongo headlamps have the film fitted to the factory lights...Ya know how the japanese are "big" on courtesy? Well, it's considered rude to pull up behind another vehicle with the dipped beams still left illuminated, it's common practice in japan to manually revert to sidelights when stopped in traffic, to avoid unnecessary glare to the vehicle in front. (this is why some bongo's have the auto dipping feature on the lights when neutral, or park is selected) Others have the film applied to permanently reduce the light output of the lamps, when you consider that a lot of driving is stop start in heavy traffic, it starts to make some sense...
Rest assured, that if your bongo has the dreaded yellow film attached...the previous owner quite possibly would always have held a door open for you.. Or laid his best jacket across a puddle for you to step over....

Re: MOT failure - obscure headlamp lenses
Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 11:41 pm
by cheffy34
Well their you go
Can i just peel it off then

Maybe if i blindfold the wife and tell her it peeling skin from sunburn she will do it for me

Re: MOT failure - obscure headlamp lenses
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 4:43 am
by bigdaddycain

It's worth a try cheffy!

Re: MOT failure - obscure headlamp lenses
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2008 6:45 pm
by teenmal
Hi guys,A pal of mine had problems with tarnished head lamp lenses.
He told me he cured it by using bicarbonate of soda and a nylon scourer.
He then applied Crystal Disc cd repair fluid using a soft cloth.
He said it restored them like new and will probably stop the yellow coming back,as they are now protected by the Polymer in the cleaner.
Ps he also said,that the tarnishing is caused by the UV coating wearing off.
PHEW. hope this helps.
Mal.
Re: MOT failure - obscure headlamp lenses
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 7:41 pm
by bigdaddycain
Hi Mal, with lamps like the mk1 mondeo, where there is a plastic lining inside a glass lens, then yes,non UV bulbs can cause the yellowing, (it actually has a warning sticker on the lamp of the mondeo warning of this). But i don't think that's the case with the bongo.
The entire lens is plastic,and some bongo's have a film deliberately fitted whilst in japan, (see my previous post). I'm sure the magic cure for removal of the film is out there somewhere...I'd be tempted to try autoglym intensive tar remover, especially if the film is scratched.
I wouldn't fancy trying anything scoury, or in any way abrasive on the lens, without being prepared to polish it back to a perfect surface again.
Re: MOT failure - obscure headlamp lenses
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 8:32 pm
by jaylee
Just a thought.
Maybe it's some kind of optional anti stone damage coating that just discolours & degrades with time...?
I remember years ago having an anti glare/scratch resistant coating on my glasses, it ended up degenerating in a similar way to the vehicle lights, resulting in a constantly dirty discoloured look to the lenses...!
Re: MOT failure - obscure headlamp lenses
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 8:54 pm
by bigdaddycain
Could be jaylee, i have been told by an importers agent that its a film for reducing the light output for courtesy to others (the car in front, when stopped in traffic) some bongo's have an electrical auto headlamp dipping option that is low speed related....Maybe the film has a dual purpose too? A stone chip protector, of sorts?
Re: MOT failure - obscure headlamp lenses
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 9:46 pm
by jaylee
Maybe that's what it is then...!
It's the mid 90's Japan...
You sit in the show room, discussing colour, spec options & finance etc with the Mazda Sales man, then just before you sign on the line & are the proud owner of a spanking new Bongo Friendee!
...The guilt trip is laid on & you are coerced in to buying the "courtesy pack" as an optional extra.

Re: MOT failure - obscure headlamp lenses
Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 2:10 pm
by Moondance_Scotland
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sally-Hansen-Ac ... B000W3SWOQ
Moondance Scotland
go there, mine are all stained also....u try first then?? let me know
Re: MOT failure - obscure headlamp lenses
Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 4:00 pm
by jaylee
I used this, borrowed from my girlfriend..
http://www.sallyhansen.co.uk/products/n ... h-remover/
My Bongo's worth it!
