Haze Inside Headlight - Alcohol? | FerrariChat

Haze Inside Headlight - Alcohol?

Discussion in '360/430' started by HammerPants, Feb 10, 2023.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. HammerPants

    HammerPants Rookie

    Jan 1, 2020
    42
    Asheville, NC
    Like many here the headlights on my 360 have developed a thin haze on the inside of the lens assembly. I've seen the posts suggesting the use of a set of small magnets and microfiber cloth to wipe them down from the inside, but am wondering if anyone has experience or thoughts about using rubbing alcohol instead. I've owned multiple Ducatis with the same headlight inner-hazing issue in the past, and the most commonly recommended solution was to remove the headlight from the bike, remove all bulbs / electronic bits, pour rubbing alcohol into the sealed headlight unit and swish it around, pour out and repeat 2-3 more times. I've done this myself with excellent results (on Ducs). My understanding is that the haze is to some extent caused by the off-gassing / oxidation of various parts inside the headlight

    Any thoughts on taking this approach on the 360?
     
  2. Marcoboxer

    Marcoboxer Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 5, 2019
    293
    Alpharetta, GA
    Full Name:
    Mark Roberts
    And any thoughts on doing this with the F430 headlights. I too have done this on a variety of 916, 996, 998 bikes. Worked great....not sure if there are any surfaces inside the Ferrari headlights that could be damaged by rubbing alcohol.
     
  3. GogglesPisano

    GogglesPisano F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 13, 2022
    2,948
    East Bay, California
    Full Name:
    Joe
    I've seen this work before as well. The only thing I'd be worried about would be the alcohol drying out the other plastics inside and causing them to fade faster,
    I guess not an issue if you have painted insides like a 360 though.
     
  4. Mercedes_Benz

    Mercedes_Benz Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 1, 2003
    509
    South Florida
    I would not use alcohol at all! Alcohol will not only take off some of the plastic coating, it can dull it, and also leave streaks.
     
    RANDY6005 likes this.
  5. 67bmer

    67bmer F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 28, 2015
    2,691
    MD
    I think the clear is polycarbonate and Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is safe but should probably be diluted. It sounds like a big job to remove them. I have heard the front bumper must come off.

    IPA is NOT safe on colored tail lights! I know from experience...
     
  6. HammerPants

    HammerPants Rookie

    Jan 1, 2020
    42
    Asheville, NC
    Appreciate the feedback all - I think I’ll steer clear and avoid risking damage inside the (crazy expensive) lights. The Ducati lights are glass; these are plastic so makes sense that the same method might not apply. 67bmer you are correct, the front bumper comes off to remove headlights. Cheers!
     
    Mercedes_Benz likes this.

Share This Page