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Post by scottyaurorav8 on Feb 3, 2020 12:12:23 GMT -6
Hey guys, as most of us know, there are no aftermarket headlamps for our cars. Once the headlamp begins to yellow and "spider web," it's over. My only option is to get another set from a junkyard car that will probably just develop the same thing since the headlamps are already old. So I rather not spend the money on a used pair unless they are in pristine condition, but on EBAY I cannot find any like that.
I contacted a few custom plastic fabricators and places that offer plastic injection molding. I was hoping if I remove my lens from the headlamp casing and send it to them, they could replicate it, however; they only produce in mass quanities. Too much $$$.
After that, I came across the Alero headlights and was looking at the pictures. To me it looks like the lenses are the same shape as the Aurora lens, is that accurate? And I know GM uses a lot of the same parts for other cars. I looked up the Alero and they make aftermarket headlamps for it. I wonder if I could just buy a set of aftermarket headlamps for the Alero and swap the lenses over to cover my Aurora headlamp casing ( the old bake in the oven and pull apart the lenses method). Or what about the intrigue lens...Any thoughts?
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Post by paulaurora on Feb 4, 2020 10:18:31 GMT -6
Alero and Aurora not same.
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Feb 4, 2020 17:18:22 GMT -6
Just fix the ones you have! It isn't that hard.
Wetsand with 1000 grit, then 1500, and finish with 2000. Thoroughly dry then apply a few coats of rattle-can UV resistant clear coat.
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RCA1186
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Rob
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Post by RCA1186 on Feb 5, 2020 7:38:47 GMT -6
Second tigger's suggestion.
The lenses might look similar but I doubt they'd line up. You could try measuring at a salvage yard. I'd do that before ordering anything.
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Post by scottyaurorav8 on Feb 7, 2020 20:44:35 GMT -6
Ok Tigger, I guess I'll give it a shot. But the plastic is "spidered." Not sure that will go away..... The yellow sure. But these cracks from age prob not. Looks like crap. I'll be going to a wrecking yard tomorrow actually. They got 2 auroras in recently fresh Pickens 😁 Good thought on measuring alero lenses while there.
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Post by aj on Feb 7, 2020 22:29:04 GMT -6
Alero Headlamps are not the same as either generation Aurora. 2nd gen are more rounded on the side ends as the Alero on the side ends are more squinty and smaller.
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Feb 7, 2020 23:17:44 GMT -6
Scotty, the "spiderwebbing" is likely in several layers of polish/sealant that the previous owner didn't remove before he repeated the process.
You may want to start with a 800, or even 600 grit if it's really bad. But I've never seen wet sanding NOT work short of a deep gouge.
And use U-Pol clear coat, it's worth it. I'll get you a part number...
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Post by scottyaurorav8 on Feb 10, 2020 12:50:26 GMT -6
I swung by the wrecking yard and actually ended up buying fairly decent used headlamps from an 01' Aurora. $53 for the set! They are much better condition than my current, just slight yellowing. I'll go ahead and do the sanding then spray with UV clear coat!
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Feb 10, 2020 22:15:00 GMT -6
Nice! Now you have a set to use and a set to experiment on...
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Post by scottyaurorav8 on Feb 12, 2020 8:41:26 GMT -6
haha yep, exactly what I was thinking. Thanks.
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