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Headlight Converters for driving in Europe

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Comments

  • vaio
    vaio Posts: 12,287 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    MoneyLoser wrote: »
    ........Does anyone know whether solvents can be used on headlamp glass to remove stubborn glue? I have not attempted this for fear of dissolving the glass.

    If they are real glass then there isn't any liquid you'll be able to get hold of that will damage them.

    less easy if they are plastic, but I'd have thought that petrol or brake cleaner would be ok but maybe do a test patch first?
  • rev_henry
    rev_henry Posts: 4,965 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    vaio wrote: »
    If they are real glass then there isn't any liquid you'll be able to get hold of that will damage them.

    less easy if they are plastic, but I'd have thought that petrol or brake cleaner would be ok but maybe do a test patch first?
    Acetone? Glue remover (though I think this probably is just acetone)? That bug remover stuff?

    As said I thought most cars had markings on the 'glass' where the deflectors need to go, just put insulation tape over it.
  • GolfBravo
    GolfBravo Posts: 1,090 Forumite
    rev_henry wrote: »
    Acetone? Glue remover (though I think this probably is just acetone)? That bug remover stuff?

    NO!

    Acetone will permanently damage acrylic headlight lenses. Same with alcohol.

    When removing the Eurolites headlight converters it is best to remove the plastic bit first and then to remove the glue residue with either lemon essence or just a normal car window cleaner (must be ammonia free) - just soak the glue residue and rub it off with a cloth. Takes about 30 seconds.
    "Retail is for suckers"
    Cosmo Kramer
  • Dave_C_2
    Dave_C_2 Posts: 1,827 Forumite
    I have found that the best stuff to remove glue residue from masking/gaffer/whatever tape or labels is white spirit. Normally quite safe on plastic.

    Dave
  • GolfBravo
    GolfBravo Posts: 1,090 Forumite
    edited 25 June 2012 at 10:39AM
    Dave_C wrote: »
    I have found that the best stuff to remove glue residue from masking/gaffer/whatever tape or labels is white spirit. Normally quite safe on plastic.

    Dave

    Again, white spirit is way to harsh for acrylic (lexan) headlight lenses - it removes the glue residue very well but also permanently damages acrylic and it will eventually discolour (matte yellow).

    Eurolites stickers glue is water based, so you really don't need to go overboard with chemicals to clean them. You can wash the glue residue off even with warm water, it just takes a little longer.
    "Retail is for suckers"
    Cosmo Kramer
  • rdr
    rdr Posts: 412 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper
    I use the blocker on headlamp protectors option -- 5 mins to put on, 2 minutes to remove. I also scanned the stickers and the template on where to stick them so I can reproduce them at will.
  • If your car has High Intensity Discharge headlights, the dealer can alter the levels of them so they are suited to right hand driving with a computer.
  • alhermette
    alhermette Posts: 21 Forumite
    I have relations that live in France but visit the UK regularly. A while back they told me that you can't even buy beam deflectors in France so they obviously couldn't care less about dazzling us.

    Duct tape cut to suit by far the most sensible way I have come across for dealing with the issue. The Halfords ones are just a rip off.
  • Can be bought on an auction site for £3.50 including postage - maybe try one delivery - if you buy 10 they may have one delivery charge.
    I remove mine then to get rid of the glue, use white spirit and wipe over with damp cloth - no problems.
    Personally I would be very aware of driving with non approved stuff in France nowadays - instant fines and you have no come back - not worth the risk - need converters/triangles(two if you have a trailer/caravan)/alcohol testers/spare bulb kit AND reflective jackets MUST be inside the car and not in the boot - tip is to have them very visible to avoid being pulled over.
    ALSO MANDATORY if going to mountain resort, snow chains must be in the car whether or not you need them. No details on what time of year or what area but common sense means better safe than sorry. I have been when the police will stop all cars and make them put chains on.
  • Flat_Eric
    Flat_Eric Posts: 4,066 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    edited 6 December 2012 at 10:50AM
    I have been researching what one needs to carry in their vehicle when driving in France. I spotted this on Am@zon.

    I can't see that this contains the breathalizer kits and also not sure how good the headlight converters are.

    Does anyone have any suggestions of the best place to buy all the bits and pieces you need.
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