Two thumbs up for Colors on Parade (body shop)

Wes Eargle · **Joined:** Mon Oct 27, 2003 9:47 am **Posts:** 3683

As several of you know, the Contour was hit by one of my parents' butthole neighbors. The crap that I went through nonwithstanding (never let an insurance agent hit you and convince you not to get a police report, nuff said :roll:

), the guy did phenomenal work.

I know that he's done work for Simon and Aaron too, but the guy is top notch, especially when it's somebody else's dollars! :twisted:

'

Talk to Lloyd, the owner, and tell him that a THSCC guy sent you.

Todd Breakey · **Posted:** Sat Dec 11, 2004 3:19 pm

I also had COP do the work on the Mustang after my accident last year. Overall I am VERY pleased with the work.

One thing I need to see them about though, is the condensation in the headlight that they replaced. (If anybody knows how I can get the moisture out without having to take it to them, please let me know.)

I will be taking the Miata to them when it comes time to respray it.

Kevin Hoff · **Posted:** Sat Dec 11, 2004 6:05 pm

I got all of the moisture out of a set of Jetta headlights by removing them from the car and pouring about an ounce of isopropyl alcohol in the light. I then drilled a tiny hole in the top corner of the housing and drained all of the alcohol out through there, as there was a ridge where the headlight bulb mounted. I used a small screw to seal it back up. RTV would probably work better.

--Kevin H.

Patrick Wellenius · **Posted:** Sun Dec 12, 2004 5:42 am

you can probably do it without the alcohol. just remove the bulbs and put the unit out in the sun for a few hours.

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Sun Dec 12, 2004 9:23 am

Patrick Wellenius wrote:

you can probably do it without the alcohol. just remove the bulbs and put the unit out in the sun for a few hours.

Or remove the bulb and blow hot air into the hole with a hair dryer for a while. If the moisture returns the seal (o-ring?) at the bulb may be bad or there may be a defect in the new light.

Todd Breakey · **Posted:** Mon Dec 13, 2004 2:48 pm

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'll give those a try as soon as the car sits for more than a couple of minutes. Thanks again.

John Hines · **Posted:** Mon Dec 20, 2004 1:17 am

you should not expose mystery plastics to alcohol or ammonia.
Acrylic will craze and sometimes even break when exposed to alcohol.
Amonia will cause it to dull and take on that yellow haze.

Water and soap are the only things you need to clean it.

On another note....I have seen cheap aftermarket light housings leak when new. I have also seen new housings cracked by forcing them into holes that no longer have the right shape.

Even if the bulb gasket is missing...they should not take on water....

Todd Breakey · **Posted:** Wed Dec 22, 2004 11:20 pm

John,

What is your suggestion for getting the moisture out? I haven't done anything with it yet but I would hate to ruin a $275 light because I did something wrong.

Todd

John Hines · **Posted:** Wed Dec 22, 2004 11:44 pm

You need to clean them out if they have grown mold or are showing water spots on the inside....a soft cloth bonnet type long reach bottle brush works wonders....otherwise remove the light assy and inspect it for leaks....

Without getting the things wet inside....wipe some soapy water around the outside perimeter...where the lense meets the case....then place your mouth over the bulb socket and blow gently...look for bubbles and hisses comming from around the seam....If it leaks...get a new one...or you can redneck repair it with a solvent based glue for acrylic or styrene.
If you do try to use glue to seal it...you need to go around the entire seam...

Todd Breakey · **Posted:** Wed Dec 22, 2004 11:49 pm

Thanks John. No mold yet. I hadn't even thought about that. Maybe I'll get around to drying it this week since I'll be on vacation!!!!

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Two thumbs up for Colors on Parade (body shop)

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