Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Ok, I’m looking at my taillights and see that the one I had replaced, about seven years ago, has faded to almost clear in spots. The other I’m assuming is original and still has a good red color, although slightly faded from age. The picture shows them side-by-side. I’m trying to figure out if there’s a way to restore them. Had anyone ever had success spayin candy red clear inside them?!

The other set of taillights (pictured in their bezels)
Shows a series of spider cracks. I’m almost afraid to try and remove them for fear of them disintegrating
My question on these are is there a way to repair these types of lenses in the condition they’re in?

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As the lenses are moulded in a solid material and not just a top colour, I would suggest going to your favourite body shop where they can polish and clear coat to look like new. It is common practice on todays moulded headlights to get them back from yellow to crystal clear. Worth asking anyway since you have them off.
Bob J.

Thanks for the info Bob.

I have always wondered what would happen if you take some type of permanent red dye and pour that on, then after the dye has dried on spray them with clear coat.

Not saying this would work but I've always wondered if it would. Is there a tie-dye T-shirt place in your area?

You have two separate issues, the crazing and the color fade.

Reds are not terribly stable pigments, they were originally compounded into the acrylic as said above. The acrylic itself has yellowed, so color looks pale orange-pink. "Reredding" will have to be by applying a translucent red coating of some sort over the surface.

The material is different from modern headlamp lens, but the problem is similar. If the cracks and haze are not too deep, you can remove the outer layer with abrasives then repolish the surface. If the damage is deep, well....

The reproduction ones are infinitely better plastics then the original ones. But you have to replace both or them won't match.

I replaced mine about 15 years ago and they still look like brand new.

Not cheap, but worth it.

The original ones fade, craze, and are brittle.

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Here is what your looking for. Just received our new batch of lenses.

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I had no idea replacement lenses were being made. Those look really nice Mike.

-Kevin

Thanks Kevin, finally just received our shipment . We have been out of stock since the pandemic! We have plenty now.