Community Forums

rmmpe · 08-29-2008, 05:14 AM

I'm more concerned with how the Alpine looks than I am about driving at night. I've been operating in the dark all my life.

takepride · 09-01-2008, 08:57 PM

Are the older Alpines not using the BMW 5 Series headlights, too?

accidental_tourist · 12-24-2008, 02:05 PM

Just before WRV locked the doors, I had Chris (the Service Mgr.) check the etching on my 2003 36fdds headlight covers. He told me that they were BMW headlight assemblies and that they have to be purchased as a complete unit. My neighbor in the parking lot showed me his headlight covers and they were pretty clear, considering his unit was a 2004. He told me his secret was good old pledge applied with a soft cloth. At over $100 for the headlight assembly, I think I'm gonna try the Pledge option and hope I get the same results he did!

Ted III · 12-25-2008, 01:35 PM

I would think you could use 3 or 4000 grit wet or dry sandpaper and use it wet. Then a jewelers rouge should give you a pretty good finish. If you want to replace the lens use 60 grit paper on a circular grinder.

takepride · 12-25-2008, 02:51 PM

I worked on polishing mine yesterday. I had a very yellowing section that came out, but still had many small scratches left by the kit (Napa Headlight Restorer by Permatex). I started with 1000 grit, which cut through the yellow, but took about 40 minutes for one lamp. I could never achieve an even texture across the entire lense. I suspect that even with the frequent rinsing, the paper wears out too quickly and would require a full sheet to complete two lamps. The kit had 1/8 sheets.

I then followed with 1500, 2000 and 2500, each of which I believe wore out before achieving the proper sanding. When I looked closely at the lense, it had lost it's yellowing but had numerous very small scratches. I then followed with the included plastic polish which really accomplished nothing.

By this time I'd burned two hours on one lamp. I decided to go back and use some Turtle Wax Polishing Compound (very fine, almost grit-less) and an orbital polisher. It did improve everything a bit and made the lense look clearer than before, just not as good as I'd like.

I think I'll try starting over with some 600 grit, then 1000, then 1500, 2000 and 2500, but change paper more frequently. Then I'll follow with a good plastic polish, maybe Meguiar's.

Unfortunately, I hadn't recalled Bob's warning to not use Permatex. I can't say the result was great, and the scratching he mentions did happen. However, something has to work. The theory of moving up in grit ought to work, else-wise, nothing will work.

However, if I can find replacements for a $100 each, I may just buy 'em. I imagine they're more likely $200 - $300 each. Anyone seen 'em cheap?

fchapple · 04-21-2009, 06:26 PM

Could you or someone give us somehelp in finding a replacement chrome 8-1/2" hubcap for our Alpine Coach .. 1999. It had 6 tabs/clips but each 2 are smaller than the other 4. These are off Alcoa wheels and the usual 6 tab caps do not fit. Any suggestions anyone? email to fchapple@hotmail.com with info.

Ted III · 04-21-2009, 06:59 PM

Bob, various toothpastes or jewelers rouge are very mild polishing products you can try. I would start with the toothpaste because of the obvious. Cost and if it doesn't work you can use i!. Bob, I would guess you probably already worked that out.

EngineerMike · 04-21-2009, 07:07 PM

fchapple- IIRC you can find the hubcap @ a truck stop near you; they are a standard device.

Wayne R · 04-21-2009, 07:38 PM

Flying J has them, they usually cost about $6 each, get the 4 tab ones. If the spring clips are not tapped to them. Ask they sometimes keep the spring tabs behind the counter.

Mr Coach · 04-21-2009, 08:51 PM

Hello all;
I just wanted to let you know that I got a set of the Plexiglas headlight covers (for the older Alpines) for a friend of mine off ebay, the seller had more of them about 6 months ago, you may want to try and email them , the sellers name was RV-Trader

Mr Coach
Now homeless and looking for a new ride

rmmpe · 04-22-2009, 06:23 AM

Ted,
I used Plast-X and now have clear covers. I also used it on the Lexan windshield of my '33 REO Roadster. The stuff works.

Hubcaps: I bought some at flying J that had 6 tabs, cut the interfering tab off and notched another. Did the same for Gary before he sold his 40' Alpine. They fit quite well. For 7 bucks each, such a deal!