Looking for a replacement lens on the '82 Mark VI Touring Lights

[DaSkeeT]

Hello, have a quick question.
One of the lenses on the touring lights is slightly cracked/showing small cracks, assuming from the heat/sun in the past.
Wondering what's the best way to find a replacement if possible, not a huge deal as the lens is still in good condition.
Would like to replace if it's not that hard of a process, so am also wondering if anyone's ever done a job like this?
Thanks!

[Dan Szwarc]

What you are describing is known as crazing. It's typical of aged acrylic, the material used to make the lenses even to today.

If you are unable to source new, reproduction replacement parts from the usual sources, you have to resort to swap meets, eBay, Craigslist, and parts cars at junk yards. Usually scouring the internet reveals them if they are available. If you are talking about the lenses mounted on the headlamp doors of early 80s Marks or Continentals, you are trying to find a unicorn, or, more appropriately, a dodo (something that existed, but is extinct).

It also helps to have part numbers and pictures. Some parts have numbers molded into them hidden or not. Others have partial numbers which can help lead you to official part numbers. Some vendors may list them without pictures online, but have no idea what they are because they bought them in a huge lot of parts from a dealer going out of business, etc.

Welcome to the ofurm.

[DaSkeeT]

Gotcha, figured it was something along these lines.
Below are some pictures, it's the left side (when looking at the front) but is hard to tell in the pictures as they're pretty small "cracks".
Will most likely just look around for a replacement, however I haven't checked it out enough to know if it's even replaceable (and if so, how easy it is).
FYI: the close up of the touring light is not the "cracked" one, it is the good one.
Appreciate the prompt reply!

[LithiumCobalt]

Very nice Mark VI. Your best bet would be to find out the correct part number from the master parts catalog and start searching online.

[DaSkeeT]

Sounds good, always assumed it was going to be like finding a needle in a haystack (exactly what I did to find this vehicle).
Thanks for the info!

[LithiumCobalt]

Once you are armed with the part number, that’s half the battle won. Then you just gotta find out who has them.

[Dan Szwarc]

Even if you can't find one, you can polish the ones you have and they will loook 10x better. Use any plastic polish and be gentle. It will take out the haze of UV and oxidation damage.

[Mike]

Ebay is the best source for NOS parts.
Check with a Ford dealer too, you'd be surprised at some of the stuff they can come up with.
It helps a lot if you have part numbers.

[DaSkeeT]

Even if you can't find one, you can polish the ones you have and they will loook 10x better. Use any plastic polish and be gentle. It will take out the haze of UV and oxidation damage.

Gotcha, very good point. Will do that for the time being, the lights are still in good condition but a nice scrub wouldn't hurt!

[DaSkeeT]

Appreciate the replies all, the part number is the fun part. Will be getting around to it soon, cheers!

[Mike]

I just stumbled across this

https://www.ebay.com/itm/196035740380

Hopefully the rest is just as easy to find but probably not.

[Dan Szwarc]

$60 shipped? That’s a bargain.

[DaSkeeT]

I just stumbled across this

https://www.ebay.com/itm/196035740380

Hopefully the rest is just as easy to find but probably not.

Appreciate it!
Was looking for the front lens, but going to grab these as backups just in case.