Actual eyeball removal might be preferable. I changed headlights and taillights on my sister's beetle. Both times on cold, Minnesota, winter days. Couple that with 20 years of road grit, brittle plastic and ridiculous design.
I've been using 1500 to 2000 grit wet sanding paper to do this for many years. 10 minutes apiece and crystal clear. I use a random orbit polisher. You can also add a foam hook and loop pad to a random orbit sander like a cheap ryobi. Works great. * I did body work for years.
Doesn't even need to be random orbit. My old PC speed block with a felt pad works perfectly. Even used a new pad with cerium oxide slurry to remove fine scratches from the windshield on my old Chevy, after Mt St Helens blew its top and blanketed the region with volcanic ash.
I have a tiny astro random orbit palm sander that works great for this task and have started as low as 500 grit on really bad headlights and make my way up to 1500 or 200 grit before going to rubbing then polishing compounds. They always come out great, but at ten minutes or so per grit step and keeping the cost of the equipment and materials in mind, its not fast or cheap (at least the first time, obviously the cost of the equipment per job goes way down if you use it a lot). Used to use a drill though and that always worked really well too.
Great Video!!! My wife bought a brand New "New Beetle" back in 2004. We still own it with 94,000 miles on it. It is the GLS model. We have now owned this car for 16 years. I've had to pay the VW Dealership to change bulbs in the past, because I had no idea how to get to the bulbs. Then, WOW, I see your video! I was completely amazed at how these lights were removed. Next time, it needs a bulb, I may try to repair it myself. The key to a long life with these VW's is maintenance!!!! Timing belt, water pump (Metal Propeller Shaft), torsion pulley arm, and new serpentine belt every 6 years or 80, 000 miles. I know the owner's manual reads, "6 years or 105,000 miles. But, a VW mechanic friend of mine informed me from what he has seen, it is better to go conservative on the miles. He recommended 80,000 miles. We had ours changed at 80,000 miles a few years back. It has been a good car for us. I had the transmission fluid changed for the first time at 92,000 miles. The old fluid still looked pretty good, but I like for it to look new! I'm a maintenance nut! :)
rockbay79 you've discovered the trick to keeping a car for a long time. Maintenance. I'm lucky I live in a country that does not salt the roads in winter, so the body of the car can last 20 + years with just basic cleaning. If you maintain the mechanics of the car, it's easy to get 15-20 years out of a car, but most people change their car every 5-7 years, because they believe old cars are not reliable. There not reliable because they are NOT maintained (baring some poorly designed engines/gearboxes).
In all fairness, if I was to own a VW; it'd be one of the Mk4's. A mkiv Golf or Jetta will go along time with this maintenance but some wiring sucks. Mainly the ones built in mekiko! Buy a Wolfsburg one....
Glenn08CRF the only problem with the mk4 Jettas is the styling. I think they look like shit. So much so that I have owned a mk3 AND a mk5 but would NEVER own a mk4. All the same, I wouldn’t even consider owning a modern VW save the TDIs. Outside the diesels (only because they’re just about the only ones offered in the good ol’ US of murica for non-monster pickups or mercs/bmws) I wouldn’t touch them with a 10-ft pole. I find them and German cars in general overly complex whereas Japanese cars on the whole are much more modular and easy to work on. I just wish Subarus got better mileage, 20mpg doesn’t match the 40 I get with my TDI.
Before I discovered the release tabs on my '98 Bug to replace my OEM bulbs, a VW dealer quoted me $300 to replace both bulbs. Parts and labor. I had a neighbor at the time that had a friend who worked in an auto repair shop. He showed me the clips and walked me through the removal and installation. I wish I had your videos back in the day.
That's why they call them stealerships. Criminal to charge $300 for a 30 min job. Let's say they charge an outrageous $15/bulb and 30 mins labour, the bill should be $90 tops.
Yeah but it literally comes back in 2-3 weeks of regular driving. They make kits and you can even do it yourself with sandpaper/wet sanding the proper way and seal them for under $40. That's a pretty cheap price still and it doesn't take very long at all, and the yellow doesn't immediately come back in weeks.
Ridiculous, the headlight didn't look any better and could be so much better with the right "cheap and quick" method. This is terrible advice from the wizard. I just cleared lights on my audi that were worse in only 20 minutes per light and they looked brand new after. Also, brake fluid will eat the paint off of a car so if you accidentally get a drop on the paint you're screwed.
@@ozzypawsborneprinceofbarkness ,"Ridiculous, the headlight didn't look any better" - he did say, very clearly, that he already did the headlights and that he was just demonstrating. "Also, brake fluid will eat the paint off of a car" - he did say that it was better to remove the headlight, or that some mask around it if they chose not to. While I don't disagree with the points you are making, you needn't come across as someone having a bad day.
@@lukey3507 It depends on the car paint. Brake fluid will completely dissolve some paint and leave others without effect. I think enamel paints specifically tend to suffer
I used the Turtle Wax brand on my Lexus and the results were great but it only lasted like four or five months and they started getting foggy again. Did yours last?
Andrea Negri The 3M kits come with this UV resistant plastic sealer. Probably will last a year or two with the UV sealer. Put it on at dark (with lights on) so you can see the coats are done evenly.
It’s the clear that turns yellow. No one gets this. Ever notice how the clear part of tail lights never yellow? Yeah, because they don’t clear them from the factory.
Only people with two left hands and wihtout any experience react over here? Thumbs up man, There awesome tips to be gathered over here fore free. I'm loving your videos.
Hats off to you Wizard...I restored the headlights on my wife's car today and tried your brake fluid trick to remove the yellowing. Damned if it didn't work! Wet sanded through 3000 grit, some polishing compound, and some 3M lens protectant and they look brand new now.
Thanks for such informative and family friendly content! Glad your daughter is ok 👌 and I appreciate the effort you and your wife put into these episodes!
Tip for VW/Audi electrical connectors: Push in while pinching the locking tab, then pull the connector out. Love your enthusiasm for this car, Weee-zard.
Are these wacky over-engineered headlight assemblies any worse than the Cadillacs that require you to take the whole front bumper fascia off the car to replace a bulb?
With my Porsche 718 the front bumper has to be removed to change the bulbs. It was probably cheaper to manufacture it that way, and to hell with DIY mainentenance ;-)
New Beetles really are a full experience. The full driving experience and you have the quirks. On my 2001.5 NB, I would do all bulbs at once. Just to get it over with. I am so glad you are enjoying it. It’s hard to explain it to others that just don’t get it. Please keep doing updates, it has been a blast watching you save this wonderful and very special NB.
I was very sceptical after watching this,"Brake Fluid" on the plastic headlights.!!!! And knowing how much that they charge for Merc Headlights here in the UK, I was very nervous. But I jumped in and did it exactly as you explained, but with power tools because I'm lazy Mr Wizard and I'm well impressed with the outcome... Thank you...
Im a 52 yo GenX and my son was conceived in a 1970' Super Beetle at Lolapalooza 93' Charlotte Lowes Motor Speedway. I love the S Turbo. Great Channel..I dig the cut of your jib. Subbed.
I’m super jelly of the fact you have the battery cover - the Audi TT I have is missing it’s cover! Thx for the tips and great vid👍 you’re so humble and helpful wizard 👍👍
TANORWAY unfortunately, the joke has gone over your head; the Wizards Beetle Turbo S is named “Wartortle” which is a Pokémon that is shaped like a turtle. Nobody is bashing Turtle Wax; like we have mentioned before, it is an affordable and very respectable brand.
TANORWAY you really need to think before you post things like that. This is the SECOND beetle he’s named a turtle themed name. It’s obvious he looks at the New Beetle, and sees a turtle. So it’s only appropriate he uses TURTLE wax. Don’t cast dispersions blindly.
Change those running lights for CANbus compatible LEDs and save yourself so much grief Wizard - great tutorial though, many thanks as always - never forgetting the wonderous camera skills of Mrs Wizard (the unsung hero of the channel - as I'm sure she likes to remind you, now and again and again and.... you get the idea 😂)
Had a 1993 Dodge Intrepid years ago that you had to remove the headlight assembly to replace the bulbs. Fun part was to gain access to the bottom bolts that hold the assembly on you have to remove the entire front bumper... Yes you had to remove the entire front bumper, to remove both headlight assemblies, just to change the headlight bulbs... No even joking Yes I replaced every bulb in the assembly before reinstalling them Sure as hell didn’t want to have to do that again any time soon lol Chrysler really put a lot of thought into fixing simple things on that car 🤣 (Other than that and the garbage automatic transmissions those LH cars had, it was a great car. The 3.5 in that was surprisingly peppy and reliable as a Timex. Great engine mated to a terrible trans haha)
Thank you Car Wizard! (and Mrs Wizard) I just purchased a 2002 VW Beetle 1.8L turbo for my daughter. I love this little car! As a home mechanic, I really appreciate your tips and tricks for working on the Beetle. Please keep the videos coming. Thank you so much from Auckland, New Zealand.
Brake fluid removes paint as you know. The lenses were clearcoated OEM, brake fluid and scotch brite removed the now yellowed clearcoat. You're now down to the plastic, no big deal. You can buy a less than $10 kit with compound and polish with a mandrel and pads for a hand drill from HF and do the same OR: Meguiar's Ultimate Compound and a buffer (or by hand). Removes the yellowed clearcoat and polishes in less than 10 minutes a lens, obviously more if you do it by hand . Clearcoat again or wax and you're good as new. Love your vids CW!
Hi Wizard ! I work in a car shop too. i didn't know the Dot3 tricks, i will try it for sure. My method : - Tape around the headlight - Wet paper 800 until no yellow -> Wet paper 1000 -> Wet paper 1500 - Then power air tool yellow head whit fast compound -----> like new it's a bit more long but the headlight is clear as new.
Hey, Dave - I have a 08' HHR SS. Changing the headlamp bulbs is a big pain. You have to jack up the car, take off the front wheels, and then take apart the inner fender liner just to get at them. I have done it a couple of times on each side (180k miles) and I dread it. Same goes for the fog lamps if you have them on your car. I have taken to turning off the daytime running lights (low beams) during the day to help those bulbs to last longer. - Tom
Actually it can be done in the Advance parking lot with a $5 toolkit. Just loosen up the liner and crank the wheel. Driver's side is on the 3rd bulb in 4 years. Apparently it's a thing. Confirmed by the Advance employee with same model. I am just going to freshen up the lenses on my LT as you have to remove the bumper cover to install the housings (found them for $100 a pair) and I really want a 3 pedal SS.
To be fair, in the past people parked cars in garages most of the time. Now people use garages to store crap and leave vehicles in the sun all day without a cover.
I worked for a vw dealer 11 years ago, i hated working on those headlights so much, sometimes i would have to replace the bulbs and someone else before would break that lever. What was worse was the later model years where they went to the fixed connector inside the fender and keeping the light working was not easy, the light had to be perfectly aligned. That is a clean beetle.
The headlights looked dull after :/ would’ve been best to wet sand them with 2000 grit, and use a rotary tool to compound and polish.. finish with wax and they’ll last
I’ve just restored the headlights on my car, from thick yellow haze to diamond clear, using the Wizard’s magic method. Thank you Mrs & Mr Wizard for a great how-to guide. 🚗🧙🏼🧙🏻♂️
Yeah, in europe most american cars, in decent shape , would be not roadworthy. I'm from Poland and m.o.t diagnost's here are nitpicky. Even that poland has not so restrictive m.o.t like rest of U.E.
I have changed a lot of those bulbs working at Danny's Volksstuff in Amarillo and a common problem in West Texas is dust getting behind the rotating bucket band to the point where the band will not slide. We found that we would start off with high pressure air to blow out the dust. If it still has trouble, use high pressure water spray then follow with more air to blow it out again. If it moves, lube with silicone spray. And you are right about the bands getting easier to break as they age. The tab usually breaks off and when that happens there is at least one method that can be used to get it to slide again.
Haha, I actually got pulled over for forgetting to turn my high beams off when driving by an officer in a rural area. Didn't even have a low beam out! (no ticket though)
Thank you for this! I have a 2008 beetle and yes, I am one of those people. High beams🙄... they charge $78 to change one out. Mine have blown six times since I have owned it. I only has 60,000 miles on it so I thank you again for this video!
"You won't go out and buy two or three hundred dollars worth of power tools to do this job, when it can be done almost for free with your hands" ah, great wisdom, it has saved me plenty of money already in other instances...
I have also tried using the brake fluid which serves many different purposes besides just being used for the braking system. I have a 2000 Beetle TDI that I experimented with and cleaned the headlamps very nice. The Black '03 Turbo S that my father has is still basically brand new with under 40k. Its never stayed outside as its always covered up in the garage. I know I commented on the other videos that I've been watching on the Turbo S here and I'm really glad this car ended up in the right hands. Way too many Beetle's have been ruined, destroyed and junked within these last few years. I would have loved to have bought this car for myself. They are well worth putting some extra time and money into them to make a great and fun little car unlike most of the newest crap on the roads today.
Very nice informative video. I'm not much of a German fan but you have made many VW / Audi enthusiast a whole lot of money. I'll be watching for more videos.
I truly loved Mrs. Wizard's Idea to upload a weekend video on every saturday. My hardest easy repair is the 98 Geo Chevy Tracker Fusebox, because of that PITB design in which you tried to aim a screwdriver to the nut/bolt/screw.
Thank you to you two for your channel and your your grace with knowledge…much ❤ Man I miss this car…the dealer let my pops and I take it for a test drive…I gave her the beans rowing through all 6 in and out of downtown Chicago expressway traffic…best test drive ever (pops hasn’t been on a test drive with me since tho) I Love the AWP block and sport turbo on these…I commuted and hour each way and auto-x this car with a 3” turbo back 100c cat (APR flash) with Dick Shine Suspension handling the balance dance and was able to put down competitive numbers against the Subarus 🤙
Our 2010 headlights come out completely different. You use a 10m socket on a long extension to work the latch, and some other long thing to trip the lock. Still a major pain to get them out until they decide to come out. The electrical connector is part of the headlight module and mates with another connector attached to the inner fender. I use the Mother's polishing compound on a foam pad to do the headlights then wax to seal. They come our pretty nice. As you said, the longer you work them, the better they turn out. These bugs... uh.. Beetles are pretty neat little cars.
I used the 3 m kit on my 4 runner lights look brand new. I had a neighbor that needed a headlight replaced on a better convertible, I did not know the trick. Thanks Wizard
Since 1980 or so, l've used 'BRASSO' on paint, metal, plastic etc. A car we did the last stage of restoration on, won the 1986 Rolls Royce Concours d'Elegance. All by hand____brasso, turtle wax and finally Meguire's Wet Look to finish off! l LOVE BUGS!!!!!! BTW I've on order since day one, the CYBRTRK_____Named it 'WHIZZARD OF OZ' [I believe WHIZZARDS will Rule the Roads to Tomorrow! ] imho SUBSCRIBED to Car Wizard
Earlier video the Wizard mentioned the dot3 brake fluid trick and it is far the best and easiest and cheapest solution. Brilliant for again sharing with your followers. The UK left the Evil EU, thank god, but one of the EU regulations was/is that you must be able to change a cars headlight bulbs at the roadside! Not sure how this one past that test?
I love the Car Wizard!!! For those of you who might have interest, I got a pair of new headlights for my 1994 Ranger for around $45 on Amazon. Gotta love certain older cars for SOME reasons...
I have 5 Beetles and never had to replace a bulb. But I've had the lights out on 2 of them to restore the lens. The single lever makes the process so simple. It's a 2min job.
Two headlights time taken would be about an hour all in. $30-$40 in a shop is way too cheap to stay in business. You are very kind to help out your economically challenged customers that way.
When I briefly worked at a VW dealer, I had to pull one of these headlights out and the wizard put me to shame how fast he got that out. I struggled with two other people for 15 - 20 minutes because the one we were trying to unlock was super stuck. If anyone in the comments is planning to do these on their own beetle, I'd recommend setting aside way more time than you need. If you're rushing your 10x more likely to break it.
I find the car wizard videos so relaxing and calming. He must be a really nice guy to hang with.
"Like pulling someone's eye out of their socket" oh oh right, now it's relatable!
Lmao
He's dismembered people in his past
And the wiring is the optic nerve!
Just don’t give it to your daughter unless you want to smash this bug 🐛 into a light pole
Actual eyeball removal might be preferable. I changed headlights and taillights on my sister's beetle. Both times on cold, Minnesota, winter days. Couple that with 20 years of road grit, brittle plastic and ridiculous design.
My day brightens up when I see you have a new video, Wiz. You're like the Bob Ross of mechanical repair.
stick air in the tail pipe to expand the body and the headlights simply pop out by them selves
That's an old wivestale. It doesnt work, I tried it
That works with guinea pigs too!
remember to blow, don't suck, it's just an expression.
I've been using 1500 to 2000 grit wet sanding paper to do this for many years. 10 minutes apiece and crystal clear. I use a random orbit polisher. You can also add a foam hook and loop pad to a random orbit sander like a cheap ryobi. Works great.
* I did body work for years.
That's what I came here to say. 1500 to 2000 grit before buffing does wonders.
Totally. Shame he didn’t keep doing it till the headlights were actually clear. Kinda seems half assed.
Doesn't even need to be random orbit. My old PC speed block with a felt pad works perfectly. Even used a new pad with cerium oxide slurry to remove fine scratches from the windshield on my old Chevy, after Mt St Helens blew its top and blanketed the region with volcanic ash.
I have a tiny astro random orbit palm sander that works great for this task and have started as low as 500 grit on really bad headlights and make my way up to 1500 or 200 grit before going to rubbing then polishing compounds. They always come out great, but at ten minutes or so per grit step and keeping the cost of the equipment and materials in mind, its not fast or cheap (at least the first time, obviously the cost of the equipment per job goes way down if you use it a lot). Used to use a drill though and that always worked really well too.
I've read so many times you can do it with toothpaste, but it never works.
Legend has it: The Car Wizard does 100% of his grocery shopping at Advance Auto Parts.
Ma dude eats disk brakes for breakfast
And he gets an insane discounts on raw material.
It’s better then the O’Reilly cult
Who doesn't? Mountain dew,slim jims,Doritos, starburst and peanut m&Ms..they have all that you need, all major food groups covered.
jts159 O’Reillys sucks
Great Video!!! My wife bought a brand New "New Beetle" back in 2004. We still own it with 94,000 miles on it. It is the GLS model. We have now owned this car for 16 years. I've had to pay the VW Dealership to change bulbs in the past, because I had no idea how to get to the bulbs. Then, WOW, I see your video! I was completely amazed at how these lights were removed. Next time, it needs a bulb, I may try to repair it myself. The key to a long life with these VW's is maintenance!!!! Timing belt, water pump (Metal Propeller Shaft), torsion pulley arm, and new serpentine belt every 6 years or 80, 000 miles. I know the owner's manual reads, "6 years or 105,000 miles. But, a VW mechanic friend of mine informed me from what he has seen, it is better to go conservative on the miles. He recommended 80,000 miles. We had ours changed at 80,000 miles a few years back. It has been a good car for us. I had the transmission fluid changed for the first time at 92,000 miles. The old fluid still looked pretty good, but I like for it to look new! I'm a maintenance nut! :)
rockbay79 you've discovered the trick to keeping a car for a long time. Maintenance. I'm lucky I live in a country that does not salt the roads in winter, so the body of the car can last 20 + years with just basic cleaning. If you maintain the mechanics of the car, it's easy to get 15-20 years out of a car, but most people change their car every 5-7 years, because they believe old cars are not reliable. There not reliable because they are NOT maintained (baring some poorly designed engines/gearboxes).
Yeah, ikr, if you rebuild your car itll last twice as long. Imagine that
In all fairness, if I was to own a VW; it'd be one of the Mk4's. A mkiv Golf or Jetta will go along time with this maintenance but some wiring sucks. Mainly the ones built in mekiko! Buy a Wolfsburg one....
Glenn08CRF the only problem with the mk4 Jettas is the styling. I think they look like shit. So much so that I have owned a mk3 AND a mk5 but would NEVER own a mk4. All the same, I wouldn’t even consider owning a modern VW save the TDIs. Outside the diesels (only because they’re just about the only ones offered in the good ol’ US of murica for non-monster pickups or mercs/bmws) I wouldn’t touch them with a 10-ft pole. I find them and German cars in general overly complex whereas Japanese cars on the whole are much more modular and easy to work on. I just wish Subarus got better mileage, 20mpg doesn’t match the 40 I get with my TDI.
Yeah...I have 287,000 miles on my 2001 TDI Beetle and hope to drive it 287,000 more. I'm the only driver it's ever had!
Before I discovered the release tabs on my '98 Bug to replace my OEM bulbs, a VW dealer quoted me $300 to replace both bulbs. Parts and labor.
I had a neighbor at the time that had a friend who worked in an auto repair shop. He showed me the clips and walked me through the removal and installation.
I wish I had your videos back in the day.
That's why they call them stealerships. Criminal to charge $300 for a 30 min job. Let's say they charge an outrageous $15/bulb and 30 mins labour, the bill should be $90 tops.
Thank you Wizard! You inspired me and I bought a 2003 Turbo S!!! Please keep the videos coming
Just love how many of you ignore that important part where he said "doing it cheap and quick" without tools. His whole video was about it.
Yeah but it literally comes back in 2-3 weeks of regular driving. They make kits and you can even do it yourself with sandpaper/wet sanding the proper way and seal them for under $40. That's a pretty cheap price still and it doesn't take very long at all, and the yellow doesn't immediately come back in weeks.
Ridiculous, the headlight didn't look any better and could be so much better with the right "cheap and quick" method. This is terrible advice from the wizard. I just cleared lights on my audi that were worse in only 20 minutes per light and they looked brand new after. Also, brake fluid will eat the paint off of a car so if you accidentally get a drop on the paint you're screwed.
@@ozzypawsborneprinceofbarkness ,"Ridiculous, the headlight didn't look any better" - he did say, very clearly, that he already did the headlights and that he was just demonstrating.
"Also, brake fluid will eat the paint off of a car" - he did say that it was better to remove the headlight, or that some mask around it if they chose not to.
While I don't disagree with the points you are making, you needn't come across as someone having a bad day.
@@ozzypawsborneprinceofbarkness Brake fluid does nothing to paintwork. Esecially if wiped away quickly.
@@lukey3507 It depends on the car paint. Brake fluid will completely dissolve some paint and leave others without effect. I think enamel paints specifically tend to suffer
Your voice is very calming. Your clients must love that.
I really appreciate your realistic, no-nonsense approach to car care and repair.
I have used the 3M headlight restoration kit , it is cost effective if your headlights cost a fortune and the results are mind blowing
I used the Turtle Wax brand on my Lexus and the results were great but it only lasted like four or five months and they started getting foggy again. Did yours last?
And you can sell your car for a better price right after that, before they yellow out again
@@PeugeotRocket Spray canned clear coat, the UV resistant kind. Did a couple last year still looking brand new.
Andrea Negri The 3M kits come with this UV resistant plastic sealer. Probably will last a year or two with the UV sealer. Put it on at dark (with lights on) so you can see the coats are done evenly.
My headlight restoration kit is consisting of toothpaste, like kids toothpaste, it works great on any car
I seen guys use uv resistant clearcoat spray paint on them after cleaning them. It help them from getting yellow again.
And there is an even easier way to protect it from getting UV-Damge by using Ceramic Coding. :)
@@MoshPitCreator interesting! i know it works good on gray / black trim too
It’s the clear that turns yellow. No one gets this. Ever notice how the clear part of tail lights never yellow? Yeah, because they don’t clear them from the factory.
Only people with two left hands and wihtout any experience react over here? Thumbs up man, There awesome tips to be gathered over here fore free. I'm loving your videos.
Hats off to you Wizard...I restored the headlights on my wife's car today and tried your brake fluid trick to remove the yellowing. Damned if it didn't work! Wet sanded through 3000 grit, some polishing compound, and some 3M lens protectant and they look brand new now.
Thanks for such informative and family friendly content! Glad your daughter is ok 👌 and I appreciate the effort you and your wife put into these episodes!
One good thing is to plug them in and try it out before reinstalling the “eyeball” lol
LOL! - My beetle had conjuctivitis!
First thing I thought of.
Another 18 minutes of soothing therapeutic video.
Tip for VW/Audi electrical connectors: Push in while pinching the locking tab, then pull the connector out. Love your enthusiasm for this car, Weee-zard.
Can you imagine the engineers thought process when the design for the headlights was initiated. That’s the Germans for yah 👌
I'm surprised he didn't have to take the engine out
Are these wacky over-engineered headlight assemblies any worse than the Cadillacs that require you to take the whole front bumper fascia off the car to replace a bulb?
With my Porsche 718 the front bumper has to be removed to change the bulbs. It was probably cheaper to manufacture it that way, and to hell with DIY mainentenance ;-)
Replacing headlights on a VW Toureg is equally convoluted. Drives me bonkers to working on German cars.
The body style makes the bulb change difficult which was decided before the engineers started their work.
Thank you mr and mrs wizard
Some Porsche models use the same
Headlight assembly removal process
2003 Boxster is one model
New Beetles really are a full experience. The full driving experience and you have the quirks. On my 2001.5 NB, I would do all bulbs at once. Just to get it over with. I am so glad you are enjoying it. It’s hard to explain it to others that just don’t get it. Please keep doing updates, it has been a blast watching you save this wonderful and very special NB.
I was very sceptical after watching this,"Brake Fluid" on the plastic headlights.!!!! And knowing how much that they charge for Merc Headlights here in the UK, I was very nervous. But I jumped in and did it exactly as you explained, but with power tools because I'm lazy Mr Wizard and I'm well impressed with the outcome...
Thank you...
I can't believe he's just gonna leave those headlights dull like that...
other people's money is easy tp spend
I know, they still look awful :( I was expecting a great before and after comparison
yeah doesnt look good..
@Jared's Garage That's what I was thinking, he's probably got one lying around in the shop...
A can of 2k clear would have made them look brand new.
Right thumb nail appears cracked. See if J&J can send you a good used one
real talk though, doesn't that hurt? hope he's seen a doctor about it already
I saw that....Ouch !
I have a phantom ache in my right thumb now just from viewing it.
A little dab of JB Weld will fix that bad boy right up! JB Weld will fix anything.
@@pppaybackkk Me too!!!!
Im a 52 yo GenX and my son was conceived in a 1970' Super Beetle at Lolapalooza 93' Charlotte Lowes Motor Speedway. I love the S Turbo. Great Channel..I dig the cut of your jib. Subbed.
I’m super jelly of the fact you have the battery cover - the Audi TT I have is missing it’s cover! Thx for the tips and great vid👍 you’re so humble and helpful wizard 👍👍
Don't forget you need to first train Wartortle how to quick attack so you can get your experience points up
HA HA - “TURTLE WAX”!!!! Your humor is dryer than a piece of toast found in Death Valley. Love it!!
But in all seriousness, Turtle Wax is a very reputable car care brand.
Is there better? Yep. There’s always better. But for the money and availability, Turtle Wax makes excellent products.
TANORWAY unfortunately, the joke has gone over your head; the Wizards Beetle Turbo S is named “Wartortle” which is a Pokémon that is shaped like a turtle. Nobody is bashing Turtle Wax; like we have mentioned before, it is an affordable and very respectable brand.
Hashtag unintentional puns. Or was it? xD
TANORWAY you really need to think before you post things like that. This is the SECOND beetle he’s named a turtle themed name. It’s obvious he looks at the New Beetle, and sees a turtle. So it’s only appropriate he uses TURTLE wax. Don’t cast dispersions blindly.
Change those running lights for CANbus compatible LEDs and save yourself so much grief Wizard - great tutorial though, many thanks as always - never forgetting the wonderous camera skills of Mrs Wizard (the unsung hero of the channel - as I'm sure she likes to remind you, now and again and again and.... you get the idea 😂)
Mr. Wizard is the Mr. Rogers of car repair.
Had a 1993 Dodge Intrepid years ago that you had to remove the headlight assembly to replace the bulbs.
Fun part was to gain access to the bottom bolts that hold the assembly on you have to remove the entire front bumper...
Yes you had to remove the entire front bumper, to remove both headlight assemblies, just to change the headlight bulbs...
No even joking
Yes I replaced every bulb in the assembly before reinstalling them
Sure as hell didn’t want to have to do that again any time soon lol
Chrysler really put a lot of thought into fixing simple things on that car 🤣
(Other than that and the garbage automatic transmissions those LH cars had, it was a great car. The 3.5 in that was surprisingly peppy and reliable as a Timex. Great engine mated to a terrible trans haha)
05 to 10 Passat has the same deal, have to remove the bumper then the headlights.
Vw is a of piece
Wasn’t the battery in the bumper on the intrepid or some shit?
@@Garbagejuicewaterfall I had the 1996 Intrepid, battery was in the bumper. Had to remove the wheel and part of the wheel well to replace it.
My 2006 Buick Lucerne is the same deal. I wonder what those engineers were thinking when they made vehicles like those.
Legend has it Wizard charged himself $200 to changed the light bulb..
Ms Wizard charged him $200
And got hoovie to pay.
G Edd then buried it in backyard
I need to restore the headlights on my Prius again, so this was a timely video. Good work!
I don't do my car repairs any more, but I still love watching the Wizard.
Some PTFE spray on the headlight guide rails and the release mechanism will do wonders to prevent sticking.
EDIT: Silicone works well too!
Whenever a bulb blew on my 2000 Beetle, the other was going to go within a month out two. And they went out every few years.
Wizard's videos are the perfect "pay attention in the background" stuff to watch while doing house stuff.
Thank you Car Wizard! (and Mrs Wizard) I just purchased a 2002 VW Beetle 1.8L turbo for my daughter. I love this little car!
As a home mechanic, I really appreciate your tips and tricks for working on the Beetle. Please keep the videos coming. Thank you so much from Auckland, New Zealand.
I’ve used 3m headlight restorer and it was crystal clear. About $30 for the kit and can do more than one car.
I didn't know about using DOT-3 brake fluid. I've used the 3M kits a few times and they work pretty well. Thanks for sharing the tip.
Brake fluid removes paint as you know. The lenses were clearcoated OEM, brake fluid and scotch brite removed the now yellowed clearcoat. You're now down to the plastic, no big deal. You can buy a less than $10 kit with compound and polish with a mandrel and pads for a hand drill from HF and do the same OR:
Meguiar's Ultimate Compound and a buffer (or by hand). Removes the yellowed clearcoat and polishes in less than 10 minutes a lens, obviously more if you do it by hand . Clearcoat again or wax and you're good as new.
Love your vids CW!
Hi Wizard ! I work in a car shop too. i didn't know the Dot3 tricks, i will try it for sure.
My method :
- Tape around the headlight
- Wet paper 800 until no yellow -> Wet paper 1000 -> Wet paper 1500
- Then power air tool yellow head whit fast compound
-----> like new
it's a bit more long but the headlight is clear as new.
Thanks Dave, I've been waiting to to my wife's HHR.
Hey, Dave - I have a 08' HHR SS. Changing the headlamp bulbs is a big pain. You have to jack up the car, take off the front wheels, and then take apart the inner fender liner just to get at them. I have done it a couple of times on each side (180k miles) and I dread it. Same goes for the fog lamps if you have them on your car. I have taken to turning off the daytime running lights (low beams) during the day to help those bulbs to last longer. - Tom
@@resurrectionvehicles1224 Yeah been there done that on my daughter's HHR. One time it was in February in like 10 degree weather in PA
Actually it can be done in the Advance parking lot with a $5 toolkit. Just loosen up the liner and crank the wheel. Driver's side is on the 3rd bulb in 4 years. Apparently it's a thing. Confirmed by the Advance employee with same model. I am just going to freshen up the lenses on my LT as you have to remove the bumper cover to install the housings (found them for $100 a pair) and I really want a 3 pedal SS.
The old sealed beams with glass shields were a design masterpiece compared to these plastic widgets.
To be fair, in the past people parked cars in garages most of the time. Now people use garages to store crap and leave vehicles in the sun all day without a cover.
Yay! Awesome video Weezard!🧙♂️
I worked for a vw dealer 11 years ago, i hated working on those headlights so much, sometimes i would have to replace the bulbs and someone else before would break that lever. What was worse was the later model years where they went to the fixed connector inside the fender and keeping the light working was not easy, the light had to be perfectly aligned. That is a clean beetle.
Wizard, let's hear the story of how you cracked the fingernail on your thumb!
I’ll tell you how: PAINFULLY!
Most likely something with the Lamborghini.
The headlights looked dull after :/ would’ve been best to wet sand them with 2000 grit, and use a rotary tool to compound and polish.. finish with wax and they’ll last
I’ve just restored the headlights on my car, from thick yellow haze to diamond clear, using the Wizard’s magic method. Thank you Mrs & Mr Wizard for a great how-to guide. 🚗🧙🏼🧙🏻♂️
Thank you car wizard for always being so informative. Your one of my most appreciated youtubers. Keep up the good work.👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Those lights will never pass the mot here in Belgium,needs a little bit more polishing 😉
Yeah, in europe most american cars, in decent shape , would be not roadworthy.
I'm from Poland and m.o.t diagnost's here are nitpicky. Even that poland has not so restrictive m.o.t like rest of U.E.
17:35 is nobody not going to point out that the left low beam is not working?
haha
that was the out take video where wizard was screaming *_FUUUUuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu_*
It´s working. Remember the left head light is made in a way to not shine on the oncoming traffic.
how are they not working?
@@Rootsman417 it's not working.
And the left low beam projector is identical to the right one.
Love watching all of the videos that you and Mrs. Wizard make. Thanks, and keep up the great work!
I have changed a lot of those bulbs working at Danny's Volksstuff in Amarillo and a common problem in West Texas is dust getting behind the rotating bucket band to the point where the band will not slide. We found that we would start off with high pressure air to blow out the dust. If it still has trouble, use high pressure water spray then follow with more air to blow it out again. If it moves, lube with silicone spray. And you are right about the bands getting easier to break as they age. The tab usually breaks off and when that happens there is at least one method that can be used to get it to slide again.
The old "use the high beams so you don't get pulled over for a headlight out" trick.
Haha, I actually got pulled over for forgetting to turn my high beams off when driving by an officer in a rural area. Didn't even have a low beam out! (no ticket though)
"WARTORTLE WAX"
Im really loving the updates on this beetle and cant wait to see it after you fix it up.
I like this way of restoring headlights. I bet they stay clear longer than the restorations that require clear coat.
would still fail a mot if the lights were like that in the uk
US auto safety regs are a joke.
"This method is WITHOUT using power tools" *go and grabs his mini polisher at* 12:27
Scotty would make a huge rant about those light bulbs lol, I can’t wait for that day when he does one on a customer’s cars
Thanks for showing us some handy tips Wizard. Some of the best training and tech videos you can get on the Internet. 🙌 true professional.
What hapened to your thumb nail?? 😳
And does it hurt?
If you have a line like that, have it checked by your doctor. It's important.
@@lplympton yes now!!!!!!
Not crazy about VW beetles but 🤷🏽♂️ to each is own
Thank you for this! I have a 2008 beetle and yes, I am one of those people. High beams🙄... they charge $78 to change one out. Mine have blown six times since I have owned it. I only has 60,000 miles on it so I thank you again for this video!
"You won't go out and buy two or three hundred dollars worth of power tools to do this job, when it can be done almost for free with your hands" ah, great wisdom, it has saved me plenty of money already in other instances...
Shouldn’t you use “Tortle Wax” brand products on Wartortle? 🤔
Wizard put some gloves on. Brake fluid on your hands!!
chemicals known to the State (California, that is) to cause cancer.
@@davidjacobs8558 that's ok he's in Missouri.
I love you guys. So down to earth and no BS
I have also tried using the brake fluid which serves many different purposes besides just being used for the braking system. I have a 2000 Beetle TDI that I experimented with and cleaned the headlamps very nice. The Black '03 Turbo S that my father has is still basically brand new with under 40k. Its never stayed outside as its always covered up in the garage. I know I commented on the other videos that I've been watching on the Turbo S here and I'm really glad this car ended up in the right hands. Way too many Beetle's have been ruined, destroyed and junked within these last few years. I would have loved to have bought this car for myself. They are well worth putting some extra time and money into them to make a great and fun little car unlike most of the newest crap on the roads today.
Jeremy Clarkson called this bug the funniest name long time ego: A golf in hitler’s outfit.
Most guys can't last 5 minutes when rubbing, Car Wizard.
Very nice informative video. I'm not much of a German fan but you have made many VW / Audi enthusiast a whole lot of money. I'll be watching for more videos.
I truly loved Mrs. Wizard's Idea to upload a weekend video on every saturday.
My hardest easy repair is the 98 Geo Chevy Tracker Fusebox, because of that PITB design in which you tried to aim a screwdriver to the nut/bolt/screw.
Thank you to you two for your channel and your your grace with knowledge…much ❤
Man I miss this car…the dealer let my pops and I take it for a test drive…I gave her the beans rowing through all 6 in and out of downtown Chicago expressway traffic…best test drive ever (pops hasn’t been on a test drive with me since tho) I Love the AWP block and sport turbo on these…I commuted and hour each way and auto-x this car with a 3” turbo back 100c cat (APR flash) with Dick Shine Suspension handling the balance dance and was able to put down competitive numbers against the Subarus 🤙
Hey Wizard, thanks for the video. Have a great day and stay safe
Thank you Mr and Mrs CW. Good to take a break on a Sunday.
Thanks for your valuable information. Blessings to you all 🚗😃👍 car 🧙♂️
Our 2010 headlights come out completely different. You use a 10m socket on a long extension to work the latch, and some other long thing to trip the lock. Still a major pain to get them out until they decide to come out. The electrical connector is part of the headlight module and mates with another connector attached to the inner fender. I use the Mother's polishing compound on a foam pad to do the headlights then wax to seal. They come our pretty nice. As you said, the longer you work them, the better they turn out. These bugs... uh.. Beetles are pretty neat little cars.
been waitin for the BRAKE fluid trick. thanks for the explanation sir!
Brilliant video. Have only owned my beetle for a year. Thank you.
I used the 3 m kit on my 4 runner lights look brand new. I had a neighbor that needed a headlight replaced on a better convertible, I did not know the trick. Thanks Wizard
Since 1980 or so, l've used 'BRASSO' on paint, metal, plastic etc. A car we did the last stage of restoration on, won the 1986 Rolls Royce Concours d'Elegance. All by hand____brasso, turtle wax and finally Meguire's Wet Look to finish off!
l LOVE BUGS!!!!!!
BTW I've on order since day one, the CYBRTRK_____Named it 'WHIZZARD OF OZ' [I believe WHIZZARDS will Rule the Roads to Tomorrow! ] imho
SUBSCRIBED to Car Wizard
Car Wizard i love your channel much love from California :D
Earlier video the Wizard mentioned the dot3 brake fluid trick and it is far the best and easiest and cheapest solution. Brilliant for again sharing with your followers. The UK left the Evil EU, thank god, but one of the EU regulations was/is that you must be able to change a cars headlight bulbs at the roadside! Not sure how this one past that test?
I love the Car Wizard!!!
For those of you who might have interest, I got a pair of new headlights for my 1994 Ranger for around $45 on Amazon. Gotta love certain older cars for SOME reasons...
I have 5 Beetles and never had to replace a bulb. But I've had the lights out on 2 of them to restore the lens. The single lever makes the process so simple. It's a 2min job.
Great content on this channel. Just plane simple expert advice. Thanks from Missouri
You and Mrs Wizard are awesome.
So relaxing,I fall asleep.
So I have to watch it two times.
Cheers Dan
Two headlights time taken would be about an hour all in. $30-$40 in a shop is way too cheap to stay in business. You are very kind to help out your economically challenged customers that way.
When I briefly worked at a VW dealer, I had to pull one of these headlights out and the wizard put me to shame how fast he got that out. I struggled with two other people for 15 - 20 minutes because the one we were trying to unlock was super stuck. If anyone in the comments is planning to do these on their own beetle, I'd recommend setting aside way more time than you need. If you're rushing your 10x more likely to break it.
Great video! Very helpful. Thank you!
Great video, for anyone with beetle that is excellent!!!
Last step in the kits is a clearcoat that fills in the pits and produces like-new look. Probably good to invest in the clear.
This is awesome! Thank you Car Wizard!
That is a terrific video!
Very informative. Especially appreciated the headlight restoration tip.