Headlight condensation

[TMA62]

I put the newer (plastic) lenses and gaskets over my headlights. I am now getting condensation. What causes it and how to fix it?

Thanks in advance!

[wapanzica]

Have you checked to see if there any gaps in the back of the headlight unit? Is the headlight seated in the opening without gaps? I would look at that first.

[Gunslinger]

While most have likely never seen them, Studebaker originally installed a cigarette filter-like wick inside the enclosure designed to absorb moisture. Most have disappeared many years ago and are rarely seen today.

A lot of newer cars suffer from the same problem...poor sealing of the assembly. It often occurs after body damage and repair not being done properly or use of substandard parts.

[fred88]

There is no real "fix", glass or plastic, air gets in there and any moisture condenses. Plastic may be more likely to show it quicker as surface temperature changes at a different rate than glass. My 63 has newer 64 up headlights, adapted during a prior owners collision repair. The chrome inner ring has a weep hole at the front near the glass. Might check to see if it's there and open. Especially since, most likely, there have been some repaints in the past. Won't stop all the fog from appearing, but will let it clear up faster. There is no way to "seal" out air getting in there, and the heat from the bulbs needs to vent somewhere.