Headlight Reflector Corrosion?

I did manage to figure out how to align my headlights after getting high output bulbs from my brother for Christmas, but in the process of doing this, I realized that my passenger side low beam was MUCH dimmer than the left side. I checked for electrical problems but found none.

Then my brother noticed that the reflective surface on the inside of the headlight assembly was much less reflective on the right side than the assembly on the left side. I guess I'll get a new one off eBay.

Is failure of the reflector a common problem for these headlight assemblies? It makes me nostalgic for the days of headlight with integral reflectors. I had Marchals on my '64 Pontiac years ago, and they were great.....

David

Can the lens be removed from the assembly allowing you to clean the reflective coating? I was regluing a lens on one of my vehicles that had popped off during a car wash, and noticed a grimy film on the reflective surface. I took a clean cloth and some soapy water and cleaned it, making it look new again.

I tried cleaning the headlight assembly. Mine wouldn't come apart. I washed it out with distilled water so as not to leave residue inside. It's a little better, but still obviously discolored/darkened compared to the other side.

Time to buy a new one....

David