Academic question nr. ... Glass or plastic lenses.

[Jumpin Jack Flash]

Hi all,

Wondering about my new LHD 7" headlight lenses.

According to the Caterham site, the headlights had a plastic reflector and a glass lense, up to 2003. Afterwards they changed to plastic reflector and polycarbonate lense.

The original Lucas lights had a metal reflector and a glass lense. These were in use up to the mid 80' s.

After reading some articles / discussions, I am wondering about advantages / disadvantages of polycarbonate lenses and plastic reflectors. It seems strange that the polycarbonate lenses cost more than the glass lenses.

Has somebody got a complete overview of all the types of 7" headlights used between 1974 and 2005. As far as I know the smaller headlights came in use with the metric chassis.

Ideas and comments are welcome.

Cheers