I'm getting kind of tired of looking at these hazed over headlights. Looks like there's two options. Ebay replacements, or polishing the OE ones a few times per year.

I searched but amazingly didn't find many threads on this. Does anybody have the Ebay ones? Do they hold up to moisture over time? Do they stay haze free through the hot summer months?

Been there, done that. Ebay lights do NOT hold up over time. I thought I saw another member here that mentioned that they hazed over in less than a year. When I was getting my retro-fits done, I bought ebay headlights (at the time I used my truck alot) and at the first wash, one of the lenses fogged on me. It was quite annoying.

Polishing/restoration: My headlights are starting to "decompose" on my truck (plastic is starting to fog and spiderweb) and on my DD (Honda Civic with retros as well). Because I have retros, it's even tougher for me to just throw them out and get new ones. Going to polish them as much as the plastic will take. From my research (on HIDplanet as well), the Sylvania headlight restoration kit seems to last the most. 3M kit seems to be pretty good too. The key is protecting them. I've also heard of a film you can apply that last a few years. If this is the case, then basicallly any restoration kit will do (most of them will restore the oxidation on any surface so long as it's on the outside).

Ebay headlights: If you want longevity, nah, stay away from them. I'm sure they are better brands than others, but not sure which ones are. I want to say "depo". Beam pattern is also an issue. They are usually crap.

Best option (pricey): Get OEM headlights. You KNOW they will last few/several years before the plastic goes to hell.

Hope this helps.

How about new OEM headlights and then apply the protective coating on them...like the 3M film or equivalent?

Oh, I don't know...maybe something like:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...ould-know.html

...remember the good old days when things where made of metal and glass???...

I don't believe there is a point as they come with protective coating from the factory. The 3M film is best for when you just restored them. Don't forget when you sand all the nastiness away, there is NO UV protection at all. BUT, I don't see how it would hurt.

I KNOW!! But plastic is easy to mold into crazy shapes that car manufactures love to do. Glass not so much. Plus it's cheaper. I remember when I had my 3rd gen Surf, I actually got glass OEM replacements. Those were sweet.

Yeah, but cheaper for who???

Just did this on a buddy's nissan. His headlights looked like crap, did a restoration kit (I wanna say Meguiar's). He bought some protective film (~50 bucks) to put on there too. GUess we'll see how it holds up, but the most important thing is to deal them after the kit.

Thanks guys. Where are you buying the UV film?

Lamin-X makes reputable stuff

Toyota 4Runner (2003, 2004, 2005) Headlight Covers

Not a film, but Lightwerkz (they do retro-fits and headlight restoration) likes this product. Just throwing it out there. Kinda pricey though........

Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0 Permanent Paint Coating

Retails for $79, but I found it for $64 at detailing.com.

The only thing I don't like about films is that apparently they are PITA to remove when the time comes.

marginally more than the films and looks like it's easier to apply. I know a 5th gen guy opticoated his whole truck

Whole truck?? Wow? Not sure how I feel about applying something that reads "PERMANENT COATING".

Headlights fine, but paint? Pass.

Maybe someone who doesn't want to wax his truck. Ever. I enjoy detailing my truck so this product isn't for me.

I'll bring mine to you when I need a detail

ive found the aftermarket lights just arent on par with the oem, the UV coating peels off after a couple of years & they are even much lighter in weight if you get a chance to hold both. restoring the oem might be better- Headlight Restoration theres also this- http://www.sgcardetail.com/HEADLIGHT...6-Prodview.htm

Polish out the OEM headlights and seal. You may not need to do all the sanding depending on how deteriorated your headlights are. I used a DA polisher on mine with M205 (ultra cut compound), M105 (fine cut) and buffed to a shine.

Here's a good discussion on some different options. I finished mine w/ a polymer coating. Opti-coat is pretty good stuff too.

Linky