'08 Headlight questions

[Parks Junkie]

I have an '08 SR5, V6. Projector headlights. Drivers side isn't too bad, yellowing a bit, passenger side has that, cracking/crazing in the lens itself, along with leaking. I could sand and clearcoat them, but that wouldn't get rid of the yellowing and especially the cracking/crazing. So replacements would seem to be in order, not that they're terrible, but at best no better than so so.

I've read some good things about TYC and had good luck with them on other things. I also see not so positive things said about their headlights. They're also on the expensive side of cheap.

So, thoughts, opinions, suggestions?

 

[Berty_K]

I have an '08 SR5, V6. Projector headlights. Drivers side isn't too bad, yellowing a bit, passenger side has that, cracking/crazing in the lens itself, along with leaking. I could sand and clearcoat them, but that wouldn't get rid of the yellowing and especially the cracking/crazing. So replacements would seem to be in order, not that they're terrible, but at best no better than so so.

I've read some good things about TYC and had good luck with them on other things. I also see not so positive things said about their headlights. They're also on the expensive side of cheap.

So, thoughts, opinions, suggestions?

Sanding and spraying with clearcoat will get rid of the yellowing and crazing. Maybe not perfect, but will get them back 80-90% of the way there.

Important you use 2k clear vs some cheap consumer grade clear coat.

Mine have held up great after 5 years in CA sun.

 

[ArthurKotb]

Important you use 2k clear vs some cheap consumer grade clear coat.
Mine have held up great after 5 years in CA sun.

I used a $17 3M kit I got off of Amazon and it did a very nice job but now it's year 3 and the haze is coming back again.

What do you mean 2k clear coat? Is this a brand?

 

[Berty_K]

I used a $17 3M kit I got off of Amazon and it did a very nice job but now it's year 3 and the haze is coming back again.

What do you mean 2k clear coat? Is this a brand?

2k clear coat is a type of commercial grade, UV resistant clear coat. Literally has two parts you shake together in the can before applying. Don't skimp on PPE.

Those consumer kits are ok, but are often missing some durable UV protective layer to finish the headlights with.

Here's what i used: https://a.co/d/0j4UJX5C

 

[Inv4drZm]

I did sanding and 2k clear at one point and I don't think it lasted more than 2 or 3 years. Wasn't worth the extra effort of masking off, and still getting overspray on my hood (comes off with clay bar).
3M or Sylvania kit lasts a year or two but at least its cheap and easy.

 

[twa318]

If going aftermarket I recommend the Eagle Eye branded lights.

 

[Berty_K]

I did sanding and 2k clear at one point and I don't think it lasted more than 2 or 3 years. Wasn't worth the extra effort of masking off, and still getting overspray on my hood (comes off with clay bar).
3M or Sylvania kit lasts a year or two but at least its cheap and easy.

Huh. Weird your 2k clear only lasted a few years.

 

[Parks Junkie]

Huh. Weird your 2k clear only lasted a few years.

Yeah, good clear will last 5 to 10 years, I even have some. I also had some that came in a kit, cheap by auto paint standards, ~200, but not that cheap, that only would last a year or two. Yes, 2K. Maybe I'll give that a try then, take them out first which I guess isn't too bad as long a you have 2 wrists on one arm.

 

[ArthurKotb]

2k clear coat is a type of commercial grade, UV resistant clear coat. Literally has two parts you shake together in the can before applying. Don't skimp on PPE.

Those consumer kits are ok, but are often missing some durable UV protective layer to finish the headlights with.

Here's what i used: https://a.co/d/0j4UJX5C

Thanks, Berty. I read the reviews and cautions on Amazon and I think I'll stick with 3M. Two years is about all 3M lasts but it's fairly straight forward to use and pretty cheap. It does look nice for the 2 years. Anything requiring a respirator and gloves is a little above my ability, but thanks again for the reply.

 

[Parks Junkie]

Thanks, Berty. I read the reviews and cautions on Amazon and I think I'll stick with 3M. Two years is about all 3M lasts but it's fairly straight forward to use and pretty cheap. It does look nice for the 2 years. Anything requiring a respirator and gloves is a little above my ability, but thanks again for the reply.

If you're spraying a car, emphatically good PPE. Spraying a fender or door, good idea, you probably should. Spraying headlights? Not good for you, but you can hold your breath long enough. I'd say best practices, but not really needed.

 

[Cezar]

Thanks, Berty. I read the reviews and cautions on Amazon and I think I'll stick with 3M. Two years is about all 3M lasts but it's fairly straight forward to use and pretty cheap. It does look nice for the 2 years. Anything requiring a respirator and gloves is a little above my ability, but thanks again for the reply.

Yeah the 3m kits are great. A little tedious but if you follow the directions to the letter the result is excellent. 4runner headlights are good candidates for these kits because they are very smooth and un-contoured so you can get a very even sanding job easily.

 

[ArthurKotb]

If you're spraying a car, emphatically good PPE. Spraying a fender or door, good idea, you probably should. Spraying headlights? Not good for you, but you can hold your breath long enough. I'd say best practices, but not really needed.

With the 3M kit you wipe on the clear coat wearing a glove. I think that's the only PPE you need. It's self leveling so it really looks nice when it's done. I don't know if waiting 12 hours until it's really dry, then adding another clear coat will help it last longer or not. I'll probably wait another year before doing another 3M kit.

I've had some bad experiences with spray anything. I have kidney problems and I don't need liver problems to complicate things. Even just opening a can of mineral spirits or acetone affects me. Some people are more sensitive to that stuff than others.

 

[igwig]

I used a $17 3M kit I got off of Amazon and it did a very nice job but now it's year 3 and the haze is coming back again.

What do you mean 2k clear coat? Is this a brand?

looks great