Best headlight for retrofit?

[USMC0351]

Simple question for you guys, I have a 98 that I am thinking of putting in a projector retrofit in. Obviously, my headlights are the crappy clouded ones. So, after seeing OEM Toyota ones for ~$200 each side, what aftermarket options would be best for this? I plan on blacking them out, so there's that detail also.

:thanks:

 

[Kryptoroxx]

I've done a lot of reading and it sounds like you might want to read some more too. Projector retrofits are pricy and you want to do it right the first time too.

Since you're blacking them out you can get rid of the cloudiness with a good cleaning and I would just use the oem. The other aftermarket housings are not as tough as the oem one from what I have read. It doesn't matter what the reflector looks like after its painted. Just my .02

 

[BrianSD_42]

how could he get rid of the cloudiness?

I assume he has OEM 97 Glass like I did.

OP, read my retrofit thread. It is linked on the first page of my build and in several other places.

Why reuse my factory headlights vs changing everything over to TYC brand?

The reason is that the OEM Housing have stronger plastics.

The light assembly can mainly be broken down into 3 parts:
1) glass
2) the bowl
3) the alignment adjustable plastic outer housing

TYC parts:
1) glass is fine; perfect match; perfectly clear

2) bowl - A) is mostly fine but you need to unscrew the metal screws and jbweld them so they don't come loose like mine did. b) the air vents - see the final updates in my thread. Seal one and make and extended filter breather for the other

3) the outer plastic piece. Be very careful, it is brittle and the plastic breaks easily. Luckily if that happens you can replace it with the Toyota one for about $38 each side.

Best idea is to keep your OEM housings and cut them up instead of buying TYC like I did.

Or if you have cloudy glass then just swap the glass over.

 

[USMC0351]

how could he get rid of the cloudiness?

I assume he has OEM 97 Glass like I did.

OP, read my retrofit thread. It is linked on the first page of my build and in several other places.

Yeah, it's the glass that has the vertical sipes, or whatever they're actually called. I guess I could've picked a better term then "cloudy", they're in great shape just not the clear style. I'll check your thread out, I read [MENTION=63060]rickashay[/MENTION]'s last night and haven't gotten to the rest yet :whipping2

And I understand it isn't a cheap mod, but $400 added for OEM housings isn't something I want to go through with unless justified.

 

[psraff]

RetrofitSource.com

I bought my projector kit for $300 + $50 shipping to Alaska. It was easy to do, and that's much cheaper then OEM replacement lights. And 10x better. I love mine, and as I stated many times, I don't need my Light Force anymore for extra light.

I bought mine years ago, so I'm sure they have even better stuff out by now. I think the guys name was Mike, and he has set up many kits for the 3rd gen and knew exactly what I needed \ wanted even though I didn't.

I couldn't be happier!

 

[D Farms]

i had to replace the glass on one of my headlights, i was able to get one side for $40 dollars on amazon, so $80 for two new ones

 

[BrianSD_42]

OP,

In your case you will want to just swap Z glass but keep everything else OEm.

This means yes you need to buy TYC headlights but you just swap the glass and sell / keep / throw out the rest of the TYC light.

 

[Kryptoroxx]

Yeah, it's the glass that has the vertical sipes, or whatever they're actually called. I guess I could've picked a better term then "cloudy", they're in great shape just not the clear style. I'll check your thread out, I read [MENTION=63060]rickashay[/MENTION]'s last night and haven't gotten to the rest yet :whipping2

And I understand it isn't a cheap mod, but $400 added for OEM housings isn't something I want to go through with unless justified.

Oh ok I thought he was talking about the oxidation. That's easy to remove with a little sandpaper, tlc, and bug repellent (or get a lens cleaner kit)

 

[Kryptoroxx]

OP,

In your case you will want to just swap Z glass but keep everything else OEm.

This means yes you need to buy TYC headlights but you just swap the glass and sell / keep / throw out the rest of the TYC light.

Yep this is what I was after lol.

 

[USMC0351]

OK, so TYC assemblies it is, just for the glass lenses. Thanks for the input everyone, 'tis appreciated